NationStates Jolt Archive

Every once in a while I get a bit confused and lost. I think..."these things are so obvious, but people are telling me I'm not seeing what I think I'm seeing". Homelessness, poverty, desperation. It exists, they admit, but in small numbers, and the fault lies with those who allow themselves to wallow in their own misery.

Yet, when I meet these people, when I talk to them...when I have grown up among them... I don’t see wallowing. I see determination. I see joy, despite the hardship. I see people who work hard. Sometimes, I see people who are defeated, and who have given up hope… but never the sloth or the selfishness that they are so often painted with.

I hear, “people are inherently evil”, but this is not my experience. I see compassion, I see mistakes, I see people trying to overcome their circumstances in order to connect with one another.

The vast majority of people on this earth are sane, are hard working, are loving. As with all things, the minority that are cruel, hateful, and full of sloth, end up being given much more than their due. We are brought up to disbelieve what we have experienced, and to accept instead an ideology that 'better explains the reality of the world'.

If I had to truly live in world that existed as it has been painted, I would go insane. I would mistrust my neighbour, I would suspect everyone, I would feel safe nowhere. But this isn't life. This isn't real. Even in the most poverty-stricken areas of the world I have found kindness. Not a false kindness, rooted in the desire for material gain, but the normal, everyday kindness of family and friends.

The minority doesn't define us...and another way is always possible. We shouldn't stop looking for it just because we believe that everything has already been done that can be done.

I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are really good at heart.-Anne Frank

Whatever someone looks at, they tend to seem themselves. You're an idealist, cheery, compassionate, etc, and so when you look at the world you see that. Others are cynical, bitter, selfish, etc, and so they see a world that conforms to that view.
The fact that the majority tells you that the world is selfish and hard, however, indicates that the majority are selfish and hard.

Whatever someone looks at, they tend to seem themselves. You're an idealist, cheery, compassionate, etc, and so when you look at the world you see that. Others are cynical, bitter, selfish, etc, and so they see a world that conforms to that view.
The fact that the majority tells you that the world is selfish and hard, however, indicates that the majority are selfish and hard.
It isn't really the majority telling me that. Simply those with the louder voices.

Whatever someone looks at, they tend to seem themselves. You're an idealist, cheery, compassionate, etc, and so when you look at the world you see that. Others are cynical, bitter, selfish, etc, and so they see a world that conforms to that view.


It's scary when you make profound sense.

Every once in a while I get a bit confused and lost. I think..."these things are so obvious, but people are telling me I'm not seeing what I think I'm seeing". Homelessness, poverty, desperation. It exists, they admit, but in small numbers, and the fault lies with those who allow themselves to wallow in their own misery.

Yet, when I meet these people, when I talk to them...when I have grown up among them... I don’t see wallowing. I see determination. I see joy, despite the hardship. I see people who work hard. Sometimes, I see people who are defeated, and who have given up hope… but never the sloth or the selfishness that they are so often painted with.

I hear, “people are inherently evil”, but this is not my experience. I see compassion, I see mistakes, I see people trying to overcome their circumstances in order to connect with one another.

The vast majority of people on this earth are sane, are hard working, are loving. As with all things, the minority that are cruel, hateful, and full of sloth, end up being given much more than their due. We are brought up to disbelieve what we have experienced, and to accept instead an ideology that 'better explains the reality of the world'.

If I had to truly live in world that existed as it has been painted, I would go insane. I would mistrust my neighbour, I would suspect everyone, I would feel safe nowhere. But this isn't life. This isn't real. Even in the most poverty-stricken areas of the world I have found kindness. Not a false kindness, rooted in the desire for material gain, but the normal, everyday kindness of family and friends.

The minority doesn't define us...and another way is always possible. We shouldn't stop looking for it just because we believe that everything has already been done that can be done.
That's because those sorts of people have nothing else. They have no choice but to be happy with what they work hard to earn. The others work for nothing and so can't feel fulfilled with the excess they have. To them, everything is good, so they force themselves to see evil everywhere they can to balance the universe. The same with the impoverished: they see good everywhere else because they can't see the good with their circumstance. The whole thing is about balance. I find that humans are inherently evil and good, and that circumstance tends to isolate characteristics natural to all humans. Of course, nothing is finite, but generally the universe works in such a manner.

