In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt
No single person has more power than that which is given to them by those they have power over. Even if a leader is the tyrannical leader of a nation, they are still just ONE person. Whatever they order will only come into reality if others follow the orders. Even if it be the slaughter of millions, the leader did not personally pull every trigger. Even if the weapon was a weapon of mass destruction, no single man or woman can be blamed for the destruction it causes. The leader did not make the weapon. The leader most likely did not even aim or fire the weapon. The leader may have asked that it be done, but the leader is not the only one responsible for the action being completed.
What is my point? We need to stop blaming our leaders for what is wrong in the world. In many ways, no matter how much power their POSITION theoretically wields, every leader is just a figurehead … a scapegoat. Sure they have their agendas. Sure they may even be “evil”, but ultimately their power is meaningless if they did not have others supporting them, and basically doing most of the dirty work.
A leader without supporters is simply a person with strong ideas.
We need to stop looking for people to blame about what we do not like, and start owning our part in the failures of society. Nobody makes us choose how we choose. They might have some ability to limit the choices we have, but WE are still the ones making the choices. Leaders make laws and rules to support their power, but a law is just words. It only has power over those who GIVE it power. We are compelled by fear, by timidity, sometimes even by simple ignorance, but WE are still responsible for OUR OWN choices. And it is THOSE choices that gives someone power over us.
What is the primary difference between a fanatic and the rest of us? Basically a fanatic is willing to die (and/or kill) for their beliefs. Cynics say that everyone has their price, that one thing that will make them change their mind about their beliefs. Sadly, I believe this is true. But for some, the price is actually the most valuable thing on this earth. Not material wealth. Not power. Not fame or fortune of any sort. The most valuable commodity on earth is LIFE. And if life is your price … well that is true belief. Many of us have these noble causes that we SAY we stand behind, but we will not put our life on the line to prove it. We honor those who will willingly sacrifice themselves for OUR beliefs, and condemn those who willing sacrifice other’s lives for things we DON’T believe in. But we are not willing to deal with our own comfort and safety.
Instead we blame others. Or expect others to do it for us.
Basically, the first step in change is to acknowledge our own responsibility in the way things are. The second step is to be willing to do what is necessary for that change to happen. If we cannot do either of these, then we are giving others power over OUR lives, and we really have no right to complain about it. Because WE made that choice.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
