Chapter Two : Action, Apathy, and Consequences
Power of the Individual
In our modern media-saturated and technological world, it may appear that the individual is powerless. But in actuality, the individual has never before had so much power to effect and create change. Never in recorded history has humankind, or any individual, had so much power to create or destroy. Never before in recorded history has the single or unknown individual had as much ability or capacity to impact the world globally as now. Along with this are unprecedented circumstances and avenues to create and inspire. The increased interconnectivity and interdependence of the world has only bettered and amplified conditions for those who would have been virtually voiceless in the past. It has also helped both those who are good and bad find a fast-growing base of followers—people who would have been a novelty, outside the norm, or perhaps trivialized in the past.
So, we must be careful of the megalomaniacs; they have never before had such abilities and tools at their disposal. Organizations and single individuals have never had such ability to accumulate such a variety and degree of power, influence, and control. Never before in recorded history have we had this potential for improvement or for destruction. There is even unimagined potential from the individual. Potential from the student, working on a computer, with the ability to postulate a formula that could be the catalyst in solving issues that have plagued humankind long before recorded history to the spurned chemist or botanist who could unleash a pandemic that could potentially lead to instability resulting in the extinction of our known societies or even our very species. This is not even taking into consideration the individual already with power and influence at their disposal through political, military, financial, or technological might. In our era of technological “know-how,” the individual has never been so powerful.
Even if we do not believe that a complete extinction of the human species can be entirely done by our own hands, we must remember that a “near extinction” can take on many forms. “Near extinction” I use in the sense of extreme but not total disaster. Two examples could be one of the foundations of our society being erased or a catastrophe that could result in the massive dying off of our very own species. Yet we must also remember where lies our true potential. We cannot forget that where there is opportunity, there is hope for the future.
It is time for those with that unique spark, drive, resilience, belief, or knowledge to act. It is time for them to explore, discover, and create in the many and diverse ways in which they excel. It is time for those within certain areas to recruit and build a follower base not only from those who follow others but those who do not yet follow anyone. It is time for those to recruit from among those of similar thoughts, both those sympathizers with direction and those without direction. They must think and act beyond already established areas of recruitment. There are incalculable opportunities not only for those who may be perceived as fringe, but the silent majority and the alienated as well. They have incalculable forms of access to knowledge, opportunities, and resources at their disposal to help them affect the world profoundly. There are more opportunities that have yet to be practiced or even imagined. The consequences of our everyday actions are no longer as isolated as they were in the past. When we take action, we must begin to think of our everyday lives as having more of a global impact and affecting events beyond our community. We impact the world every day without even knowing it. Our modern world has incalculable interconnectedness, interdependence, and expanded communicational aspects. This brings the potential of the insignificant to become significant. What may seem to be the most insignificant action or incident has the potential to become significant. The seemingly insignificant has the ability to be compiled with others or assist in the triggering of more insignificant things or occurrences. The seemingly insignificant can become set up like dominoes and become more significant than in itself standing alone. What at the time may seem to be an individual or inconsequential moment or action can produce the most inconceivable or exponential chain of results. It is the insignificant events around us and around the world that accumulate, only waiting for that spark to ignite. Memories and repercussions from these can accumulate, lie dormant, and multiply within the minds of people and a society. They only wait for the slightest of triggering mechanisms to ignite something powerful.
Our Inactions and Actions
Do we contribute to the tribulations of the world through our inactions as well as our actions? We create the world around us not only by our actions, but by our inactions as well. Our actions and inactions have imminent impacts on the world around us in a cycle. We impact others by our actions or inactions. In response, this causes them to create actions or inactions that impact us. This causes us to create more actions or inactions that impact them. Their response impacts us again as part of a cycle of cause and effect. This cycle continues. Every decision or indecision influences the next. We contribute to the creation of the world around us, every day sometimes, without even realizing it. Even though we may not personally commit the atrocities of the world ourselves, we are accountable if we know of them or of the problems preceding them and do nothing with that knowledge. When we are aware of those dividing lines that keep the world sober, we have a required responsibility to take action.
Can we expect things from others that we are not willing to do ourselves? Saying “I was simply following orders” or “I am not the only one” does not negate our responsibility. If we witness something that disagrees with our morals and we do not act upon our conscience, then we are responsible and accountable for our inaction. We are responsible and accountable by our failure to contribute to the prevention of an action. This is even more true when we do or do not do something out of convenience or because “everyone else does.” These actions or inactions can directly or indirectly contribute to issues that we may disagree with. Our inaction may signify our consent to or even our support of that which we object to.