Whatever someone looks at, they tend to seem themselves. You're an idealist, cheery, compassionate, etc, and so when you look at the world you see that. Others are cynical, bitter, selfish, etc, and so they see a world that conforms to that view.
The fact that the majority tells you that the world is selfish and hard, however, indicates that the majority are selfish and hard.
Or perhaps they simply attribute to the world what they see in themselves?:(

Whatever someone looks at, they tend to seem themselves. You're an idealist, cheery, compassionate, etc, and so when you look at the world you see that. Others are cynical, bitter, selfish, etc, and so they see a world that conforms to that view.
The fact that the majority tells you that the world is selfish and hard, however, indicates that the majority are selfish and hard.
Wow! You surprise me sometimes, Fiddles. I've never thought of the world this way, but it makes a whole lot of sense! Thank you. A bit of perpective a day, and we'll all be far-seeing and wise.

Or perhaps they simply attribute to the world what they see in themselves?I think that's what he's saying

Or perhaps they simply attribute to the world what they see in themselves?:(


Isnt that what he said? A bit reciprocated but still thats what I felt he said. Or meant. Or both.

Because it's much, MUCH easier to justify not helping, or not acknowledging the humanity of another if you can convince yourself that they brought it on themselves through other actions.

Oh, he's not a homeless vet who's suffering from shellshock, he's a bum who drank himself there.

Oh, she's just a crackwhore who doesn't want to work because that would get her off of welfare.

Oh, he's black so he's dangerous. You see a black man in a BMW, you know he stole it.

Oh, they're Arabs, you know they want to kill us all if we don't pray to Mohhamed.

Oh, she Mexican. They're smelly and lazy. She probably doesn't even speak English.

Oh, she's Vietamese, you know those Asian girls are so easy and will do anything in bed.

Oh, he's American. Those Americans, always so arogant.

And so on and so forth. See how easy it is?

It's much harder to live with yourself if you acknowledge that the 'bum' really IS a vet who was forced out. That the 'crackwhore' works two jobs and still can't make endsmeet. That the black guy owns that car. That the Muslum isn't planning on blowing us up. That the Mexican isn't lazy and smelly, and speaks good English. That Asian girls aren't easy. And not all Americans are arrogant.

The amazing thing is, when people meet someone of the group they normally bash, it's funny how they build exceptions in their minds.

Americans are lazy and don't like to work... except you. You're almost Japanese. :rolleyes:

Oh, he's black so he's dangerous. You see a black man in a BMW, you know he stole it.
No, I'm sure he bought it through the proper legal channels. With drug money.

Isnt that what he said? A bit reciprocated but still thats what I felt he said. Or meant. Or both.
Maybe. I felt he meant that they saw it so because of their perspective, not that they expected the world to be what they were, which is what I meant. If he did mean what I think he conveyed, then my conclusion is but a step further. Just a small step he no doubt will claim to have taken.:p

No, I'm sure he bought it through the proper legal channels. With drug money.
No, that was the Mexican.

No, that was the Mexican.
Damn, you're right. I really do need to keep up to date on my stereotypes: The black guy gets the BMW from pimpin'; the Mexican gets it from dealing drugs.

Damn, you're right. I really do need to keep up to date on my stereotypes: The black guy gets the BMW from pimpin'; the Mexican gets it from dealing drugs.
Dn't feel bad. I'm at LEAST a year and a half out of date on mine. I'm learning all sorts of fun Japanese ones though.

