“This approach to life doesn't mean I never express my opinions or stand up for what I believe in. It means I choose my moments carefully, understanding that true influence often comes through quiet examples rather than loud proclamation. By practicing this subtlety, I aim to cultivate a space where compassion and respect hold higher stead than the need to prove a point.”
And herein lies a dilemma I face almost daily in this current world of ours—the Taoist approach vs. the moral obligation I feel I have, as taught by strong moral leaders like Elie Wiesel and even MLK Jr. I understand the attraction to camouflage oneself in the interest of cultivating harmony; and yet real evil and vile manipulation, lies, and bigotry is sadly becoming normalized now. Wiesel compels us to stand up strong and speak out vigorously against such hatred, otherwise those who don’t “play the game” that Taoists play (because THEY DON’T CARE about the rules of civility) will simply run away with the competition and win in the end. We’ve seen this play out in the atrocities of the Nazi Germany Wiesel lived through, and we’re seeing it play out now in our own country. I do know that if that certain man who can never be a moral leader of the people is re-elected, I will have to go in full retreat and live more fully as a Taoist in solitude. Ironically, it will be the only way I can see to keep my sanity. But it pains me to know I might have to extricate myself from society, taking with me any influence I have for younger generations. If more like-minded people did exactly that, I worry about the future of this place, this idea we have called America.
D-M, I don’t know if I have a question here or not—I’m still searching for strong leaders who explicitly understand the deep nuances of The Tao’s teachings while standing firmly, proudly, and loudly in support of a Union founded upon the ideals of democracy. So I continue to use this filter as I read and reread each translation of the Tao Te Ching that I have trusting that at some point, Lao Tzu’s wisdom will illuminate a way out of this dark dilemma in which I find myself entangled. When does one cast aside one’s camo in order to defend love over fear, kindness over hatred, or calm over chaos?
It’s also not lost on me at all that, as a Black man in our society, I know you have faced these kinds of issues on a more consistent and deeply personal and intimate way that I will ever face in my own life as a privileged white male. Sadly, many times, the color of one’s skin won’t allow for camouflage—ironically, the color of my skin allows for just that whenever I choose. Have you written to this theme? Could you use your finger to point me to a clearer, wiser moon?
Hi, Kert. It may be easier to chat about this by video call. Besides, we’re way overdue. In terms of camouflage, it’s actually in my opinion easier for a Black person if they’re willing to do it. Will discuss when we chat.
“This approach to life doesn't mean I never express my opinions or stand up for what I believe in. It means I choose my moments carefully, understanding that true influence often comes through quiet examples rather than loud proclamation. By practicing this subtlety, I aim to cultivate a space where compassion and respect hold higher stead than the need to prove a point.”
And herein lies a dilemma I face almost daily in this current world of ours—the Taoist approach vs. the moral obligation I feel I have, as taught by strong moral leaders like Elie Wiesel and even MLK Jr. I understand the attraction to camouflage oneself in the interest of cultivating harmony; and yet real evil and vile manipulation, lies, and bigotry is sadly becoming normalized now. Wiesel compels us to stand up strong and speak out vigorously against such hatred, otherwise those who don’t “play the game” that Taoists play (because THEY DON’T CARE about the rules of civility) will simply run away with the competition and win in the end. We’ve seen this play out in the atrocities of the Nazi Germany Wiesel lived through, and we’re seeing it play out now in our own country. I do know that if that certain man who can never be a moral leader of the people is re-elected, I will have to go in full retreat and live more fully as a Taoist in solitude. Ironically, it will be the only way I can see to keep my sanity. But it pains me to know I might have to extricate myself from society, taking with me any influence I have for younger generations. If more like-minded people did exactly that, I worry about the future of this place, this idea we have called America.
D-M, I don’t know if I have a question here or not—I’m still searching for strong leaders who explicitly understand the deep nuances of The Tao’s teachings while standing firmly, proudly, and loudly in support of a Union founded upon the ideals of democracy. So I continue to use this filter as I read and reread each translation of the Tao Te Ching that I have trusting that at some point, Lao Tzu’s wisdom will illuminate a way out of this dark dilemma in which I find myself entangled. When does one cast aside one’s camo in order to defend love over fear, kindness over hatred, or calm over chaos?
It’s also not lost on me at all that, as a Black man in our society, I know you have faced these kinds of issues on a more consistent and deeply personal and intimate way that I will ever face in my own life as a privileged white male. Sadly, many times, the color of one’s skin won’t allow for camouflage—ironically, the color of my skin allows for just that whenever I choose. Have you written to this theme? Could you use your finger to point me to a clearer, wiser moon?
