Tag: Life Coaching

The article “Cain versus Abel” aims to highlight the key differences between these two historical figures and guide you in identifying and aligning with your personal traits in today’s world. It suggests that the archetypes represented by Cain and Abel persist on Earth and will likely continue indefinitely. Now, let’s delve deeper into this subject.

Who Is Cain?

According to the Bible, Cain was the firstborn son of Adam and Eve (refer to Genesis 4), and his name is associated with being a male offspring. He was born after God expelled our earliest ancestors from the Garden of Eden. Professionally, Cain was a farmer, while his younger brother, Abel, tended to livestock. This sets the stage for why it is pertinent to compare Cain with Abel.

Cain was a man known for his own virtues and vices, but in this discussion, we aim to contrast him with his brother, Abel. Cain is often portrayed as the malevolent figure, which is why he is juxtaposed with his brother in this discourse.

His actions, much like any of ours, are telling of his character as depicted in the fourth chapter of the Book of Genesis. Cain harbored intense animosity towards his younger brother, solely because God favored his sibling’s offerings for the first time.

Cain made no effort to understand why his offerings were spurned. He did not attempt to present God with a different version of his harvest, leaving us to draw our own conclusions about his personality and character.

Like many might, Cain refused to admit any wrongdoing towards his younger brother, even after murdering him. God was aware of his actions, but desired a confession from Cain, similar to how He did with Adam and Eve. Cain could have sought God’s mercy, yet he chose not to. Instead, he retorted to God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” which speaks volumes.

Humans, including figures like Abraham and Isaac, are adept at denying facts for personal reasons, often resorting to falsehoods. Consider Abraham’s actions when he journeyed to Egypt with his wife, Sarai.

Isaac, his son, also committed a similar act. Although their justifications for lying differed from their later confessions when the truth eventually emerged, their underlying motive was fear for their lives.

This suggests that even in those times, many individuals exhibited traits akin to Cain. Such people, particularly rulers, might forcibly take another’s wife if she were deemed beautiful, and might even murder a husband who attempted to defend her. The behavior of men in those days was animalistic, a trait that persists or has worsened in modern times.

Cain-like individuals, regardless of gender, are exceptionally cruel and dangerous. They are capable of any deed and will likely deny all knowledge of it, though they may have their own justifications for such denials. It could be surmised that Adam resembled Abel in nature, while Eve was more akin to Cain. This is perceived as their inherent disposition. For further discussion on this topic, please refer to the comments section below.

Related: Life Coaching Ultimate Guide

Psychologists assert that two primary factors contribute to our development: nature and nurture. In my book, “Your Self-Discovery Guide,” I discuss how these elements influence both the physical and spiritual aspects of our being. Our innate characteristics shape our physical traits, thoughts, speech, and actions, as does our interaction with the environment.

The environment significantly shapes our identity. It encompasses the people we meet, the places we visit, the weather we experience, the events we witness, and the objects around us. These factors subtly impact us, often beyond the awareness of our conscious mind.

Together, they forge our current selves and will shape the future identities of our children. However, it appears that nature has a precedence over nurture. It seems to govern our thoughts, expressions, and behaviors, even influencing what we accept into our hearts and minds.

To me, the terms heart, mind, and spirit are synonymous. They all denote the non-material, ethereal aspects of our being. Similarly, the soul is just another term for the heart, spirit, and mind. These are not tangible entities; they are of a spiritual nature.

Thus, Cain was inherently an evil man. He was born with a heart full of malevolent intentions, thoughts, words, and actions. This is evident from his words and deeds as recorded in Genesis chapter 4. It is observable that even in our current generation, there are individuals akin to Cain.

An article titled “Cain versus Abel” would elucidate the distinctions between the two brothers.

Such individuals may be found among our parents, siblings, friends, relatives, neighbors, partners, colleagues, co-workers, and acquaintances. They are prevalent and outnumber those who are like Abel. There are advantages and disadvantages to embodying traits similar to Cain, as outlined below.

