That provocative expression is from Yuval Noah Harari in his book 21 lessons for the 21st century, in the War chapter. An interesting book, which mixes history, philosophy, interpretations of reality and visions of the future.

It hurts me, it moves me, our reality and that of many other nations. Insecurity, violence, became a pattern of behavior, when it seemed that we were pushing war out of our immediate horizons, because we confirmed that everyone is currently losing with it. However, it attacks all continents.

Before, empires were conquered and founded as a result of victories in battles. Today, we are witnessing the Middle East ring, the long Ukrainian war, wear and tear and the consequences of our internal wars, which we see in Nicaragua and in neighboring countries. The endless exodus of migrants by land and sea, all fleeing from something and looking for something. We see it in nature robbed in the name of progress and following the maxim: “after me the flood”.

I wonder what awaits us or better how to continue to contribute to the deepening of respect and admiration for life.whole life, and to preserve, love and take care of it in its multiple appearances.

Information about Hamas fighters says that traces of drug consumption were found on their bodies, which, among other things, suppresses any reaction to the macabreness of the murders. The same must surely happen to his opponents. No one in their right mind can outright kill unless they are indoctrinated and anesthetized in their deepest feelings. This role is not only fulfilled by medicines.

Much of the violence collapses when you look the other person in the face…

“Nationalism of all kinds, religious and cultural tensions are exacerbated by the feeling that my nation, my religion and my culture are the most important in the world; therefore, my interests are considered above the interests of anyone else or humanity as a whole,” says Yuval Noah Harari. Many feel the same way about their political movements and parties.

The same thing happens on a smaller scale, with gangs, mafias, to which we must add the powerful magnet of money, which is considered a source of happiness, success and power. It is not important to sacrifice lives in his name.

In several hours, several days of meetings with young people from extremely vulnerable strata exposed to contempt for life, something becomes very clear. They are not used to expressing, knowing, identifying their feelings. They live far from them, sheltered in the fast messages of violent social networks where rumors and insults are part of communication. They are afraid of silence. He is also afraid of adults who hide behind the mask of their knowledge and their role, advise, judge, but do not listen.

Much of the violence disappears when you look at someone else’s face and accept that you are being examined by their eyes, words, gestures. When you listen to his longing to be understood and loved, when you realize that he needs a hug more than a scolding.

Part of overcoming the violence created by human stupidity involves learning to dive within that being that is closest to us: ourselves. (OR)