There is no doubt that the state of the world is profoundly at odds with itself. Although many sense disruption and major change there is little if any dialogue. The word debate, which used to mean a formal discussion of opposing arguments in a public arena, has transformed into a vicious attack on one another. It is a sign of societal breakdown.

Ethics and virtue are not the mainstay of current conversation. We either remain in a steamy silence or a fearful withdrawal. The opposition on all sides appears to all the other sides as the enemy.

ENEMY: a person who feels hatred for, fosters harmful designs against, or engages in antagonistic activities against another; an adversary or opponent.

The old time media took this word seriously and attacked those that the media saw as…NON-COMPLIANT.

Non-compliant: failing to act in accordance with a wish or command.

Really?

When did the national media gain such power to disseminate hate for those who chose to comply in accordance with one’s personal choice and compliance on a personal health issue?

What has happened to informed consent, HIPPA laws and personal freedom regarding one’s body?

Those who made a different choice had a right to do so. So, what happened?

I cannot address the world’s point of view – which appears to be based on power, wealth and global rule. But I can speak to ethics and virtue which provides two opposing ethical and virtuous positions followed by The Third Position, Neither Here Nor There.

Please keep in mind each person has the freedom and right to choose their position. The choice does not come with the power to hate, blame or command the other to choose the same position.

Each one of us needs to contemplate these positions and determine what works and speaks to each individual without pressure, silence or fear. This is quite difficult in today’s world, but it is not impossible.

Position 1. Utilitarian.

Everyone is obligated to do whatever will achieve the greatest good for the greatest number. Position one is based on a utilitarian view of life. It can be thought of as the majority rules everyone.1

Position 2. Kant.

Everyone is obligated to act only in ways that respect the human dignity and moral rights of all persons. This position is based on what Kant called ‘human autonomy.’2

Before I post the third position I want to recommend a film that struggles with these two positions. The film is Abandon Ship.

Position 3. The Third Position.

The Third position is a spiritual understanding and intends to go beyond the first two positions. This position requires study and contemplation. Consider it for yourself.

The Third Position: Neither Here, Nor There.

EF Hulsizer, 2004

It is just a matter of hitting the bell, closing the door, lighting a candle.

In the past IT abides,

In the future IT abides,

In the present IT abides.

But don’t ask, “What do you mean?”

You seek an answer with a hammer,

Pounding on the fog you think you will make a break and see through.

Stay still and turn.

Make the turn and hear the echoes of habits and wishes.

Feel the striving gut that wants something more.

Wait.

Don’t hurry away.

It is the Way.

Endless turning until

the floor of the mind collapses.

Stop the hunt for the other.

Stop the chase.

You stalk a reply.

Respond without worry.

When you smell smoke, yell, “fire!”

When you see the table holds the cup,

See the cup hold the tea!

Look through,

See, neither here, nor there.

It is the buoyant cheers of scorpions and pigeons,

That you kill and stuff with your conclusions.

You cry, “How do I help?”

No hands, no harm.

You cry, “Have I gone too far?”

Neither far, nor near.

You cry, “What is the point?”

The sun, the moon and the stars.

When you give up the wish for something else, something more

You are home.

Then, once, and now there is nothing that escapes the past, the future, the present.

Your plans show the hidden tenants,

“Me, My, Mine.”

Safety boxes and storage houses overflow with false ideas.

You pound your hammer with great desire and fail to hear the wondrous voice.

When you realize the heart drums without a score and the ear hears without direction

You sit near the edge of the flowing river.

When wishes for and against subside

And the nose smells without form

The bees suckle the flowers and

Gestures of life wave

To awaken the unfilled.

 

I invite each one of us to study it and to take it to heart. Knowing that this world is fleeting and fear and hate are a grand waste of time and limit freedom, both worldy and spiritual.

If you have questions, please send them to: yaoxiangeditor@substack.com.

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