Pros of a Cain-like personality

• Brave and strong
• Cunning and wise
• Dominance and leadership
• Dictatorship and power of force
• Personal wisdom and denial of hurting facts
• Shifting of blames on others

Cons of a Cain-like personality

• Judgement and punishment
• Foolishness and selfishness
• Loneliness and despair
• Lying and being cunning
• Mistrust and low opinion

Who Is Abel?

According to the Bible, Abel was the second-born son of Adam and Eve. He was a shepherd, tending to goats and sheep. Little is known about him, except for the tragic end he met at the hands of his brother, Cain, which suggests he may have been an introverted individual.

Abel is often thought of as a good and righteous man, yet, as is often the case, the righteous seem to suffer at the hands of the wicked. The wicked are sometimes compared to the Devil in their cunning.

An interesting perspective I came across is from an author who discussed the Hebrew word for God. He mentioned that ‘Elohim’ is actually a plural term that could be translated as ‘Gods.’ Throughout the Bible, ‘Elohim’ is consistently used in the plural.

In contrast, ‘HaElohim’ could also be translated as ‘Gods.’ However, while ‘Elohim’ represents Gods of love and life, ‘HaElohim’ is associated with Gods of law and death.

In my language (Nuer & Dinka), this concept is also used to assess someone’s words and actions. It’s common to hear phrases like “the Gods who made you,” suggesting that each individual has their own deity or deities. This echoes the narrative that Cain and Abel were born of different creators. Cain embodied the Gods of law and death, while Abel was the embodiment of the Gods of love and life.

Yet, it appears that both evil and good are integral parts of the whole. To lack one is to possess only half of everything, life included.

Is it possible for God to embody both good and evil simultaneously or at different times? Indeed, there are scriptures that seem to support this notion, stating that God is the origin of both good and evil.

Years ago, my belief was contrary to this. However, in 2017, while engaged in a bus preaching ministry in Juba, I encountered a young girl whose perspective challenged mine.

She pointed out that God has the power to both heal and destroy as He pleases. At the time, I didn’t understand her viewpoint, believing she lacked knowledge, so I encouraged her to study the Bible more thoroughly. Since then, I have not crossed paths with her again until today (as of writing this on Sunday, 27th September 2020).

According to the biblical account of Abel, he is seen as a righteous man, favored by God. His brother, on the other hand, is often associated with evil. This narrative can influence one’s perspective on the inherent nature of people and challenge the notion of individuals being naturally evil. It suggests that both good and evil originate from the same divine source.

However, our subconscious minds often resist new concepts, particularly those that contradict our established beliefs.

The Bible acknowledges the existence of multiple deities besides the God of creation mentioned in its texts. These gods were revered during biblical times and some continue to be worshipped today.

Whether these deities possess the power of creation is a question that remains unanswered. Yet, I agree with the author’s assertion that there is one God with two distinct aspects.

This singular deity is credited with creating both good and evil for reasons known only to Him. It is posited that without evil, good would not be definable, as it is understood in contrast to evil. Similarly, light is only appreciated in the absence of darkness, and positivity is recognized in relation to negativity.

Pros of an Abel-like personality

• Truthfulness and openness
• Patience and long suffering
• Humility and goodness
• Recognition and good reputation
• Legacy and fame

Cons of an Abel-like personality

• Falling prey to other bad people
• Failure for self-defence
• Goodness as an advantage for others to manipulate you
• Being unable to speak up as soon as needed

Wisdom from John Monyjok Maluth

As observed, the world harbors both virtuous and malevolent individuals, akin to Cain and Abel from ancient times. The presence of good and evil people is a constant. It is wise to embrace oneself as is. Comparing Cain to Abel is not to suggest a change in nature if one finds themselves erring.

It is crucial to recognize that people are inherently diverse. No individual has the power to create, recreate, or alter their innate nature, be it akin to Cain or Abel. Yet, understanding these profound truths can significantly enhance one’s life.

Since altering one’s nature is beyond reach—a common human desire—it becomes essential to discover one’s ultimate purpose in life and strive towards its realization. This is the counsel I extend to you, esteemed reader. This is the wisdom I share. Self-discovery is the first step towards self-improvement.

