Evolution Toward Nonviolence

I just finished reading the most recent Notebook, "Files in Amber," by Lewis H. Lapham, from Harper's Magazine. In it, he talked about the idea that humanity is evolving away from the violence of war.

He quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson, and I think it bears repeating: "it is the ignorant and childish part of mankind that is the fighting part."

I am not sure that I like the condescending tone of "childish." Fighting may be immature. But I don't think that approaching someone with the judgment that he is childish would suit me. Even to approach someone with the accusation of ignorance can be disabling toward future understanding. However, I do agree with the sentiment - that fighting is often due to ignorance, and certainly misunderstanding.

Anyway, I also whole heartedly agree with Lapham's conclusion that there are better ways to resolve our differences than by waging wars!

Let's look to each other, our fellow humans, and resolve not to hurt each other!

This photo is from the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park, California.