Wen Tzu - Verse 19, Part II

from Verse Nineteen

To try to cure outgrowths without taking care of the root is no different from breaking down a dam to stop a flood, or trying to put out a fire with a bundle of kindling in your arms.

~ Wen-tzu: Understanding the Mysteries ~

I have highlighted this single sentence because we can find it afoot in so many situations. For one example, on a national level, many US leaders have advanced the notion that the best way to secure peace is by warring with other nations. That's one of the current reasons for our continued military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The trouble with this rationale is that violence only begets more violence. Each time one side strikes, the other paints itself as the victim and so the victim must retaliate to restore its honor. It creates a perpetual cycle that can last a few generations or, in the case of the Middle East, thousands of years.

More importantly, it's a superficial response to a deep problem. Instead of dealing with the issues that have caused the tempest in the first place, war only magnifies and adds to them.

In truth, if we really want a peaceful world, we must address problems and disputes p-e-a-c-e-f-u-l-l-y. You don't add salt to a cake to make it sweet.

This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.