Does not enlightenment mean, rising above one's own instincts? Rising above one's own base emotions and behavior? Is this not what we find in advanced societies? What example does that set, for children and young adults struggling with greed? What does society say about obvious contradictions, when children are taught that greed is wrong, only to find that greed is taught as a necessary survival tool, in a world where there are extreme haves, and have nots?
It would seem then that if greed cannot be legislated against, or policed, or even belittled, who is to champion the subjects and victims of greed? That would be compassion. Compassion too is taught, in story as well as by example. Although, at times, it seems, compassion is socially unacceptable. Especially when greed is what makes a Titan in business.
Whereas, compassion is seen as weak, and not socially rewarded. We only have to look at the disparate living wages and social status, of the many women and men who serve in the field of human services. Herein you will find a broad range of educated and uneducated persons, working side by side, and directly with these populations, of persons with mental retardation, mental illness, court appointed youth, hospice, and countless other occupations founded in compassion.
Conversely, compassion is often a platform for the more dubious or morally suspect. Many a politician. and business person has too often. made an empire on the sufferings and misfortunes of others. This is not compassion, it is the opposite of compassion. Compassion appears too often as a rallying point among politicians. and others who would make a name for themselves. but it is only for appearances. In America, for example, The War on Poverty ..., and almost fifty years later, ..., well, there is still a "below poverty line," whether applying for social services or filing taxes.
What can compassion do against greed? Recognize it will always be a struggle. A struggle within oneself, and a struggle against one's own self. Societies, as well, may always struggle with greed. Morally advancing societies will perhaps, someday, find a way to quell greed, as governments no longer exist for their own sake. Then compassion may find a way to quell, the world's thirst, hunger, enlighten the ignorant, and clothe the naked. Literally and metaphorically.
Until then, the compassionate ones, who acknowledge, and recognize concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others, ought to take every opportunity to teach by example. Be not dismayed, empathize, then take action. Care when you can. Big or small, for what good comes from compassion, without action?
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It would seem then that if greed cannot be legislated against, or policed, or even belittled, who is to champion the subjects and victims of greed? That would be compassion. Compassion too is taught, in story as well as by example. Although, at times, it seems, compassion is socially unacceptable. Especially when greed is what makes a Titan in business.
Whereas, compassion is seen as weak, and not socially rewarded. We only have to look at the disparate living wages and social status, of the many women and men who serve in the field of human services. Herein you will find a broad range of educated and uneducated persons, working side by side, and directly with these populations, of persons with mental retardation, mental illness, court appointed youth, hospice, and countless other occupations founded in compassion.
Conversely, compassion is often a platform for the more dubious or morally suspect. Many a politician. and business person has too often. made an empire on the sufferings and misfortunes of others. This is not compassion, it is the opposite of compassion. Compassion appears too often as a rallying point among politicians. and others who would make a name for themselves. but it is only for appearances. In America, for example, The War on Poverty ..., and almost fifty years later, ..., well, there is still a "below poverty line," whether applying for social services or filing taxes.
Until then, the compassionate ones, who acknowledge, and recognize concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others, ought to take every opportunity to teach by example. Be not dismayed, empathize, then take action. Care when you can. Big or small, for what good comes from compassion, without action?
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