I'm not a "might makes right" kinda guy. I find a physical demonstration to impose one's will over another's, is centrific in purpose and core moral imbalance.
There is no doubt power in words, but actions tend to bury them for means of protecting their real ignorance.
We post here our "words" to enhance them however we can with "facts" extracted from our favorite flavors of other writers. I've no doubt that if anyone could reach through their screens and throttle their opposers, we'd all be dead sooner or later.
It's in our moral DNA, if there ever was such a thing, to want our own way, protect our own paths, and never.. ever, say we're wrong.
There are, of course, protective strategies one can employ... simply leave the argument and go merrily on your way. Find others of the same disposition and flock there to gain strength, alliances, and personal safety.
But the rules never change. And therein lies the rub.
10 Commandments in order in simple terms
1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall not make idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.
All of God’s laws are based on God’s most prominent characteristic: love.
All of man's laws are based on one simple characteristic: self-love.
If we truly loved one another, as we love our own selves, none of us would ever break those laws above. But we don't. The "better way" beaten down by the "other" way.. our own..
Frank Sinatra's "I did it my way" mantra... and left to our own devices = failure.
I totally agree with you Sara.. it is completely true that "Our rather shitty species has always been more likely to act on annoyance than altruism." We have to embrace that first, before we find a better way, and walk in it.
You're one bright bulb friend.