Drowning in Wisdom

There is this moment when I am writing something here on the page--talking about something that I want to offer as a positive, when suddenly I am realizing all the negative connotations of the words as well.  I'll write two, three, FIVE! paragraphs in and find myself trying to explain away the darker side of the words I've written.  And then I'm throwing those words into a document for later review, or worse, simply selecting them and deleting them, both frustrated and disappointed that the message I had hoped to convey isn't as simple or pleasant as, at first, it seemed.

I have spent hours in such pursuits this week--reading articles as diverse as how we view charity to how art can help us to visualize a better future for ourselves.  Unfortunately you will find very little of that reflected back here in my writing as I want to find words that transcend needing sources outside of the few paragraphs I share here.  But the truth is, underlying most of my writing is a long stretch of unused wisdom I have gathered--along with my own anxiety and a troubled sense of ego posterity--by which I mean "a fear of how what I've written will be seen by present and future generations."

Hence the search for words and ideas that will transcend this moment--perceived negatives and all.  But, sadly, the truth is that most wisdom in the guise of easily remembered phrases can just as often be used for evil as  they can for good.  I often ponder this when I'm writing.  For example, when I exhorted myself and others to be brave, I later considered how those who stormed the capitol on January 6th likely thought themselves such.  Some, no doubt, truly believed the election had been rigged and stolen from them.  How far might you go to right a wrong in something that you believe strongly in?

So, while I want to tell you to keep reaching out to others even (and especially) when you feel like your efforts aren't being noticed, I also worry about those people out there who are willing to prey upon people searching for just such acknowledgement.  I worry that even as I enthusiastically champion using your own voice, there are people out there who will see that as a clarion call to share their hatred, fear, or greed in ways that harm others.

And so, while I sit here, drowning in a sea of good wisdom, I am left with the inescapable reality that even the best of things can be turned about and twisted--mocked and ridiculed for blindly offering hopeful aspirations that may one day be misused.  So let me say this, then:

Do not create for greed.  Do not seek to profit by exploiting fear (though there is a case here for horror films and the horror genre in general.) Do not spread hatred with your works in the world (though your efforts may inspire it.)  Instead create because it is the passion of your whole self.  Profit from the love that you inspire in others, and seek to build a world that is better than when you will inevitably leave it behind.  Maybe, in this way, true wisdom will be found.

Credit: Berkeli Alashov, Unsplash.com