Shame on a society that allows power to be concentrated in such a way that infants starve to death. No words of explanation can justify what is happening in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen and elsewhere, in front of the civilised world. A race that allows itself to become so hardened, so bitter and so vindictive is no race humans should want to belong to.
Past holocausts will not be forgotten but their reprisals cannot dictate humanity’s future. Revenge is a tool of the prehistoric. Kindness is what we need as the present century’s weapon. Who is leading it? Who will promote it? Where is today’s Mahatma Gandhi or Mother Teresa? The Religions try but seem to fail to influence – even within their immediate followers. Politicians promise but become obsessed with power.
Gentle people have increasingly been seen as ‘soft’ and treated brutally. Any priority other than money is considered weak. Generous has turned into a tax rebate. “How can I help?” is more frequently articulated as “Not my job”. Beauty is now manifest as sex enticing. “Nice guys come last” stopped being a smart-ass saying and is taught as a management discipline. Pat on the back has become a kick up the backside.
What happened to us?
We learnt the importance of discipline but forgot the relevance of purpose. We tried to make life a process following a template, forgetting that our brain is capable of probably infinite expansion and wondrous initiative. We let our technological genius suppress our appreciation of beauty. We turned law into a substitute for love. We spread our gossip but withdrew our grace. We exchanged enchantment for excess. Style is now billion dollar weddings instead of dignity.
Words in a Daily Paradox won’t right these wrongs. Thoughts resulting from them may help simulate some conscience. We need only one tool to reset our values and that is a mirror. I beg everyone to look in a mirror for three full minutes and ask themselves “What more can I do to help make right the appalling wrongs that are happening to the infants, the young and the poor in so many parts of the world?”
At least a letter of protest, maybe even more. But not just money. “What we don’t do matters just as much as what we do.” You and I may not be responsible for what is happening.
We are totally responsible for putting it right.
Bless you forever if you try.
Good morning
John Bittleston
Suggestions of how are welcome at [email protected]. Thank you.
28 Jul 2025