Dn't feel bad. I'm at LEAST a year and a half out of date on mine. I'm learning all sorts of fun Japanese ones though.
Yeah, I've just got the classics. I pretty much keep myself out of the loop. I hate people.:rolleyes:

Because it's much, MUCH easier to justify not helping, or not acknowledging the humanity of another if you can convince yourself that they brought it on themselves through other actions.I do see it as an easy way out. Convince yourself of the evil of man, and you have no obligation to do anything to help anyone but yourself. So people have said that I'm idealistic...with the inference that this means blind to the faults of others. I see the faults, but I don't see these faults as insurmountable flaws. If you ask most people what they've had the most experience with...good people or bad people, they're going to tell you good. We're all just trying to live.

We are brought up to disbelieve what we have experienced, and to accept instead an ideology that 'better explains the reality of the world'.

What ideology is this?

[edit] oh, and "bleach" is how black turns to white :p

Every once in a while I get a bit confused and lost. I think..."these things are so obvious, but people are telling me I'm not seeing what I think I'm seeing". Homelessness, poverty, desperation. It exists, they admit, but in small numbers, and the fault lies with those who allow themselves to wallow in their own misery.

Yet, when I meet these people, when I talk to them...when I have grown up among them... I don’t see wallowing. I see determination. I see joy, despite the hardship. I see people who work hard. Sometimes, I see people who are defeated, and who have given up hope… but never the sloth or the selfishness that they are so often painted with.

I hear, “people are inherently evil”, but this is not my experience. I see compassion, I see mistakes, I see people trying to overcome their circumstances in order to connect with one another.

The vast majority of people on this earth are sane, are hard working, are loving. As with all things, the minority that are cruel, hateful, and full of sloth, end up being given much more than their due. We are brought up to disbelieve what we have experienced, and to accept instead an ideology that 'better explains the reality of the world'.

If I had to truly live in world that existed as it has been painted, I would go insane. I would mistrust my neighbour, I would suspect everyone, I would feel safe nowhere. But this isn't life. This isn't real. Even in the most poverty-stricken areas of the world I have found kindness. Not a false kindness, rooted in the desire for material gain, but the normal, everyday kindness of family and friends.

The minority doesn't define us...and another way is always possible. We shouldn't stop looking for it just because we believe that everything has already been done that can be done.Cherish your viewpoints and I pray you never loose them.

What ideology is this? That people are bad. So f*ck 'em.

[edit] oh, and "bleach" is how black turns to white :p
Na...it turns a light brown. You pretty much disolve the fabric if you try to get black cloth to turn white:)

Cherish your viewpoints and I pray you never loose them.
On the contrary...I shall tighten them:)

But think about it...look at the people that have inspired others the most. They aren't the Stalins, the Hitlers, the Judases of the world...they are the Ghandis, the Martin Luther King Jrs and so on. Why? Because we are so bad, and we need someone to show us how to be good? No...instead, they help show us that we don't need to live life convinced of the evil of others, and that we can come together and make changes. When we give into the belief that greed and self-interest are simply natural traits of humans, we cut ourselves off from the possibility of true betterment. What's the friggin' point? Leading us into despair...what does this philosophy get you in the end?

That people are bad. So f*ck 'em.
Ah, I'm not into generalisations or ideologies, so that thinking doesn't really appeal to me. The number of people who are bad is statistically significant, however, so I am cautious nonetheless.

Na...it turns a light brown. You pretty much disolve the fabric if you try to get black cloth to turn white:)

I never mentioned staying intact... *nor did I mention that I no nothing about bleaching*

On the contrary...I shall tighten them:)

But think about it...look at the people that have inspired others the most. They aren't the Stalins, the Hitlers, the Judases of the world...they are the Ghandis, the Martin Luther King Jrs and so on. Why? Because we are so bad, and we need someone to show us how to be good? No...instead, they help show us that we don't need to live life convinced of the evil of others, and that we can come together and make changes. When we give into the belief that greed and self-interest are simply natural traits of humans, we cut ourselves off from the possibility of true betterment. What's the friggin' point? Leading us into despair...what does this philosophy get you in the end?
the world needs more Sinuhue's. Its not that people are inherently disenfranchised with other people...we all love our family and friends. We just need proof that that exists beyond the people we know

If I had to truly live in world that existed as it has been painted, I would go insane. I would mistrust my neighbour, I would suspect everyone, I would feel safe nowhere. But this isn't life. This isn't real. Even in the most poverty-stricken areas of the world I have found kindness. Not a false kindness, rooted in the desire for material gain, but the normal, everyday kindness of family and friends.