Further Reading

• Cain and Abel—Wikipedia. If you have learned one or two things from this article, please share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.

“Rural versus Urban” is an article designed to explore the pros and cons of residing in each setting, offering insights on enhancing your personal life. It aims to impart knowledge about the contemporary world and guide you towards achieving inner peace, regardless of circumstances. With that introduction, let’s delve deeper.

What Is A Rural Area?

A rural area is essentially a village nestled almost within the bush, devoid of modern structures. In South Sudan, such a village lacks roads to connect it to any nearby towns, which may not even exist. These villages typically feature numerous grass-thatched houses, often constructed in a circular pattern, with varying degrees of modern ventilation.

The only pathways linking these rural villages are those carved out by the feet of locals as they traverse from one village to another. When rivers lie between these settlements, inhabitants rely on handcrafted wooden canoes for crossing. Rural areas are abundant with various elements, from mosquitoes and wild animals to other hazardous insects and food sources.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in a Rural Area

Considering the straightforward definitions of rural areas, living in such areas comes with its pros and cons, particularly for people accustomed to urban life. An advantage is the abundance of healthy food, free from processed sugars, with only natural sugars present. The night sky often dazzles with numerous stars, clear and bright.

However, rural living also brings challenges, such as the presence of harmful insects, including mosquitoes that can transmit serious and sometimes fatal diseases like Malaria and Dengue fever. Additionally, marketing produce can be difficult due to the lack of roads or because villagers may already possess similar goods.

While you might be surrounded by childhood friends and family, which is beneficial, there’s also the possibility of encountering adversaries who might take justice into their own hands. This could mean that legal recourse is not as readily available as it is in urban settings, where one might find a lawyer to navigate through legal issues.

What Is an Urban Area?

An urban area stands in contrast to a rural area. It is characterized not by villages but by towns or developed settlements, where people reside in concrete or modern houses, unlike the grass-thatched dwellings typical of villages. In contrast to the overcrowded conditions often found in rural areas, urban areas are well-connected by roads to other towns and villages.

Urban areas feature various modes of transportation for public and private use, including cars, motorbikes, bicycles, buses, boats, and even airplanes, available in both small and large towns. Additionally, urban areas are melting pots of diversity, home to people from different tribes, cultures, worldviews, experiences, and countries.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in an Urban Area

As illustrated, living in an urban area comes with its set of pros and cons. A notable con is the scarcity of food for everyone. On the pro side, there’s the accessibility of transportation. With well-maintained roads, one has the freedom to travel to any region of the country at any hour, be it night or day. In East Africa, for instance, one could embark on a journey to Kenya or Uganda at 2:30 a.m.

While there might be an abundance of food, it often comes with a high price tag. Urban dwellers typically live independently or support only their immediate family and close relatives. Unlike in rural areas, nothing is free in the city. Every valuable item in an urban setting comes at a cost.

Just as crimes occur in rural areas, urban areas also experience serious crimes. The convergence of people from all walks of life in towns leads to the breaking of various rules.

Urban areas, with their diverse perceptions of right and wrong, become hotbeds for various crimes and criminal activities. The presence of people from different nationalities in one urban area contributes to the ever-increasing crime rates.

Despite government efforts to provide security in urban areas, crimes continue to be a daily occurrence. Some people steal out of desperation and hunger, while others do so for leisure.

In urban areas, the difficulty of survival may compel some women and girls, in the absence of parents or husbands, to engage in prostitution as a means of earning money to sustain themselves, even if it is against their personal wishes. This can lead to addiction and make future rehabilitation challenging.

Furthermore, the desperation caused by hunger and unemployment may drive men and young boys to form criminal groups that engage in robbery to make ends meet. Even members of the armed forces, trusted to uphold the law, might resort to criminal activities, not out of desire, but out of necessity to survive in an urban environment.

My Final Words

Understanding what it’s like to live in any place requires time and firsthand experience. Having lived in both areas myself, I offer my advice, hoping you will listen attentively and with an open mind.