Laws Can Test Us
Sometimes, laws test our morals and our personal consciences. Sometimes the law is unequally beneficial to the lawless or privileged. Sometimes the law becomes oppressive to the meek who follow the rules and advantageous or inconsequential to those who do not follow the rules. Sometimes those who break the rules do so believing that the rules do not apply to them, that they will not get caught or if they do the consequences will not be that bad comparable to how they will benefit. Sometimes there are those who use the laws immorally to their benefit. Yes, order must be maintained, and laws are best changed within. But what do we do when the changing or altering of the law becomes impractical or even unapproachable? When the time comes, we must stand against that which is legal but immoral. We must take a stand when the law becomes oppressive or no longer for the good of all. When we take these actions, we must accept the consequences thereof. When the time comes, we must not shrink from taking our stand. We must also match—if possible, surpass—negative and destructive actions with positive and constructive actions.
But, when it comes down to it, what would any one of us do? How much or how far must we be willing to accept wrongdoing? When do we act—when is the point of “enough is enough”? At what point do we accept the responsibility for the unimaginable? At what point do we accept a responsibility beyond what is expected of us? To this last question I say, when no one else will or can do it.
Apathy and Reluctance—More Dangerous than Opposition
Apathy is more dangerous than any direct opposition because it is a void, and a void has no force to contend with. It is more insidious than direct opposition because it is a void that can be found not only in others, but also more covertly within ourselves. A void allows the less desirable force a more easily accessible foothold than one view in opposition of another. Apathy is a point of view resulting from being broken or desensitized. It can also come from the desertion of an established mode of direction. Apathy is simply a void to be filled. Those under the spell of apathy may only require assimilation, rather than a struggle that comes with infiltrating an already established cohesion or system of beliefs. Apathy is subversive, and its foundations are built upon time.
When considering apathy or reluctance, we could be inclined to ask ourselves: When do the participants of a spectacle become deafened by their own false weeping. Do they choke on their own apathy as they become filled with that which destroys them? Is God crying out, as humankind weeps from its own self-pity or chokes because of its own apathy? How long must that which created all cry out? What can we do, and how, to show others and ourselves the way out? How long will we be allowed to continue until we are forsaken by God or ourselves? How long before we pass judgment on ourselves and sentence ourselves accordingly? When we hear but do not listen, we can become responsible through apathy. Even though we may not participate in the atrocities of the world ourselves, we are accountable if we know of them and do nothing. Sometimes, I wonder how many times has that which created all cried out, as humankind has been deafened by its weeping from reluctance or self-pity. How many times has that which created all cried out as humankind has choked as a result of apathy?
It only takes time before we as a society reach our breaking point. Then all that is needed is an opportunity for someone to push the limit. Who will push it, I ask? In the meantime, what worries and exasperates me is that almost everyone can agree that the future of the world now lies in our own hands, but no one wants to take that first step of risk or inconvenience toward the changes necessary to create a better world. Many people have become reluctant to take the initiative if it is too much of an inconvenience or risk to their lifestyles. Yes, we may not know of the reward and only see the trials and tribulations; however, the result of doing nothing is never more certain. When people look the other way when life is good for them, they become responsible through the act of being complaisant.
Apathy Trap
Fate, if you believe in that sort of thing: what an odd mixture of predetermined destiny and luck of the draw. If one has a destiny, then can one really escape it? If you believe in fate, then show your contempt of fate by defying it.
Some dread their own fate while at the same time convinced others could change theirs. However, if my fate is seen through the eyes of others, then it is the fate in the eyes of others that I avoid. My hope is that their perception is flawed.
Is a person who claims not to be a fatalist yet accepts life because that is the way it is more of a fatalist than someone who believes in fate yet tries to avoid it? How can those who do not believe in fate accept life the way it is?
Some are oblivious to the outside world, while others see the road coming and see no choice but to keep going. Do some continue on this road out of some sort of societal brainwashing or is it because they have become broken? Sometimes a sea of despair may be all that some may see, but they do live on. Some live on because of apathy. Some live on through defiance. Some continue out of some sort of coping mechanism, the belief that change will come, or for any one of countless other reasons. Whatever else happens, we must not let this despair overwhelm us. Every great tragedy has taken its toll on us. Yet even in the wake of each tragedy we will grow, not from our suffering, but from our ability to overcome and succeed in defiance of that which we have endured. In these trials we will endure, and we will grow as a result of these experiences and hardships. While they can make us stronger, they also can be dangerous. Sometimes we can travel on the road blind, even with our eyes wide open. We see but can become blind. When doing so, we must be careful of walking in darkness for too long; we can forget to recognize the light when we see it. Let us not forget that darkness can be but a pause between the light.
Combating Apathy and Inaction
Some set the world aflame, some extinguish the flames; sadly, most merely watch as their lives disappear. Combating apathy, unlike combating outside forces, requires creating an initial start. Beginning often takes more effort than continuing. It takes more of an effort to find a reason to act than it does to act when a reason is given.
Perhaps combating apathy is not a matter of persuasion or providing people with reasons to act, but a matter of eliminating the reasons why they do not. The emptiness that apathy leaves can be compared to an evacuated position left easily accessible to a multitude of forces with their own private agendas, rather than a single opposing undefended army.
Unfortunately, in our world today, many people have lost hope in society. When people notice something wrong and they do nothing, is their inaction a result of fear or is it from some thought that they would not make a significant enough difference? There are many people who live in the belief that they cannot make a significant difference, so why even try? I must admit that on occasion I have contemplated this mindset. But then I think, if it is not going to do any harm, why not try? I once heard the saying, “If we try nothing, nothing changes.” Saying that nothing is going to change and then doing nothing is a cop-out. I believe we must not think of our actions as being significant or insignificant; we must think of them as a matter of responsibility.
There are many people afraid of getting involved or taking the risk of trying. Fortunately, there are some people who are willing to try and do take that risk. It is our duty to help those who do act, when we cannot or will not act ourselves. It is always important not to leave too much of our fate or destiny in the hands of others. I am not talking about just stopping a current crime, but also getting people involved so that we eliminate the reasons behind crime from existing. More people who are willing to help other humans, other life, and the planet in general are essential for the continuation of ours and all future generations. We need people willing to help out because they know the need for helping, and not because they want to gain something for themselves, promote an agenda, dissipate guilt within themselves, or exonerate a previous indiscretion in the view of others. How can we ever expect things to change when we ourselves refuse to do it because it means personal inconveniences or risks? How can we expect others to change and grow unless we ourselves are willing to take the first few steps? We need to concentrate on dissolving the atmosphere where apathy can survive or grow. Apathy is a loss for the future. We need more outspoken support. We need people who are willing to help others without fear of repercussions to themselves or of what someone else may think or do.
I hope to use this book to preserve the species and our societies. However, to do so I must promote my own ideas and certain actions. The irony of stating that we need more people who want to help without an underlying agenda and then promoting my ideas or actions in the message does not escape me. Therefore, even this book must be viewed with scrutiny. In my own form of puritan views, even the outward truthfulness of wanting to help is required to be viewed with some sort of skepticism and investigation. Nevertheless, we need more quality involvement and kindness and peace in the world so we, the human species, do not kill ourselves off. We need more people with that bystander intervention attitude who are willing to extend helping hands. It really saddens me that people can just stand by, watch, and do nothing. In my opinion, sometimes the people who just stand and watch evil actions can be almost as bad as the people who carry out the actions, because often they are the ones who know the difference between right and wrong; and yet they do not act on their knowledge. We must honestly ask ourselves: Do we want to be part of the problem or part of the solution? In allowing a problem to continue, we allow ourselves to be part of the problem by compliancy. We need more people who truly want to help just for the sake of helping, instead of being motivated by private agendas or reasons. We need more people who want to help, without some sort of hidden or subconscious agenda in which they or their allies have the possibility of gaining personally from their service, either directly or indirectly. We must also be observant and cognizant of those who, under a cover of helping, would use their influences, abilities, or opportunities to further something else.
We all have the ability to effect change, not just on personal and local levels, but also on a global scale. Within all of us is the ability to create change, or at least influence the world in positive or negative directions. Within all of us is the ability not only to impact the world we ourselves inhabit, but also the worlds around us. We are all pieces of the puzzle, who are interlocked and interdependent of each other at the same time. We can also view ourselves as though seen through water. We are like pebbles in a brook—larger than life and one of a kind. However, in reality, each of us is one of the many stones that are needed to make up the rock bed. Together we all make up the foundation of the stream and determine where the water flows. There are enough voices to make a difference. We need people who accept personal inconvenience or risk in the hope of a better world. The future requires it. In the future when we think back to now, we will surely remember: It was no longer a time of words, but of individual actions. This is the time for us to stand. This is the time for the silent majority to not fall down, but to stand; apathy is the true enemy. Apathy is also often the true adversary within us. We must continue the fight. Someone must take that first step or risk, then make the first adjustment. Change does not necessarily mean drastic adjustment. It can mean small steps, just enough to initiate more change. Once the first change is initiated, more changes will follow. It takes more than one person for others to follow. But with the first comes the second . . . and then the third. Sometimes, we are bigger players than we believe we are.