“This approach to life doesn't mean I never express my opinions or stand up for what I believe in. It means I choose my moments carefully, understanding that true influence often comes through quiet examples rather than loud proclamation. By practicing this subtlety, I aim to cultivate a space where compassion and respect hold higher stead than the need to prove a point.”
And herein lies a dilemma I face almost daily in this current world of ours—the Taoist approach vs. the moral obligation I feel I have, as taught by strong moral leaders like Elie Wiesel and even MLK Jr. I understand the attraction to camouflage oneself in the interest of cultivating harmony; and yet real evil and vile manipulation, lies, and bigotry is sadly becoming normalized now. Wiesel compels us to stand up strong and speak out vigorously against such hatred, otherwise those who don’t “play the game” that Taoists play (because THEY DON’T CARE about the rules of civility) will simply run away with the competition and win in the end. We’ve seen this play out in the atrocities of the Nazi Germany Wiesel lived through, and we’re seeing it play out now in our own country. I do know that if that certain man who can never be a moral leader of the people is re-elected, I will have to go in full retreat and live more fully as a Taoist in solitude. Ironically, it will be the only way I can see to keep my sanity. But it pains me to know I might have to extricate myself from society, taking with me any influence I have for younger generations. If more like-minded people did exactly that, I worry about the future of this place, this idea we have called America.
D-M, I don’t know if I have a question here or not—I’m still searching for strong leaders who explicitly understand the deep nuances of The Tao’s teachings while standing firmly, proudly, and loudly in support of a Union founded upon the ideals of democracy. So I continue to use this filter as I read and reread each translation of the Tao Te Ching that I have trusting that at some point, Lao Tzu’s wisdom will illuminate a way out of this dark dilemma in which I find myself entangled. When does one cast aside one’s camo in order to defend love over fear, kindness over hatred, or calm over chaos?
It’s also not lost on me at all that, as a Black man in our society, I know you have faced these kinds of issues on a more consistent and deeply personal and intimate way that I will ever face in my own life as a privileged white male. Sadly, many times, the color of one’s skin won’t allow for camouflage—ironically, the color of my skin allows for just that whenever I choose. Have you written to this theme? Could you use your finger to point me to a clearer, wiser moon?
Hi, Kert. It may be easier to chat about this by video call. Besides, we’re way overdue. In terms of camouflage, it’s actually in my opinion easier for a Black person if they’re willing to do it. Will discuss when we chat.
“This approach to life doesn't mean I never express my opinions or stand up for what I believe in. It means I choose my moments carefully, understanding that true influence often comes through quiet examples rather than loud proclamation. By practicing this subtlety, I aim to cultivate a space where compassion and respect hold higher stead than the need to prove a point.”
And herein lies a dilemma I face almost daily in this current world of ours—the Taoist approach vs. the moral obligation I feel I have, as taught by strong moral leaders like Elie Wiesel and even MLK Jr. I understand the attraction to camouflage oneself in the interest of cultivating harmony; and yet real evil and vile manipulation, lies, and bigotry is sadly becoming normalized now. Wiesel compels us to stand up strong and speak out vigorously against such hatred, otherwise those who don’t “play the game” that Taoists play (because THEY DON’T CARE about the rules of civility) will simply run away with the competition and win in the end. We’ve seen this play out in the atrocities of the Nazi Germany Wiesel lived through, and we’re seeing it play out now in our own country. I do know that if that certain man who can never be a moral leader of the people is re-elected, I will have to go in full retreat and live more fully as a Taoist in solitude. Ironically, it will be the only way I can see to keep my sanity. But it pains me to know I might have to extricate myself from society, taking with me any influence I have for younger generations. If more like-minded people did exactly that, I worry about the future of this place, this idea we have called America.
D-M, I don’t know if I have a question here or not—I’m still searching for strong leaders who explicitly understand the deep nuances of The Tao’s teachings while standing firmly, proudly, and loudly in support of a Union founded upon the ideals of democracy. So I continue to use this filter as I read and reread each translation of the Tao Te Ching that I have trusting that at some point, Lao Tzu’s wisdom will illuminate a way out of this dark dilemma in which I find myself entangled. When does one cast aside one’s camo in order to defend love over fear, kindness over hatred, or calm over chaos?
It’s also not lost on me at all that, as a Black man in our society, I know you have faced these kinds of issues on a more consistent and deeply personal and intimate way that I will ever face in my own life as a privileged white male. Sadly, many times, the color of one’s skin won’t allow for camouflage—ironically, the color of my skin allows for just that whenever I choose. Have you written to this theme? Could you use your finger to point me to a clearer, wiser moon?
I’m loving this image! The post is nice too 😁