The minority doesn't define us...and another way is always possible. We shouldn't stop looking for it just because we believe that everything has already been done that can be done.
Right on.

I think most people are petty and are only kind or cruel when it suits them.
The rest are bastards or ok.

I think most people are petty and are only kind or cruel when it suits them.
The rest are bastards or ok.

I think most people are good people as long as their needs are being met. I think most people whose needs are not being met are neurotic, psychotic, or some other assorted -otic.

One more reason to do our part to help others, IMO.

Because it's much, MUCH easier to justify not helping, or not acknowledging the humanity of another if you can convince yourself that they brought it on themselves through other actions.

Oh, he's not a homeless vet who's suffering from shellshock, he's a bum who drank himself there.

Oh, she's just a crackwhore who doesn't want to work because that would get her off of welfare.

Oh, he's black so he's dangerous. You see a black man in a BMW, you know he stole it.

Oh, they're Arabs, you know they want to kill us all if we don't pray to Mohhamed.

Oh, she Mexican. They're smelly and lazy. She probably doesn't even speak English.

Oh, she's Vietamese, you know those Asian girls are so easy and will do anything in bed.

Oh, he's American. Those Americans, always so arogant.

And so on and so forth. See how easy it is?

It's much harder to live with yourself if you acknowledge that the 'bum' really IS a vet who was forced out. That the 'crackwhore' works two jobs and still can't make endsmeet. That the black guy owns that car. That the Muslum isn't planning on blowing us up. That the Mexican isn't lazy and smelly, and speaks good English. That Asian girls aren't easy. And not all Americans are arrogant.

The amazing thing is, when people meet someone of the group they normally bash, it's funny how they build exceptions in their minds.

Americans are lazy and don't like to work... except you. You're almost Japanese. :rolleyes:

True, but you haven't elaborated why. I myself think it's the fact that the post-WWII generation and corporate capitalists made indifference and mean self-interest a public virtue (after all, it's easier to argue for wage laws that screw your neighbor if you don't care about your neighbor), and this is simply one tool that makes it easier to do so.

What ideology is this?
Capitalizm.

On the contrary...I shall tighten them:)

But think about it...look at the people that have inspired others the most. They aren't the Stalins, the Hitlers, the Judases of the world...they are the Ghandis, the Martin Luther King Jrs and so on. Why? Because we are so bad, and we need someone to show us how to be good? No...instead, they help show us that we don't need to live life convinced of the evil of others, and that we can come together and make changes. When we give into the belief that greed and self-interest are simply natural traits of humans, we cut ourselves off from the possibility of true betterment. What's the friggin' point? Leading us into despair...what does this philosophy get you in the end?
No, no, do loose them that man might witness and tremble in shame of himself.

And I disagree about those who inspire. I think it is the truly evil ones who inspire the most. They inspire man to avoid reckless embracement of harmful black-and-white notions. They drive man away from the brink of complete evil by dragging him to the edge and terrifying him into never wanting to near the abyss. If anything, they inspire the MLK's and the Ghandis to seek another path than that of brute force. To be honest, that philosophy breeds bitterness and regret not only for mankind's failures but also for one's individual failures that one might be little better than the slime of humanity: popular culture.

I do believe people are inherently good, but growing up in unfortunate enviroments can mold them in terrible ways. Just today, I overheard a classmate mouthing off to the teacher. When someone else asked her about it, she said it was because she was "tired of being nice and being treated like crap." So, clearly, she did a bad thing because she's an unhappy person, not because she's a bad person.
I'm not sure when I first picked up an idealistic viewpoint. I just can't, for the life of me, believe in evil people. I believe in poverty, corruptness, and mental illnesses/personality disorders. But I don't believe in evil people.

