Realpolitik

The other day my brother said,

“War’s not the answer, but neither is love.”

I think that is profoundly accurate.

For all intents and purposes, war is an option.

For all hopes and ideals, love is an option.

To live in the current reality of life, the combination of these, aggression and love, is paramount. However, the combination ends up looking like his statement: neither is an answer.

So what do we do to pursue the shadow of hope in realizing a better world?

I’ve convinced myself that education is one sort of answer, one that responds to the insufficiencies of love and hate. This sort of learning isn’t just the compilation of information or Truth, but rather the constant pursuit of a growing understanding of the world.

Learning information provides opportunity to learn Truth.

Learning Truth cultivates wisdom.

And wisdom avoids wars.

Learning of the humanity of others draws them closer.

Learning about the errancy of your tradition makes you hospitable.

Learning who you are, your own weaknesses and insecurities, makes you humble.

Learning how to serve helps you to lead.

Learning to lead allows you to serve.

After learning to avoid war, to draw others close, to be hospitable, to be humble, to lead and to serve, it is entirely practical to love others.

Strive to show others the importance of learning and perhaps they will learn to love you.