Missed Opportunities
Sometimes, we force ourselves to travel the path that could be called the “railroad tracks of life.” We tend to follow the fate of the rails rather than jump headlong into the wilderness. Why are we more willing to accept darkness because of its comfort from predictability, when we know that what is ahead of us on the rails is not going to become any better? Why are we sometimes willing to surrender to the worst rather than take a chance on something better, when we know that if we do nothing, nothing changes, and especially not for the better? Are we really so willing to accept a horrible situation because of the inconvenience of taking an action to change it? Are we cattle? Do we honestly believe that our efforts may be wasted? Are we in denial that we may be a world of fatalists? Is this apathy simply resulting from a form of societal programming? Are we so very afraid of taking a chance on change? How much, or for how long, are we willing to punish ourselves by staying in a situation rather than taking a gamble on what could be our only salvation? Too often we are willing to accept that which is the easiest in our lives. Too often we can go with the flow. We can look for the easiest way out. When we look for the easy fix in life, we may miss the true opportunities in life. In looking for the best score, sometimes we do not see the true opportunity under our nose.
We must also be cautious of going too far to the other extreme: Why do some risk the unnecessary loss of something they need for only the hope of something better? Why are they willing to risk so much for just a little bit of gain? We must think ahead and be cautious in sacrificing long-term stability in exchange for short-term gain. People must not exchange their long-term stability for the instant payment.
We live in an uncertain world and following the immediate coin or instant gratification can be dangerous, so we must look past the immediate future into the long-term outlook. Do not look merely forward but beyond; look to the distant future. Do not listen to the voice that fills the closest pockets, but that which keeps all bellies and hearts full (as well as minds and spirits active), for today as well as tomorrow. Do not be distracted by the advice of others, but listen to their motivations. We must also not be distracted by outside noise. We must analytically look at the concerns and motivations that others may have before we follow the first or easiest solution. When listening to others we must not be persuaded away from our hearts or minds. Each of us must listen to the heart and mind within ourselves. As long as we listen to others who are more concerned about overstuffing their bellies and billfolds today than about the survival needs of tomorrow, tomorrow is in jeopardy. When we focus on short-term gains rather than the long-term consequences, we become vulnerable to those consequences. We continue to treat the symptoms and put the disease second. We as a world society cannot continue in the way in which we are going. We tend to devote too much of our time to short-term issues and short-term solutions, instead of focusing on long-term issues and long-term solutions.
We must think beyond the rhetoric of political conversation and see what is in the best interest of all and of the future. We can tend to ignore the needs of the present to make up for mistakes from the past. Or, we may ignore the needs of the present that are required to prepare for a healthy future. We tend to set aside the fact that it is within the present that we are responsible for the future. We must grow alongside the future, and we need to plant the garden of tomorrow today. It is up to the generations of the world today to prepare the world for the generations of the future.
Soldier on for Redemption
We can often feel as if we are too small to make a difference. We can feel as if our insignificant action cannot make a difference. We can feel as if our one small single act is but a drop in the ocean, with no significant impact. However, we should think of our actions, even the smallest events, as drops on a smooth surface. Yes, they are each but individually scattered drops. Alone, they only have the potential to stand alone. However, with each random, ensuing drop they begin to accumulate. Eventually, two small drops will come too close together and quickly form a bigger single drop. As larger drops form, they become too large for neighboring drops to stay separate, and small pools will form. Once small pools form and combine into even larger combinations, it is soon time for an inevitable event to occur. It only takes one more drop then; it just happens on its own: a “runaway effect.” Often happening hard and fast, a cascading effect of pools combining and running quickly into each other creates a stream or even a flood. As the flood runs away, other drops in the way have no choice but to join in the journey. One tiny drop has tipped the balance and created a flood.
We have been given the challenge of rebuilding. We must think of this as an opportunity, not a burden. We need to take the wreckage of the old and the past and use it to build anew. We may say that it cannot be done only because we will not make the necessary sacrifices to get it done. However, I believe that we are strong. We have survived thus far, and we can continue to survive and flourish. We cannot afford to end up at a stage where we have come from, and thus be forced to repeat history. We must ensure that our mistakes are recognized as mistakes and are not followed in the present or repeated in the future. We can no longer afford to let ourselves or others act in expectation of reward; an action must be done because it is the correct thing to do. We also must not forget that selfish greed at the expense of the survival of all can begin with the seemingly inconsequential. It is a slippery slope that can eventually lead to destruction. We must all remember never to follow these paths ever again. We must not give in to the pressure. The journey will be long and hard, but the fact that we have survived thus far is a testament to our fortitude.
