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People worry.
Then people fear.
Then people tend to act unreasonably.
Unreasonable behavior is detrimental to people's wellbeing.
It is normal. We have survived because we have avoided numerous dangers along the road. On the other hand paralyzing fear can prevent us from using valuable resources where they are most needed. Therefore it is most important to think before we act, doubt before we believe, analyze before we claim to understand.
Following is a quote that impressed and saddened me at the same time. There are great minds that warn us but we listen and don't hear, look and don't see....
For a bit of history:
"The English
government presents, just now, a curious phenomenon. Seeing that the French and
English nations are getting rid of the prejudices and false notions formerly
entertained against each other, and which have cost them so much money, that
government seems to be placarding its need of a foe; for unless it finds one
somewhere, no pretext exists for the enormous revenue and taxation now deemed
necessary.
Therefore, it
seeks in Russia the enemy it has lost in France, and appears to say to the
universe, or to say to itself. "If nobody will be so kind as to become my
foe, I shall need no more fleets nor armies, and shall be forced to reduce my
taxes. The American war enabled me to double the taxes; the Dutch business to
add more; the Nootka humbug gave me a pretext for raising three millions
sterling more; but unless I can make an enemy of Russia the harvest from wars
will end. I was the first to incite Turk against Russian, and now I hope to
reap a fresh crop of taxes."
If the miseries
of war, and the flood of evils it spreads over a country, did not check all
inclination to mirth, and turn laughter into grief, the frantic conduct of the
government of England would only excite ridicule. But it is impossible to
banish from one's mind the images of suffering which the contemplation of such
vicious policy presents. To reason with governments, as they have existed for
ages, is to argue with brutes. It is only from the nations themselves that
reforms can be expected. There ought not now to exist any doubt that the peoples
of France, England, and America, enlightened and enlightening each other, shall
henceforth be able, not merely to give the world an example of good government,
but by their united influence enforce its practice."
