[Love]

I sat at a court case for my brother a few years ago. I remember just looking at the defendant (when I could be sure he wasn't looking at me!). I was bewildered more than anything else. I tried to understand what had brought him to a place where he had chosen to act in such a way. I figured that something must have gone very, very wrong. But I didn't really hate him. It was surprising.

I've certainly have had my bouts of greatly disliking people. Even hating them. As I've come to let go of that, I've just tried to think of where they're coming from, what might have led them to believe such. I also found myself thinking of the person they could be--would be--later in life (or in another life entirely!). That helps take me away from the ugliness of the present. I watched the "Last Lecture" on YouTube a little while ago. One of things that the professor remembered was being told than anytime you were upset or bothered by someone, you just needed to give them more time to "wow" you.

I think that we have to go on trying to change the world in the best way that we know how. Over time, we'll get better at it. I don't see that there's anything else to do. I remember reading something in a book once. One character was really upset by the seemingly unsurountable problems of the world. The other character said "So what? So what if everything you've heard about the world really is that awful?" And the other character replied, "just keep fighting" or something of the sort. I don't think there is anything else to do. Giving up is not an option.

I think the process seems really tedious. My hope is that is as more people join the cause, it will get easier and easier.