We cannot expect to have help from others unless we try to help ourselves and others. It is easy to philosophize and discuss, but it takes courage, hard work, and great sacrifices to accomplish our goals. Only those who believe that they are absolutely defeated with no chance of success are defeated. We must also never forget that those individuals who contribute abundantly and have the greatest impact on a society are the ones accustomed to achieving their goals despite difficulties and long odds.
Redemption is not found in meditation, books, or words, but in actions. Redemption is never free of charge; there is always a price to pay. It is time to judge not only others but ourselves and exact punishment or provide compensation according to need. In times such as these, redemption of the soul can often be found in reflection. Then, action is necessary to express that reflection. We all have suffered great losses; but the one thing we cannot afford to lose is our humanity. We cannot afford to devolve. We, the individual or the society, must be careful not to fall victim to the whims of others who are willing to risk something that will be eventually required for future goals. We must avoid the weakness found within ourselves that entices us to follow others. Do not let yourself or anybody else become a victim.
Pursuit of our Goals
In our pursuit of goals, we must remember that some goals are but steps toward accomplishing other goals. Sometimes to accomplish one goal we must first accomplish another goal. But in doing this, we cannot afford to forget that when a cause becomes forgotten in the movement, the cause is lost. We cannot afford to sacrifice what we have sworn to protect in order to save it. We have lost when we temporarily set aside, ignore, or forget what we have sworn to protect. We cannot afford to let what we aspire to achieve become lost in the process of achieving. In the pursuit of a goal, we must be careful not to violate the goal which we wish to achieve. When we forget or violate the principles of the goals that we wish to achieve, we can become hypocritical in the process of achieving those goals. Do not forget that hypocrisy only devalues the goal. Pitied are the hypocrites, for they will be the first to fall. We all must be careful not to fall.
Accepting Responsibility for Others
How far must we go to protect those who cannot protect themselves? Where is the line between the required responsibility to act and not having the right to interfere? Where does assistance become enabling? We may ask ourselves, Why should I take responsibility for others? Why should I be burdened with the extra responsibility and effort to pick up the slack for those who will not or cannot? The simple answer is, because we are the ones who understand the importance or are capable of so doing. It is the responsibility of those who understand to convey their knowledge. It is the responsibility of those who understand the necessity of action to take action. It is the responsibility of those who have the capability to act to do so, to act upon their knowledge, and make use of their abilities. We are not only responsible for our actions, but also the knowledge we each carry. Accompanying this knowledge is our responsibility not to willingly or unwillingly unleash risks upon others, as it is detrimental and creates a world not conducive to survival. The simple fact is we cannot let those who will not or cannot act jeopardize our future, our descendants, or those of all humanity. We must not think of it as “picking up the slack” for them, but as a triumph in spite of them. We must think of this obligation as a challenge or opportunity, not a burden.
Choices We Offer—And our Responsibility for Creating Options
How blindly we sometimes ignore that which is most obvious in life, and especially the consequences thereof. Our duty to others, as to ourselves, is not only to broaden perceived options, but also to eliminate the barriers to those choices that may be seen as unobtainable. The more we are able to secure the abilities of our choices to become successful, the more we may be able to secure those unstable or unpredictable actions/results.
What is our responsibility in offering choices? I personally think it is in bad taste to dictate personal beliefs of rights and wrongs or unduly force our personal beliefs onto others. However, neither can we allow the protection of the vulnerable or the survival of humanity to be compromised. In offering choices to ourselves and others we need to think more about the long-term consequences and results of our actions. We must create an atmosphere where alternative views can be proposed, especially when we may not have all the answers. There are many viewpoints about any question or discussion.
In our ability to choose from the choices we perceive as available to us, I often ask myself: Do we have a choice, or do we just have an illusion of choice? Because, when we make decisions, we are only able to choose from our perceived available options. I believe the fact that we are limited from other available options, from selecting a more preferable choice, implies that our ability to choose what we prefer is an illusion. Yes, people are responsible for their choices. However, because of this, we must never forget that choices are made because of the absence of all available options. With every new element of information, possibility, et cetera added to the decision process, new options for choices can be discovered. Every element has the possibility of adding multiple outcomes to any decision. This means we are responsible for the decisions of others, according to how we present or obscure the choices offered them. If we only offer the choices A and B to someone, then how can we fault that person for not choosing choice C? In the same way, when we place what people may consider to be unconquerable obstacles in the path of choice B, then how can we fault them when they choose choice A over choice B? Yes, people do have the responsibility to explore their choices and find information about those choices. However, how can we fault them for the results that stem from them choosing one of the choices that