Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

Some people think only intellect counts: knowing how to solve problems,
knowing how to get by, knowing how to identify an advantage and seize it.

But the functions of intellect are insufficient without courage, love, friendship,
compassion, and empathy.

‐Dean Koontz

WOW....What an insightful way to evaluate our thoughts about others. It certainly makes me think twice about any "judgement" I may have of another person.

I love "Honest Abe"! How difficult is it to opt for mercy when an offense has been done to us? I think that it is human nature to cry out for justice, when mercy can be so much more productive. This is a powerful statement.

When you guys set that up, can I come too? But seriously, what a powerful statement about how we see others (and ourselves).

This also ties into the "blindness" factor. Not that we cannot see what is going on, but that we only see what is around us through the "lens of self". I will freely admit that many times, I have been unable to see the actual situation, because I am blinded (or self-betrayed) by only seeing how the situation effects me. Additionally, I have noticed that things do not start to get better until I can see how the situation effects others around me, and I begin to act accordingly.

I agree with this quote. However, I also believe that true evolution as a society requires going beyond only comprehension of one another, and depends on individuals acting upon that understanding, to do what's best for each other.