Everyone has those friends. Not the ones you spend the most time with or even like the most necessarily, but those friends you have a different kind of bond with. It's on a different level. because it's partially a shared personality, but it's also value, morals, ethics, but not across the board mind you, just random topics. There are times when these agreements seem to pop up just to remind you of their importance to you and you hope, you to them.
The last few days, I've been feeling guilt over the crisis in the Middle East. It was eating away at me, because I knew lives were being taken, but it seemed secondary. I was more upset about the art, the relics, the statues and other artifacts that had survived hundreds of years and were enjoyed by many generations. It bothered me that I felt that they were in some way more important than human lives, because they were a symbol of perseverance.
As with anything that is old, we tend to value it, not only for it's value, but for the journey it may have survived. In a world with weather that destroys homes built just days before, we have these objects, whether they be tiny or massive, that have lasted for ages. When we look at a human life that is ended at 21, we morn it not fulfilling it's destiny. When someone reaches a century old, we somewhat expect the end and we're not guilty in doing so. Just thinking of anything that has survived eight hundred years of war, weather and simple wear, it is hard to imagine how someone could destroy it. We're insignificant in comparison to these old treasures. They've been along twenty times my life and they were destroyed by someone half.
Today, I opened my e-mail and read a line or two about this. No previous mention. Just to mind, in perfect synchronization, despite differences of opinion throughout, but this, without question the most important and difficult topic, we both agreed. Two people who value the little things in human life, found such value in these artifacts, that it humbled us. Morally, it will still eat at me, but knowing someone else trusted me with this and we both had been letting it bother us, might tell us more about our humanity than this thought that lacks it. Sometimes it's just refreshing to know you're not alone in your struggles.
The last few days, I've been feeling guilt over the crisis in the Middle East. It was eating away at me, because I knew lives were being taken, but it seemed secondary. I was more upset about the art, the relics, the statues and other artifacts that had survived hundreds of years and were enjoyed by many generations. It bothered me that I felt that they were in some way more important than human lives, because they were a symbol of perseverance.
As with anything that is old, we tend to value it, not only for it's value, but for the journey it may have survived. In a world with weather that destroys homes built just days before, we have these objects, whether they be tiny or massive, that have lasted for ages. When we look at a human life that is ended at 21, we morn it not fulfilling it's destiny. When someone reaches a century old, we somewhat expect the end and we're not guilty in doing so. Just thinking of anything that has survived eight hundred years of war, weather and simple wear, it is hard to imagine how someone could destroy it. We're insignificant in comparison to these old treasures. They've been along twenty times my life and they were destroyed by someone half.
Today, I opened my e-mail and read a line or two about this. No previous mention. Just to mind, in perfect synchronization, despite differences of opinion throughout, but this, without question the most important and difficult topic, we both agreed. Two people who value the little things in human life, found such value in these artifacts, that it humbled us. Morally, it will still eat at me, but knowing someone else trusted me with this and we both had been letting it bother us, might tell us more about our humanity than this thought that lacks it. Sometimes it's just refreshing to know you're not alone in your struggles.
In her book, I am Malala, the author speaks about how the Taliban came into their ancient valley in Pakistan and along with killing various people for stupid reasons, they destroyed beautiful old Buddhas that were hundreds, maybe thousands of years old. Although they were living with the Taliban and seeing first-hand people being killed and tortured, they still felt a huge sense of loss for the sculptures and artifacts that were ruined. The place where they had lived and grown up was essentially forever changed and gone. It is such a shame.
ReplyDeleteI've always always felt strongly about those things that have stood the test of time. While I love animals, I'm much more sad when I hear about the demise of a tree that stood for two hundred years or some rock face collapsing. I think for us New Yorkers, especially us who grew up when they were built, our only real connection to those feelings were with the Twin Towers. Some say I lack patriotism, but I can't go to the city and look at the new tower. It hurts more than if nothing was there. I apparently fall into a minority that is shunned, at least those who are vocal.
ReplyDeleteDon't even get me started on the World Wars and how of the past that was ruined because of them. I know, millions of people died, but I am also very upset, perhaps more so, for the cities that were destroyed.
ReplyDeleteI realize that sentence does not make sense. Made sense in my head but came out wrong. oops
ReplyDeleteDidn't come out as wrong as it did heartless, haha. But I know whatchu mean.
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