If you’ve followed my narrative this far, you’re likely open to hearing my concluding thoughts. My counsel is this: seek balance in all things. Life is fleeting and inherently uncertain, filled with both pain and unpredictability. Yet, we must persevere as long as we draw breath. This realization can fortify us against the harshest trials of life.

Every individual carries their own burdens in life. You are not alone in this. While you may feel that your struggles are particularly severe, this may not be the case. It’s true that you understand your own issues better than anyone else, but remember, others may lead lives beyond your imagination, yet they persist and continue to live. And so can you!

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I would appreciate your honest feedback. Your insights will assist me in crafting even better posts and articles like this one, as sharing knowledge and experiences is a significant part of my full-time job. Please leave your candid thoughts in the comments section below.

Further Readings

• Urban and Rural—Census.gov. Write to info@johnshalom.com or visit www.johnshalom.com. God bless and keep you safe during and after the pandemic.

“Educated versus Uneducated” is an article designed to enhance your self-discovery. Within its contents, you will explore the significance of being educated and its importance. Additionally, it will elucidate the meaning of being uneducated. With this introduction, let us delve into the details of the article.

What Is Education And Why Is It Important?

When we encounter discussions contrasting educated versus uneducated perspectives, many thoughts arise. This article posits that education is a system through which we acquire knowledge and skills that are actionable.

Knowledge that falls short of being specialized is considered general education, which often equates to theoretical knowledge rather than practical. Merely learning to read and write does not constitute a complete education; these are tools that facilitate education.

True education entails the capacity to learn both in theory and in practice. If education remains purely theoretical, it is incomplete. A comprehensive education necessitates the integration of both theoretical understanding and practical application.

From the simplest definition of education, its importance becomes evident, particularly in today’s world which values individualism. Learning skills and applying them effectively can significantly improve your prospects in the modern job market.

Governments and both local and international NGOs seek educated individuals. Being educated might also entail the capability to write and read in one or two internationally recognized languages, like English and Arabic. While Swahili is predominantly a regional language, it is increasingly being acknowledged in modern communication systems as an international language.

Being educated enables you to read this post and many other significant messages. Reading expands your thinking and wisdom. It allows you to approach issues with maturity, unlike when you were uneducated or before you learned to read and write. It also raises the question of whether everyone can learn these skills. Education, in my view, transcends reading and writing because it includes applying what has been learned.

Therefore, it’s possible for someone to learn how to perform tasks without initially knowing how to read and write. If they have mastered a skill, they are educated in that domain, even if they cannot read or write in any recognized human language. For instance, if you understand the principles of buying and selling, you are educated in sales. Similarly, if you can swim, you are educated in swimming.

Understanding how to construct a house means you are educated in that field, even without formal certification. If you can perform a task well, you are knowledgeable in it, which is more valuable than having a certificate without practical experience.

Consider those who have studied health science but lack experience in diagnosis, prescribing medication, or administering injections. They may have credentials, but their knowledge is incomplete; they only grasp the theoretical aspect.

In my view, they are not truly educated until they can apply their knowledge practically. They possess theoretical understanding, not practical skills. Only when they acquire hands-on experience will they have reached full competency.

Pros of Education

• Easy access to valuable information
• Being able to read and write
• Travelling the world through books
• Having a comprehensive knowledge of things
• Being less dogmatic
• Self-discovery and self-improvement
• Personal productivities

Cons of Education

• Having too much and unused information
• Reading both good and bad materials
• Losing one’s own cultures
• Too much knowledge
• Having no single faith or doctrines
• Focusing much on the self
• Being independent

What Does It Mean To Be Uneducated?

When discussing educated versus uneducated, it’s important to note that being educated extends beyond the ability to read or write in any human language. It encompasses the capability to learn and perform tasks as expected. Conversely, being uneducated doesn’t merely refer to the absence of reading and writing skills; it also implies a lack of the necessary skills and processes to carry out a task. For instance, one may be literate but not possess the expertise to be a medical professional.

Similarly, being uneducated can mean a failure to perform as required or expected, equating to an inability to execute tasks correctly. It also encompasses illiteracy, which is the inability to read and write in any language. Thus, while reading and writing are integral to education, they are distinct concepts within the context of this discussion.

