When I was young I asked my older brother if people were inherently good or evil. He thought about it for a while before answering. Finally he said, “the reason every car window is not smashed after being parked on the street all night, and the reason every antenna is not bent or torn out is that the vast majority of people don’t want to hurt someone else’s property. The only reason cities are not in a case of constant riot is that people actually want to live in peace if they are given the chance.”
Peace and compassion are the most natural state for people. We desire company and friendship. We desire love. Yes, there will always be a small minority who use violence as a release or to get what they want. But for the most part, most people play fairly. Most people are honest. Most people are loving.
So expect the best. But be prepared for the worst. Give people a chance to be good. Approach them with compassion but watch for their response. You will most likely be surprised at how willing people are to help. Just be prepared if the alternative happens.
Leave yourself a path to walk away from that small percent that is not.
Jeffrey Cannon
Simple Truth
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