One thing that I struggled with when I was younger was when I realized that there is no clear distinction between good actions and evil actions. Realizing that so many things had the potential to help and to harm blew my teenage mind. My takeaway from that cathartic moment when I understood that no clear divider could not be drawn was that most things in life are like tools. In this sense, the outcome reflects the actions (not even intention) of the wielder. Heck, even the same actions can have different effects based on the conditions of the moment.
I was only reminded of this zen realization I had, when my friend and I were discussing religion. She had sent me a TED talk where the speaker talked about religion as something that enabled people to empathize and feel compassion for each other. I (being the constant cynic I am) criticized the speaker for presenting what I saw as a one-sided praise of religion. For as much as I understand that there are people who use their faith as a way for them to empathize with others, I believe there are those who their faith serves as a tool for discrimination. I guess my problem is that both group would say that the other is a 'perversion of the religion', and I think at some level they are both equally right.
This matter of perspective keeps raising its head in weird ways throughout this year. About a month ago I was talking to one of my friends and the topic of what we thought our greatest strengths and weaknesses were as people. I said that my greatest strength was my ability to fall asleep as soon as I become bored and my greatest weakness is that I am easily moved by anything that is emotionally charged. His response is that he would have said the same things about me, but that he saw my listed strength as a weakness and my listed weakness as a strength.
Its funny how easily it is for people, even those with similar philosophies and ideologies, to have different views.
Funny Story of the Day:
My friend and I had made plans to hang out. The day before he calls me up.
Friend: Hey, man. I'm sorry to do this, but we can only hang out for a little while tomorrow.
Me: What's up?
Friend: My wife pointed out to me that its our 1 month anniversary, and she made it clear that we were celebrating tomorrow.
Me: Is that a thing? One month?
Friend: I didn't think it was, but she made it clear that to her it was.
Me: Alright, just make sure you look online to find an appropriate gift.
Friend: I checked already and didn't find much, because even the internet does not think that one month anniversary is a thing.
Lyric of the Day: Lana Del Ray - Young and Beautiful
Will you still love me
When I'm no longer young and beautiful?
Will you still love me
When I got nothing but my aching soul?
I know you will, I know you will
I know that you will
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?
