Friday Philosophy…Cruelty

Are we there yet? 😉

Cruelty. It seems to be coloring everything these days: turn on the television, more cruelty disguised as leadership; listen to the radio, lyrics espousing hatred (and some that don’t); it seems like a drum beat driving a rhythm we have all unconsciously begun to dance, shading the daily conversations we have with each other. There’s the old wisdom that you cannot fight hatred with hatred, but with love only. Cruelty cannot be fought, in my opinion, at all. Fighting just perpetuates it, and adds gasoline to an already enormous bonfire.

I’m tired of the careless cruelty that is treated as either “the way things are” or is just simply ignored and denied.

So, other than listening to me complain, some big quotes from bigger brains on cruelty:

“Cruelty towards others is always also cruelty towards ourselves.” ~ Paul Tillich (You know, since we are all in this crazy thing called life together.)

“Cruelty is all out of ignorance. If you knew what was in store for you, you wouldn’t hurt anybody, because whatever you do comes back much more forceful than you send out.” ~ Willie Nelson

“There will always be someone willing to hurt you, put you down, gossip about you, belittle your accomplishments and judge your soul. It is a fact that we all must face. However, if you realize that God is a best friend that stands beside you when others cast stones you will never be afraid, never feel worthless and never feel alone.” ~ Shannon L. Alder

“Loneliness is never more cruel than when it is felt in close propinquity with someone who has ceased to communicate.” ~ Germaine Greer

“Only the weak are cruel. Gentleness can only be expected from the strong.” ~ Leo Buscaglia

Blessings to you all. Never give up.