So, What Is THE Answer?

Trey Smith

Whenever a human-caused disaster or tragedy strikes, the number one question on everyone's mind is: What is THE answer? We want to be able to take a pill, so that the headache goes away quickly. We want to put this particular problem behind us, so that we can move on to focus on other things.

As we grapple to find THE answer, individuals and groups advance their pet solution. In terms of the menace of mass shootings, many are calling for tighten gun control -- something I strongly favor. Others say that making a more devoted religious commitment is what is needed. Some will talk about ending poverty and/or transforming our socioeconomic system. Still others will focus on the need of greater mental health services. And the list goes on and on and on.

For me, one of the greatest lessons conveyed by the Taoist sages is that there is not one solitary path to virtue or enlightenment. Each person must find their own way on their own terms. There is no singular magical elixir.

When we take this general idea and transfer it to societal problems, we come to understand there is not one singular answer. There is not one strategy that, by itself, will halt this rash of mass slayings. We can't expect to put all of our eggs into one basket and then see the problem disappear.

Life is an intricate web of innumerable strands. In order to change anything in a substantive manner -- be it on a personal or collective basis -- multiple strategies must be employed. We can't simply place a finger in the hole of a failing dam. Yes, we might stop the flow of water at that one point, but, before we know it, several more holes will spring up. At some juncture, there will be more holes than fingers!

So, if there isn't one singular answer, what might be some of many answers that we can employ?

In my mind, the first one always begins within each of us. None of us has a significant impact on the collective as a whole, but we do have the power to change ourselves. If we want to see society move in a better direction, then each of us needs to head that direction NOW. When sufficient numbers of individuals change, then the whole of society tends to follow.

Beyond that, there are a lot of other avenues to explore. We need to end war. We need to end exploitation. We need to promote greater justice and civility. We need to adopt a health care system that treats the whole person. We need to shift societal priorities away from intolerance and exclusion to one that embraces diversity and inclusion. We need to learn to value the sanctity of life in all its various forms. We need to exercise increased levels of care and compassion.

Most of all, we can't wait for someone else to start this transformation. We each need to become the change we seek. If not, then that change will never be realized.