We are the center. In each of our
minds-some may call it arrogance, or selfishness. We are the
center, and all the world moves about us, and for us, and because of us. This
is the paradox of community, the one and the whole, the desires of the one
often in direct conflict with the needs of the whole. Who among us has not wondered
if all the world is no more than a personal dream?
I do not believe that such thoughts
are arrogant or selfish. It is simply a matter of perception; we can empathize
with someone else, but we cannot truly see the world as another person sees it
or judge events as they affect the mind and the heart of another, even a
friend.
But we must try. For the sake of the
entire world, we must try. This is the test of altruism, the most basic and undeniable
ingredient for society. Therein lies the paradox, for ultimately, logically, we
each must care more about ourselves than about others, and yet, if, as rational
beings we follow that logical course, we place our needs and desires above the
needs of our society, and then there is no community.
Because everything of value that we
will know in this life comes from our relationships with those around us.
Because there is nothing material that measures against the intangibles of love
and friendship.
Thus, we must overcome that
selfishness and we must try; we must care.
Often I ponder the meaning of that word. Friend. It seems such an
obvious thing, friendship, and yet often it becomes so very complicated.
There is a fine line between friendship and parenting, and when that
line is crossed, the result is often disastrous. A parent who strives to make a
true friend of his or her child may well sacrifice authority, and though that
parent may be comfortable with surrendering the dominant position, the unintentional
result will be to steal from that child the necessary guidance and, more
importantly, the sense of security the parent is supposed to impart. On the
opposite side, a friend who takes a role as parent forgets the most important
ingredient of friendship: respect.
For respect is the guiding principle of friendship, the lighthouse
beacon that directs the course of any true friendship. And respect demands
trust.
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