Capitalizm.
Do not say God's name in vain :eek:

I do believe people are inherently good, but growing up in unfortunate enviroments can mold them in terrible ways. Just today, I overheard a classmate mouthing off to the teacher. When someone else asked her about it, she said it was because she was "tired of being nice and being treated like crap." So, clearly, she did a bad thing because she's an unhappy person, not because she's a bad person.
I'm not sure when I first picked up an idealistic viewpoint. I just can't, for the life of me, believe in evil people. I believe in poverty, corruptness, and mental illnesses/personality disorders. But I don't believe in evil people.
At least your ignorance is bliss. :D

Do not say God's name in vain :eek:
The universe truly is infinite.:rolleyes:

I'm not sure when I first picked up an idealistic viewpoint. I just can't, for the life of me, believe in evil people. I believe in poverty, corruptness, and mental illnesses/personality disorders. But I don't believe in evil people.

I believe people are selfish pricks who would screw you over if you give them the opportunity. People in the end look out for #1 and that is all there is to it. Self-sacrifice is a Hollywood invention to make their films more dramatic. For every charitable person you get a Hitler, a Stalin, a Pol Pot. For every person who would help you if you fell in the street there are five more who would walk on by ignoring you. That is what is to be human. We all have to face that and I see it as a few exceptions that prove to be actual decent people. We all seem fine in an ordered society where are lives are running smoothly but put on the pressure... well we can see ample examples of how humans respond under those circumstances.

The universe truly is infinite.:rolleyes:
Too moody to detect sarcasm?

Too moody to detect sarcasm?
I was trying to compound it, but I'm too moody to effectively wield sarcasm. :(

I was trying to compound it, but I'm too moody to effectively wield sarcasm. :(
Well it was only in part sarcasm because I do like Capitalism, but erm I am nowhere near as nutty as to call it a religion. Funny how moodiness can offset your sarcasm detector :confused:

Well it was only in part sarcasm because I do like Capitalism, but erm I am nowhere near as nutty as to call it a religion. Funny how moodiness can offset your sarcasm detector :confused:
It wasn't the detector; it was the transmitter. Unless your detector is a little off, explaining why you failed to detect my feeble attempt to compound your sarcasm....

It wasn't the detector; it was the transmitter. Unless your detector is a little off, explaining why you failed to detect my feeble attempt to compound your sarcasm....
The eye-rolling smily? Usually it's avoided when going for outright sarcasm to make it seem all the more riduculous.

The eye-rolling smily? Usually it's avoided when going for outright sarcasm to make it seem all the more riduculous.
I wasn't going for ridiculous sarcasm, just mockery of the notion that some would consider yours truth.

I wasn't going for ridiculous sarcasm, just mockery of the notion that some would consider yours truth.
Failure to transmit, failure to detect :p Although yes, there are those who would take that statement quite seriously. :eek:

I believe people are selfish pricks who would screw you over if you give them the opportunity. People in the end look out for #1 and that is all there is to it. Self-sacrifice is a Hollywood invention to make their films more dramatic. For every charitable person you get a Hitler, a Stalin, a Pol Pot. For every person who would help you if you fell in the street there are five more who would walk on by ignoring you. That is what is to be human. We all have to face that and I see it as a few exceptions that prove to be actual decent people. We all seem fine in an ordered society where are lives are running smoothly but put on the pressure... well we can see ample examples of how humans respond under those circumstances.

Insominar, Insominac De cynicus.

http://www.fborfw.com/strip_fix/strips/2006/february/f5j/060228huy.gif

Failure to transmit, failure to detect :p Although yes, there are those who would take that statement quite seriously. :eek:
I'm glad we finally agree on the point of my blatant, if feeble, sarcasm. :D

I'm glad we finally agree on the point of my blatant, if feeble, sarcasm. :D
Even though I hate using it...

:fluffle:

Even though I hate using it...

:fluffle:
Do not cross me, or I shall say "Ni!" to you, for I am moody! :mad: ......:D

[edit] It is also important to note that my sarcasm is but temporarily impaired by moodiness and despair.

