We know so little!

My one loyal reader may be wondering where I have been for the last three weeks or so. Well the news is that I and my wife are now on our first ever overseas trip together – after 34 years of marriage! Long overdue you might say, and I would most certainly agree.

Unfortunately Man’s inhumanity to Man is still evident no matter one’s destination! There is no escape. Much of this inhumanity is based on opinionated ignorance. In this regard I read the following piece somewhere (regretfully I cannot remember where): “Help us never to become imprisoned by the things we think we know – because we know so little!”

I think this advice is well worth following. Doing so may go some way to making us more understanding, more humble, generous and compassionate. Remembering how little we know may help bring us up short before we (possibly) forget ethical considerations and involve ourselves in, shall I say, less than charitable activities.

The outrageous levels of intransigence, corruption and abuse apparent in all countries and all institutions (Government, religious and commercial), unfortunately, does not auger well for future stability. The “Rule of the Gun” is everywhere. The appalling level of gun violence in the USA (roughly four times greater than that of any other civilized country) beggars belief.

I have been following the distressing topic of child abuse for some time now, ever since the news broke about levels of abuse in the Protestant churches in all countries where they practice, and in the Catholic Church particularly in America, Ireland and Australia. The appalling and systematic abuse of children carried out by, mainly, males of every religious persuasion; by males of every ethnic type and in every country is breathtaking in its malevolence, scope, variety and level of depravity. 

Why, Oh why, do we humans think that we can do what we like and get away with it? It is almost as if we have adopted the belief that it is OK to do what we like and the only “crime” is to get caught – to have our misdeeds exposed!

If we recalled ethical principles; if we recalled the basic doctrine that, of necessity, what harms you must also harm me (what goes around, comes around!); if we recalled the fundamental fact that we are all human beings and that we all have the same needs – love, nurture, shelter, food and happiness – I am sure there would be much less strife and tribulation and a great deal more happiness in the world.

So I repeat the quote, “Help us never to become imprisoned by the things we think we know – because we know so little!”

Unlikely I admit – but I live in hope!!