Issue 35

Notes

We are accountable for each other, but are not responsible for each other.

The well-being of our brothers and sisters, those related not by blood but of spirit, is an indication of our individual well-being and, ultimately, our collective well-being. This relationship unifies us all in such a way that the concept of 'enemies' becomes delusional and self-destructive.

Well-being is a migrating locus on the continuum of fulfillment, not on a spectrum of happiness-to-sadness. Well-being is determined by purpose, understanding and will power.

To be responsible is to work in place of another. Doing this may rob a mature and able person of their own well-being.

To be accountable, we must seek to understand the purpose and will of our brothers and sisters. We fail them and ourselves when we avoid this responsibility. When our brothers and sisters become enemies, we do too.


- W.B.

"No one is to be called an enemy, all are your benefactors, and no one does you harm."

- Franciscan aphorism