Reading and writing serve as conduits to education, guiding one to understand processes and enabling them to replicate those processes independently. For instance, I must read an article about self-publishing to grasp it on a practical, personal level. However, without the ability to read and write, learning anything that involves these skills becomes challenging, if not unattainable.

The inability to read or write can significantly hinder self-education and self-learning, particularly when the subject matter necessitates these essential modern skills. Nonetheless, literacy is not a prerequisite for education in every field; expertise and continuous improvement in any endeavor can also be indicative of one’s education.

For instance, if you are already a professional fisherman, you possess knowledge in that area and can impart it to others who might surpass you in reading and writing. Sometimes, those who are illiterate may have superior ideas, which they can share with individuals who can express them in written form on their behalf.

This demonstrates that literacy is not the sole indicator of true education. One cannot write about concepts they do not understand. As my late uncle used to say, “education does not prevent a fool from being a fool,” which I believe to be profoundly true. Education does not alter or reinvent our inherent nature.

Education serves only to enhance us. It is a tool that allows us to improve ourselves, but it does not change our inherent nature. Consider the views you hold; do you believe you hold them because you are educated? No, your support for them is not merely a result of education.

You naturally support them, even before becoming aware of them. You possess your own perspectives, even if the collective worldviews and teachings discourage their expression. Indeed, lacking education, particularly in basic life skills, is detrimental. Life becomes significantly more challenging without leisure activities. Money is not the sole measure of life’s fulfillment. Mastery in what you do is crucial. Without engaging in what we are passionate about, life loses its meaning.

Pros of Being Uneducated

• Having little and mostly usable knowledge
• Not exposed to bad materials through books and other media
• Holding on to one’s own culture
• Focusing much on the collective goodness
• Being dependent on the group
• Holding on to one’s faith and doctrines

Cons of Being Uneducated

• Lack of access to valuable information
• Not being able to read and write
• Travelling only the physical world
• Having a narrow understanding and knowledge of things
• Being dogmatic and rigid to beliefs
• Lack of self-discovery and self-improvement
• Collective productivities

You Have a Personal Choice

Now, the choice is yours, as they often said on the BBC. It’s your turn to decide what you believe is correct. Do you concur that education extends beyond just reading and writing abilities? Do you agree that those who are illiterate can still contribute something valuable?

You possess a perspective on what it means to be educated. The viewpoint I’ve presented is mine. The aspect of individualism I cherish most is the liberty to think. I have a mind for thought and personal opinions to share with the world on all aspects of life.

However, you must still make a decision. You need to choose your stance, defend it, or simply articulate your viewpoint. You’re not obliged to concur with everything I’ve stated. But if you disagree, you should provide reasons, just as I have in this discussion.

My Final Advice

In conclusion of this insightful article, I offer a final piece of advice. As with all my writings, I advocate for balance, particularly when addressing polarizing perspectives such as these. It’s unnecessary to be inflexible about being educated in any form. Agreement or not, we remain human and should foster friendship. No one possesses superior knowledge over another regarding the essence of education.

Similarly, no individual surpasses another in what it means to be uneducated. Educated or not, all are people, equal in worth simply by virtue of being Homo sapiens. In Swahili, the phrase ‘watu ni watu’ resonates with me, affirming that indeed, people are people. This holds true regardless of religious or secular beliefs; education does not alter our fundamental humanity.

Therefore, balance is essential. We need not gravitate towards extremes, though some may disregard this counsel. Embrace this guidance, and you will find success and peace, living harmoniously with others by not considering yourself superior in any respect. If this post resonates with you, please share your thoughts. If not, I welcome feedback to refine my writing as an educational tool.

Further Readings

• What is the Difference Between an Educated and Uneducated—Quora.com
• The False Divide Between—Conscious Style Guide.

Shalom!

“Good versus Evil” is an article designed to assist you in enhancing your self-awareness. It aims to clarify the concepts of good and evil in a contemporary world where truth often appears relative. Despite varying definitions, there seems to be a universal human instinct for discerning right from wrong. With this in mind, let us delve further into the subject.

