I’ve heard it said that the pen is mightier than the sword. It’s a notion that I can appreciate and find solace in. When I take a closer look, the implication seems to be that an idea spelt out on paper is worth more than slaying dragons in one decisive encounter with a sharpened blade. The problem is that even a dull sword can do substantial damage, but a pen that runs dry is rendered completely useless. Dealing with an irritating inconvenience, such as the one at hand, is rather laborious, but ultimately a battle that I refuse to concede.
It starts out so innocuously, when the purpose is to expand ones thoughts. Every attempt to verbalize a new concept or revelation is painfully futile. Such is the ubiquitous reality of being burdened by familiarity. Nothing is more disconcerting than being held prisoner within the stifling parameters of “life experience.” It is logical to presume that to increase in knowledge will alleviate the stranglehold of intellectual stagnation. However, if that belief is erroneous, it would be detrimental to the functional understanding of life’s purpose.
There are not many things that have altered my perception of social interaction more than the residual marriages of convenience. What is truly astounding is how incredibly predictable things become; when they are understood in this context. Conceptually it is easy to pin-point, because culture teaches us that having choice equals empowerment. Freedom of choice is a well known moniker, but it is nothing more than a directionless delineation from an individuals intended destination. Having the ability to choose between something that will benefit you and something that won’t makes the second choice obsolete. Instead there are decisions that need to be made that aren’t based on convenience alone. My objective is to bring awareness to an ideal that is quite often relegated, but the myriad of benefits, associated with mutual altruism, are too valuable to ignore.
As with any type of belief system, it is a very sobering day when you discover that everything you stood for was only a veiled lie. Like it or not most people live their entire lives obsequiously. They unashamedly succumb to selfish gratifications and escalating ambitions. Investing in other people for the sole purpose of personal gain is morally unacceptable and reveals a lack of character. The natural tendency is to elevate ourselves above our peers. We forget that we are all insignificant on our own merit. Social hierarchy is simply a temporary arrangement; it all changes in the world that extends beyond the terra firma.
There is a realm of common ground that can be rightfully celebrated. Certainly many battles have been won and lost on account of able swordsmen, but the celebration of victory is closely linked to the painful anguish of defeat. I’ve weighed the evidence… and it is fair to say, that left to our own devices we are prone to decay. There is an obligation to cultivate investment in the greater good. An idea put into motion can’t be destroyed, even if the ink dries and the parchment rots away.