Do not cross me, or I shall say "Ni!" to you, for I am moody! :mad: ......:D

[edit] It is also important to note that my sarcasm is but temporarily impaired by moodiness and despair.
You are merciful and weak; steel your heart lest the disease spread. :p

In my limited experience of 26 years, I find that people are neither 'evil' nor 'good'. If you expect 'good' out of everyone you will find that some will take advantage of you, and some won't. Expecting 'evil' out of everyone will rob you of some positive experiences because that strong sense of distrust will be detected and held against you.
Life has a way of testing everyone, and if you don't put enough effort into how you respond to challenges you will be further behind than those who try harder than you. Some homeless are out on the streets because of laziness, some are there because of poor choices, and some are there truly through no fault of their own. None of them, however, will rise above their current situation without continuous effort. Choose charities that reward hard work and charities that help people overcome the unavoidable (such as natural disasters), and that money will do more good than if it is donated indiscriminately.

You are merciful and weak; steel your heart lest the disease spread. :p
Merciful!? You have not seen the whole of my wrath! I now have leave to employ the Smiley of Doom! :upyours: Ni! :upyours:

I believe people are selfish pricks who would screw you over if you give them the opportunity. People in the end look out for #1 and that is all there is to it. Self-sacrifice is a Hollywood invention to make their films more dramatic. For every charitable person you get a Hitler, a Stalin, a Pol Pot. For every person who would help you if you fell in the street there are five more who would walk on by ignoring you. That is what is to be human. We all have to face that and I see it as a few exceptions that prove to be actual decent people. We all seem fine in an ordered society where are lives are running smoothly but put on the pressure... well we can see ample examples of how humans respond under those circumstances.

From a purely scientific point of view, this was true in earlier times, however the human psyche and consciousness has advanced far enough that we look further into the future and see that helping people will benefit us in the long term more than ignoring, even if the benefit is only emotional.

Of course, this entire idea is taken outta my ass, it could be complete bollocks. But logically it makes sense.

Sinuhue: I do not believe humans are inherently anything. I do believe they have a capacity to do anything. I think this is why, as Fiddlebottoms said, we see in others what we see in ourselves. We find that bit of human capacity that we are looking for, whether that be selfish or compassionate or whatever.

I think current Western society encourages us towards more individualistic and selfish traits. And perhaps those who have been booted out of the mainstream become more socially minded and find the balance between the community and the individual.

The UK has just had the Year of the volunteer in 2005. In which over 1 billion minutes were volunteered and that half of the adult population had done volunteer work. I think this is a clear that UK is engaged in its capacity for compassion. Though from personal experience I tend to find that those who volunteer tend to be more disengaged from the globalised and materialist society in which we supposedly live. These people seem to more cynical of the culture of materialism.

All in all I think we live in a changing society which is beginning to refute the completely individualistic society to which we are compelled to by corporations.

(tid bit of infomation that I couldn't fit in) - The UK, as a percentage of its GDP, spends more than any other country on Fair Trade products.

Whatever someone looks at, they tend to seem themselves. You're an idealist, cheery, compassionate, etc, and so when you look at the world you see that. Others are cynical, bitter, selfish, etc, and so they see a world that conforms to that view.
The fact that the majority tells you that the world is selfish and hard, however, indicates that the majority are selfish and hard.
I've thought that for ages. People see faults in others that exist within them. The only exception are grammar Nazis.

No, no, do loose them that man might witness and tremble in shame of himself.

And I disagree about those who inspire. I think it is the truly evil ones who inspire the most. They inspire man to avoid reckless embracement of harmful black-and-white notions. They drive man away from the brink of complete evil by dragging him to the edge and terrifying him into never wanting to near the abyss. If anything, they inspire the MLK's and the Ghandis to seek another path than that of brute force. To be honest, that philosophy breeds bitterness and regret not only for mankind's failures but also for one's individual failures that one might be little better than the slime of humanity: popular culture.I think that is also a good point. We can look at the evil deeds of others and be so repelled by them, that hopefully we become more cognizant of how the 'little evils' add up to become something truly monsterous. If we just scan the pages of history, we will see atrocity upon atrocity. If we can put a human face to that suffering, imagine it happening to loved ones, to neighbours, then we will resist future atrocities.

