Too much anger in the world.

[HarmanKardon]

Thank you, Sir, giving me a high quality dressing down.

When I was sixteen, and in real pubertal trouble on several levels, my physical education teacher took me aside and talked to me: "What do you want, Christoph? Do you really want to be less intelligent, less sensitive? Do you think that would enrich your life? The only thing you have in mind is, that it would make your life in a way easier."

He was right. When I listen to a Violin Solo Sonata by J.S. Bach, all my senses as open as a big parachute, I experience every second so intense that I am grateful that I am how I am.

[catswiththum]

Well, I apologize if I was sermonizing - I could have worded it differently - I was hoping some sense of empathy would manifest itself in there somewhere.

Like I said, I'm working on it.

[HarmanKardon]

Don't misunderstand me, I really appreciate your "sermon" because it reminds me to look on both sides of the story again!

[catswiththum]

Originally Posted by Tom Joad

You, Mr. Joad, do not fool me one bit.

Anyone with your sense of humor can not be as morose as you would like us to believe.

[MrPots]

Originally Posted by catswiththum

To the above - I know you were speaking to Tom, but it struck me as a sad commentary that being intelligent and intuitive enough to recognize the fatal flaws of humanity precludes one from enjoying life to the extent of those unable to do the same.

For myself, I have found that a depressing trap to fall into - it is certainly not easy for me to focus on the goodness and bright potential of our species, as the constant newsfeed highlights the disasters we bring upon ourselves and I have the very human tendency to be self critical and dwell on my past mistakes and transgressions.

But I have come to the conclusion that the same intellectual process that allows us to perceive and understand the worst of our nature is equally capable of understanding the best. For me, intellectual and philosophical inquiry must lead somewhere and result in a choice - once we have experienced the behaviors ourselves and others are prone to exhibit and read what the philosophers and other great minds have to say on the subject, we must decide where our focus will be.

It is not easy for me, for one can not ignore the horror of life, but I am working every day to concentrate on "the better angels of our nature."

End of lecture, donations accepted in the foyer.

IMO, very well said.......