I've been puzzled in the same way, Nan. But it takes fewer muscles to smile--about 13 to smile and over 40 to frown.
My latest thought is that meanness and cruelty are instantaneous amygdala reactions--protection--whereas kindness requires the pre-frontal cortex, a thoughtful response. It takes a mature parent to inspire this in a child. My mother used to refer to children as "the little savages."
We do have a choice, indeed. Maybe goodness is harder to attain than evil or wrongdoing? It must be that, I have no idea why anyone would opt out of a better, more sane, softer, more compassionate world and existence for EVERYONE. It's kept me puzzled for my entire life. Love to you, Amrita. xo
So true that we have choices and sometimes it seems that the road forks many ways, but on a moral compass, there is True North, too.
Ah, that True North has led my life!
I so love the line "poised on a fulcrum" that proceeds that terrific landing line... so, so true and beautifully said. Thanks, Amrita!
I've been puzzled in the same way, Nan. But it takes fewer muscles to smile--about 13 to smile and over 40 to frown.
My latest thought is that meanness and cruelty are instantaneous amygdala reactions--protection--whereas kindness requires the pre-frontal cortex, a thoughtful response. It takes a mature parent to inspire this in a child. My mother used to refer to children as "the little savages."
love in return, Nan.
Thank you, Jan!
We do have a choice, indeed. Maybe goodness is harder to attain than evil or wrongdoing? It must be that, I have no idea why anyone would opt out of a better, more sane, softer, more compassionate world and existence for EVERYONE. It's kept me puzzled for my entire life. Love to you, Amrita. xo