First, What Is Good, And Why Is It Important?

The notion that what is “good” for one person may be “bad” or even “evil” for another has its limitations. Firstly, there is a universal human understanding of right and wrong. For instance, it is universally unacceptable for one person to urinate on another. While this example may seem simplistic, it serves to illustrate the point. The concept of good versus evil is essentially a comparison of life’s dualities.

Secondly, if you express your dislike for something and I proceed to do it anyway, it implies that I am acting intentionally. Such behavior is deemed wrong because it disregards your expressed preferences.

For instance, if you dislike cigarette smoking for personal reasons and have informed me of this, yet I persist in smoking around you, then my actions are intentional. Conversely, if you haven’t communicated your aversion to it, I might assume it’s acceptable to smoke in your presence. This scenario illustrates a basic concept of right and wrong.

Related: Life Coaching Ultimate Guide

From the simple examples provided, it is evident that humans inherently understand the concepts of good and evil, right and wrong. Regardless of tribal or cultural background, there is no excuse for ignorance of these moral distinctions.

Nevertheless, it is also true that individuals may engage in actions that others might view as negative, or even evil, within their cultural context. For instance, the method I use to prepare my food could eventually lead you to dislike it. While the ingredients remain the same, the preparation techniques can vary significantly.

In Uganda or Equatoria, the preparation of okras differs from our methods in the Upper Nile or the northern parts of South Sudan. We crush them into a paste, which they do not. Our foods may seem odd or unrecognizable as food to Ugandans or Equatorians. You probably had many thoughts about good versus evil, right?

The way we eat also varies greatly, influenced by the upbringing in our respective communities and cultures. Our speech, gait, and even our posture may differ. While others might view our actions negatively, we pride ourselves on being the best. We might judge others’ actions as wrong or evil, even when they are not, but this does not negate the existence of good and evil.

Despite the varied definitions of good and evil, there are universal aspects to each. Universal rights and wrongs exist, as do good and bad things that affect every human being. This means that people worldwide can recognize something as bad, good, evil, wrong, or right, even if they don’t share common beliefs or traditions.

Humans possess this understanding simply because they are human. They have an innate sense of what is wrong, correct, right, evil, and good. They don’t need to be religious or hold any particular beliefs to discern right from wrong. They inherently know because they are human. Despite minor differences, there is common ground where humans universally concur on many aspects.

Pros of the good

• Most if not all people prefer good over evil
• It’s the most wanted commodity in the world
• It’s the positive side of things
• It gives us hope and purpose in life

Cons of the good

• Different people see it differently
• Not what should always is
• Positive may be the unwanted in some situations
• Hope and purpose may just be mere wishes

Second, What Is Evil, And Why Is It Important?

On the contrary, evil, as previously described, is that which causes harm or pain to any human or animal. If my actions cause you pain, then they are evil, harmful, or wrong. Evil stands in direct opposition to good. As mentioned before, ignorance of what constitutes evil versus good is inexcusable, given that humans naturally possess the ability to discern between the two.

While personal preferences do exist, there are overt and undeniable offenses that must be eschewed to ensure peaceful and harmonious coexistence among humans. However, it is important to remember that not all humans are, or are expected to be, equally virtuous.

Some believe that certain individuals are inherently evil and take pleasure in this nature. They argue that human nature is fundamental and precedes our thoughts, words, actions, and character traits. Nonetheless, this inherent nature is not a justification for perpetually committing evil acts. Those who do evil face repercussions, not only potentially in the afterlife but also in the present world.

To demonstrate that humans can discern good from evil, one might consider the consequences of committing an evil act. The existence of laws and regulations is a testament to society’s recognition of evil. The prevalence of wrongdoing has led to the establishment of stringent laws, although those in positions of power may manipulate these laws for personal gain.

Evil inflicts harm not only physically but also mentally and spiritually. The mind, spirit, soul, and heart, in my belief, all refer to the same immaterial essence of every human or animal. Indeed, I believe animals possess souls or spirits, as my Bible does not state otherwise.