Someone earlier said that most people form loving bonds with their friends and families...and that these bonds need to be extended. It is difficult to love a stranger as much as you love your family...or yourself. But if you are capable of imagining that people everywhere, despite ethnicity, language, custom and location, that all these people are like you, human...capable of forming loving bonds, and all striving for something similar...if you can imagine this, then the world becomes less of a faceless mass. What happens to people in distant lands can become real to you. When we actually start to care about one another...even those that we may never meet...we reaffirm our humanity.

I believe people are selfish pricks who would screw you over if you give them the opportunity. People in the end look out for #1 and that is all there is to it. Self-sacrifice is a Hollywood invention to make their films more dramatic. For every charitable person you get a Hitler, a Stalin, a Pol Pot. For every person who would help you if you fell in the street there are five more who would walk on by ignoring you. That is what is to be human. We all have to face that and I see it as a few exceptions that prove to be actual decent people. We all seem fine in an ordered society where are lives are running smoothly but put on the pressure... well we can see ample examples of how humans respond under those circumstances.
I wonder how much of where you grew up shapes this view? I grew up in a community, in the truest sense of the word. In my travels throughout Latin America, I've seen this same community model over and over again. Where people are aware of one another, and help in whatever way they can. Where ignoring a neighbour is unthinkable. Where this starts to break down, I believe, is in the large urban centres. You will still find community in cities, in neighbourhoods where people have lived together for years...but as more and more people move to the cities searching for presperity, they leave their friends and families behind and become disconnected. The anonymity of urban centres disconnects us from one another.

Almost one fourth of all humans live in shanty towns and slums. Oddly enough, these areas are ones of great community bonds. They are marginalised...often living where they do illegally, unwanted, poverty-stricken, and just barely scraping by. People rely on one another to make it...a cup of beans here, a pinch of salt there. When people in such desperate circumstances can retain their empathy, and help one another, then surely it is possible everywhere? We just need to make connections...reach out to one another...

I think people have the idea that helping others is a burden...that it will take time and energy away from helping yourself and your family, who will come first in your heart. But helping rarely goes one way when bonds are formed. Even if what you receive in return is nothing more than company...well, we all know how valuable that can be if it is welcomed, sincere, and meaningful. We have to remind ourselves that community means having people rely on you at times...and you relying on them on other occasions. Many hands make light work.

I have to thank you for this thread Sinhue. Your first post expressed exactly how I feel also about the way things are, and how people really are. That’s why I still don't understand the hatred and disgust I hear from some people when they talk about other people. Most people are very hard working and are not just lazy layabouts as they are depicted. I just hope that in future more people will appreciate the fundamental connection they have to other people just as human beings, and that the noblest impulse of compassion may be more highly valued by all.

I think that is also a good point. We can look at the evil deeds of others and be so repelled by them, that hopefully we become more cognizant of how the 'little evils' add up to become something truly monsterous. If we just scan the pages of history, we will see atrocity upon atrocity. If we can put a human face to that suffering, imagine it happening to loved ones, to neighbours, then we will resist future atrocities.

Someone earlier said that most people form loving bonds with their friends and families...and that these bonds need to be extended. It is difficult to love a stranger as much as you love your family...or yourself. But if you are capable of imagining that people everywhere, despite ethnicity, language, custom and location, that all these people are like you, human...capable of forming loving bonds, and all striving for something similar...if you can imagine this, then the world becomes less of a faceless mass. What happens to people in distant lands can become real to you. When we actually start to care about one another...even those that we may never meet...we reaffirm our humanity.
Little evils? I was thinking Holocaust and witch trials, not really so little, though the little ones do accumulate. It is the truly great evils which so abhor man that he cannot himself tolerate evil within himself, unless of course the individual has embraced the course of evil.