Man's Character is His Fate

What is happening to the threads which bind us together?

Heraclitus the Stoic wrote, “Man’s character is his fate.” We have heard such a statement worded in many different ways. I believe that is because it is an easily accessible life principle. You reap what you sow. Each human knows that deep inside, but sometimes a person, ideology, or group arises that thinks that somehow they can cheat that reality.

While driving home yesterday, this quote formed in my head. I quickly wrote it down when I got in the house, “Power either feeds others or feeds yourself. If it feeds others, it feeds you in return. If it feeds only yourself, it is usually at the expense of others.”

These past few weeks have my mind focused on these type thoughts. Power is an addictive drug. It creates the illusion that we are more than we really are. That we stand apart from the rest of humanity. That we are to be recognized over and above others. It segregates and prioritizes people along lines of influence or importance. It values some more than others. Passes judgment and assigns worth. It disregards some and grants favor to others. Along its path lies destruction. Expanse achieved over the bones of those seen as acceptable casualties. It seeks allegiances and lays waste to those in the way. It promises much, but often delivers little for the masses. It feeds itself at the expense of others. More, more is its cry, Never satisfied. Insatiable hunger. Narcissistic pride.

I feel we are losing the battle. I was raised that loving our neighbor is key. That love conquers all. The end fate of mankind lies in how we treat each other. But somehow all that now seems a distant and fading desire. Now many seem to have lost compassion. Our mutual humanity, the chord that links us all is severing. If it doesn’t directly benefit us then it is of no use to us. We are so concerned that we are being abused or being invaded that we desire more walls rather than bridges.

Yes, we need to be wise in our endeavors and discerning in our response to the needs of this world. But we can’t just shut it all down. Close our hearts and fold inward. I have said many times that pendulum swings are dangerous. When our hearts grow cold and exclusive, then we have lost a vital part of what makes us human.

We must ask ourselves these questions. Who are we? Who am I independently and what am I as part of a collective? What binds us all together? What are we allowing to sever those connections? How can we love better? How can we care more? What are we in danger of losing right now and how can we halt its collapse?