DE: “Über die Gewalt Der reißende Strom wird gewalttätig genannt Aber das Flußbett, das ihn einengt Nennt keiner gewalttätig.” FR: “On parle toujours de la violence du fleuve, jamais de celle des berges qui l’enserrent.” EN: “The raging torrent is called violent, But the river-bed that constrains it, None calls it violent.” A few times per year, I’m reminded of this quote from Bertolt Brecht. What is the river-bed constraining my torrent?
This is a complex story to write—and maybe even more difficult to share. I’ve been thinking a lot about the pros and cons of publishing this story. But If I’m writing it today, it’s for my children, who might one day face similar situations. It’s also for me, a way to remember what I stand for. This is the story of how I earned my first token of honor. I grew up hearing stories of my grandfather’s work ethic, generosity, and repeated betrayals by people he helped. Those stories are still told in my family. These stories shaped my understanding of fairness and honor. ...
A token of honor is something really rare that you can’t buy, nor steal, and that you can’t definitely inherit. It must be earned. Writing on this blog is one of my way to earn my own token of honor. It all started when I came to the realization that I was on a dangerous slippery slope: I don’t read much anymore. I don’t write much anymore. I don’t really believe in anything. ...