It has been repeatedly stated that every human is aware of what causes pain. They understand the concepts of good and evil, right and wrong. They are familiar with the pain associated with harm, yet they continue to hurt others or are hurt by others, both intentionally and unintentionally.

Good and evil are two facets of the same entity, life. Life cannot exist without these dualities: good and evil, negative and positive, right and wrong. In this world, opposites coexist, seemingly opposing yet contributing to the betterment of each other or the collective. Consider this: how can we gauge the virtue of something without evil to contrast it? How can we assess the luminosity of light without the presence of darkness?

Evil exists, whether we accept it or not. It has always been, is now, and will persist. Regardless of our beliefs, sacred or secular, we are bound to encounter both good and evil in the present. As long as we are alive, we must navigate life as it presents itself, embracing both its benevolent and malevolent aspects. Life is not singular in nature; it is indeed a coin with two distinct sides.

Indeed, this may not sit well with the devout, but it is a reality, not a tale. It’s not merely my belief or fantasy; it’s the truth we face. Hearing bad news is never pleasant, but it’s an inevitable part of life. You might have recently learned of something shocking happening to someone close to you, and that’s exactly what I’m addressing.

What occurs to them today will occur to us tomorrow. Such is the nature of life, and we must come to terms with it. Life is beyond our control, despite our attempts to influence it. Even with our advanced scientific understanding, we still fall short in many respects. The essence of life eludes us. No amount of knowledge allows us to preserve or prevent life from fading away.

Could we possibly revive life with our scientific advancements in the distant future? That would be a remarkable achievement. I hope that someone might revive me a million years from now, so I can revisit these words and chuckle with delight. Whether this will happen remains to be seen.

Pros of the evil

• It happens regardless of people’s views
• It’s just part of God’s plan
• It was, it is, and it will be here
• We hate it but we find ourselves doing it all the time

Cons of the evil

• It’s always not preferable
• Most people don’t go for it
• It sees hope as a mere wish
• It’s the negative side of things

Third, You Have a Personal Choice

As you may have realized, there is always a place for you in my writings. This place belongs to you. It’s where you have the power to decide. You select what to embrace and what to reject. You choose what to carry with you and what to leave behind on these pages, be they digital or printed.

Indeed, good and evil exist, and all humans are aware of both aspects of life. People become angry because they sense an injustice. No one feels annoyance without cause, right? Of course, unless one is unwell, famished, or suffering mentally, which are valid reasons for anger, wouldn’t you say?

Do you believe that evil is both a universal and a personal concept? Do you think the same applies to good? Would you concur that what may be beneficial for one person could be harmful to another? Are you aware that we can reach a consensus on whether something is good or evil based on certain standards?

Finally, My Advice

Balance is always necessary, wouldn’t you agree? For instance, if someone thinks my diet is unhealthy, there’s no need for debate, as they are entitled to their opinion. What’s suitable for me may not be for you or others.

Both personal and universal concepts of good and evil exist. However, if you disagree, I won’t judge you based on my views. You are a complete individual with your own rights, just as I am an individual with my own beliefs and mistakes.

The best way to handle conflict, in my opinion, is to prevent it. Indeed, prevention is better than cure, which is true for conflicts as well. To prevent disputes, we must find balance and middle ground, making compromises for the collective good.

This doesn’t imply that everyone should think alike. I understand that humans are not and will never be identical in their thinking. Not everyone is prepared to abandon what they consider the only correct path for unity and peace. Some may continue to fight for their own realms. However, I believe balance is always necessary. After all, excess in anything can be detrimental, right? That’s my belief.

Good and evil exist in our world, whether we accept it or not. Finding a balance between them is a form of wisdom. It leads to righteous living among others. It fosters peace and harmony. It brings joy and happiness. It results in a life well-lived.

I hope this discourse on good versus evil has been enlightening for you. If it has, please share your thoughts below. If not, I welcome your feedback. For further inquiries, feel free to reach out at info@johnshalom.com.

FURTHER READINGS

• Good vs Evil—Medium
• The Real Meaning of Good and Evil—Psychology Today