Huainanzi - Entry 83

Trey Smith

Everyone strives to be prepared to solve problems, but no one actually knows how to cause problems not to arise. It is easier to cause problems not to arise than it is to solve problems, yet no one actually knows to how to work on this; so you cannot talk to anyone about such arts.
~ a passage from The Book of Leadership and Strategy by Thomas Cleary ~

Think about this passage in terms of a current event. Here in the US, some conservative Jews and Christians made a sophomoric movie about the religion of Islam that slanders the prophet Mohammad. Not surprisingly, conservative Muslims in the Middle East have reacted badly.

While the folks who made this film have every right to exercise their free speech, there is little question that they have created a furor. Even worse, it looks like this was their intent all along!

Don't we have enough problems in the world as is?

The mark of wisdom is to try to avoid conflict -- rather than create it -- as much as possible. When any of us goes out of our way to goad others, our actions are about as reprehensible as those who react to the provocation.

Free speech does not mean free of responsibility! Yes, you can say what you want, but you must realize there often are consequences to your words!

To read the introduction to this ongoing series, go here.