Good is essentially our creative power. Whether the good we're talking about is bringing a new life into the world, completing an important goal, accomplishing something to improve our lives, or simply building trust in our relationships, they all involve creating something that was not there before. Evil, on the other hand, is more focused on the destructive side of things. Whether it's blowing up a building in an act of terror, lying to someone to take advantage of them, or taking a life, all acts of evil require a willful intent to destroy the good things that others have created.
And therein lies my point. Evil is dependent on Good. You cannot blow up the World Trade Center without first building it. You cannot kill a person without that person's life first being brought into the world, and you cannot lie without trust being built there first. However, there is no mandate whatsoever that good things, once created, must be destroyed.
Why is evil so tempting, then, if it is at such a disadvantage? Because it's easier than good. It takes far more effort to build a house than burn it down, or to build a life than to take it away, or to steal a fortune than to earn one. So, for those who desire the easy way, acts of destruction (or threats of same in order to coerce someone's actions) prove quite effective.
So, it is unlikely that evil people, be they terrorists, dictators, or tax collectors, are likely to disappear anytime soon. The good news is, it's only because there is so much good in the world for them to use against their fellow man. Evil may be easier, but it still isn't winning.
Jim
No comments:
Post a Comment