Good & Evil
“Goodness” can be defined as that which moves us in the direction of creative coexistence, empathy, and solidarity with others. The nature of evil, on the other hand, is to divide—people from people, humanity from the rest of nature.
[Lecture at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, USA, Jun. 13, 1996]
It is the function of evil to divide; to alienate people from each other and divide one country from another. The universe, this world and our own lives, are the stage for a ceaseless struggle between hatred and compassion, the destructive and constructive aspects of life. . . . In the end, the evil over which we must triumph is the impulse toward hatred and destruction that resides in us all.
[Essay, “The Evil Over Which We Must Triumph,” in From the Ashes]
Remaining silent in the face of injustice is the same as supporting it.
[Speech at Executive Leaders Conference, Tokyo, Nov. 11, 2008]
The way to overcome lies and misinformation is to courageously set the record straight. Failing to speak up allows lies to prevail over truth.
[The New Human Revolution, Vol. 27, “Fierce Struggle” chapter]
There can be no revealing the true without refuting the erroneous. In fact, failure to correct what is wrong amounts to condoning evil and makes one complicit with it.
[The New Human Revolution, Vol. 27, “Justice” chapter]
When that which is true and just is defeated, it will be labeled as wrong and bad. Sad as this is, it is a social reality that can be observed throughout history. This is why those who champion the path of justice must not be defeated.
[The New Human Revolution, Vol. 21, “People’s Diplomacy” chapter]
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