Why Can We Play Fair?

When I was growing up, I never understood the desire to get over on someone. As if that was a manly thing to celebrate since I watched men do it more than women. That sinister desire to beat the other "at all cost, including foul play". Now that I am older, that seems like a childish thing to do. But when I was a child, it seemed like a "big flaw of being older". Maybe I just never found it to be a "human quality".

I am not generalizing for I know plenty of men who play fair at their work and with their relationships. But just lately, I watched this happened to a dear and honorable friend. My friend became a victim of being played by a competitor who deceitful lied in order to take away his business. And others may say, "well, he lost to a shrewder person and did not know how to guard his own business". Why should we be guarding everything around us? Why are we after everyone's business? Why not stay in our business and respect the business of others? Is it time that we honor our neighbor and build our integrity? There's PLENTY going around for everyone...why rob your neighbor of their hard work? ABUNDANCE is everywhere: plant life manages to live even between the cracks of the cement sidewalks. Haven't you notice that?

I guess when it happens to someone I love, it hurts more than when it happens to me. It's like when my little brother would fall, I hated to see his pain but all I could do is hold his hand and not cry. The test of strength is watching those whom you love suffer and accepting that all one can do is be PRESENT for them.

I could hold my friend's hand and say how sorry I am for such loss. But I won't this time, for my friend knows how I feel. Sometimes it's best to just sympathize and say: "THIS REALLY SUCKS, DOESN'T IT". For there's no reason in fighting or arguing with reality but accepting it and then tolerating those qualities in others that may be inhuman to some.

The painting above by Kirchner reminded me of Men at Play. I just hope that the world will eventually learn to play fairly for the sake of our collective self-esteem.

Click here for a mood up-lifter, God knows I need it: