This is the post first published on Friday, October 13, 2023. Today is the anniversary of the attacks against innocent Israeli civilians that provoked Israel reaction in Gaza and cause so much suffering of many human beings.

I would not change one word. Here it is.

“Arrogance diminishes others, and therefore diminishes us“, said between other wise words a remarkable man late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks.

It is a part from following quote;

“There is all the difference in the world between pride and arrogance. Arrogance is the belief that you are better than others. Jews have sometimes been guilty of this, and it is inexcusable. Pride is simply knowing that each of us is different and being at ease with that fact, never “desiring this man’s gift and that man’s scope.” Arrogance diminishes others, and therefore diminishes us. Pride values others, because we have learned to value ourselves.”

Rumi said many things, one being: “Butchers enjoy the mindless chewing of lambs. Likewise the appetites work for a shadow king. Do the soul work instead. Feed daily on wisdom. Expand your heart. Rest the appetites. They are bandits on the road. They stop your spirit and steal valuables. The most vital thing about you is your soul intelligence. The rest is a mask for that. Don’t lose touch with it. Sensual wantings sometimes block and blur that intelligence as surely as wine or hashish can.

Arrogance too is drunken, making you think things true that aren’t.”

We all have moments when we are blind with hatred, wanting the revenge, wanting to transfer our pain to others. That might be understood if we are only responsible for ourselves. However, if our responsibility is for the nation as a whole, our reactions should always be guided by the future, as future will be the judge of our deeds. Tragedies will born new Tragedies. The strenght is not to react but to know when to stop.

No need for more words, as words have tremendous power awaking images that present phenomenon. Thus we all should MEASURE our words. If we can not unite, let’s at least not divide!, and try, please try, to PROTECT OTHERS FROM YOURSELF.

And we should remember and try not to forget that as Rumi said:

“A true man stares at his old shoes
and sheepskin jacket. Every day he goes up to his attic to look at his work-shoes and worn-out coat.
This is his wisdom, to remember the original clay,
And not get drunk on ego and arrogance.”

October Friday the 13th, 2023

D.R.L.

Philosophyofgoodnews.com

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