Moving Beyond Matter with Ron Hughes

Credit: Moore Memorial Public Library, Texas City
It has often been pointed out that explosives (among other things) are morally neutral. Any moral judgement to be made is on the motive and use not on the power itself. The same energy that can destroy can be harnessed to be used constructively.

The same is true of aspects of the non-material realm. The attitude or behaviour may be morally neutral. What we need to consider is our motive and the purpose. For example many an institution has been saved by the dogged determination and perseverance of its leadership. At the same time, many an institution has been destroyed by the sheer stubbornness of its leadership. Many an institution has been sustained by careful daily scrutiny of financial transactions, and many an institution has been brought to its knees by the slavish devotion to routine and perfectionism. Many a stale institution has been given a new lease on life by the vibrant creativity of its younger members, and many a stale institution has lost its way following the dreams of inexperienced leadership.

Complicating all of this is the fact that our point-of-view often plays a significant role in evaluating certain attitudes or behaviours. Sometimes it seems that an institution must be totally destroyed before something new and better can take its place. Those committed to the old will lament, while those committed to the new will cheer – in the same set of circumstances.

For Reflection:

  • Consider some of the upheavals you’ve experienced. With hindsight were they destructive, constructive, or both?
  • Think about some potential social explosions. How might constructive results come out of seeming destruction?

 

 

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