Common Threat Unites
Yes. When there is a common threat, everyone unites to fight against that threat. But on the other hand, when no common threat, then everyone "eat full nothing to do" (Chi Bao Mei Shi Zuo) and start creating problems for one another.
Don't you agree that human beings cannot stay idle for too long? When everything goes well and life seems "ok", they need to create some excitements in their life ... like starting an affair for example or maybe start a war with somebody, be it their colleagues, neighbours, spouse, school mates, etc.
Let's say, when country A is in conflict with country B (actual war or war of words), the citizens of the whole country (for either country) will be united against the other country, regardless of race, religion, etc.. All the people will be united as one country, one family, one force. UNITED. Together we stand ....
But then when countries A and B are at peace, the citizens will find faults and create conflicts with one another in their own country!!!
Let's say the citizens of A country: People of the state / province of BEAR in the north might find problems and fight with people of the state / province of APE in the south. All the BEARers & northerners will be UNITED regardless of race and religion, to fight with the APErs & southeners.
But then when the states of BEAR and APE are at peace, the citizens of each state will find problems with one another in their own state and fight it out.
Let's say the citizens of the BEAR state / province: the different political parties will find problems and faults with one another and fight it out. Or the people of different religions will find fault with one another and go into conflict. Or maybe differences in race or skin colour is the reason for them to fight.
Wait!!! Even if there is no conflict between different countries, states / provinces, races, religions, etc. .... people still find problem with one another around them. Yes, the stupid neighbour, the stupid colleague, the stupid boss, the stupid driver on the road, the stupid customer, the stupid waiter, etc.
Yes, people "eat full, nothing to do", they look for trouble.
So, to save our fellow human beings from killing one another over such "trivial matters of their own illusions / agendas" ... we must start a war with OTHER PLANETS. That's right. Only when we fight with other planets, can ALL the people of this world be united as one race: the human race of the planet EARTH. UNITED :)
cheers.
ps. QED!!! so easy, why no smart-alects with nuclear-physic doctorates ever thought of that?
ps. anybody know how I could nominate myself for a Nobel Peace prize?
Second Ship, In Reserve
Yes. Always have an additional ship at port. Just in case you need to jump ship from the one you are on, at least you have a reserve ship ... and you will not be left to sink or swim in the rough seas and at the mercy of sharks. Big ship, small ship ... does not matter. But must standby a spare ship!
Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Conflict of Interest and Selfishness
It is the nature of Man to be selfish. This is for self-preservation and the survival of family and loved ones. Whenever a person's interests are threatened or encroached upon, he / she will do all it takes to protect those interests.
That's why, whenever there is a conflict of interest, friends can become enemies. Yep. That's a cruel reality and truth of life. Whenever there is not enough pie for everyone, some will start to fight for bigger share than others and will resort to all tricks and means.
Of course, when the fights get fiercer, having bigger share of the pie is no longer enough. Soon, each will be fighting for the WHOLE pie. That's when parents and their children, siblings, relatives, friends, partners, business associates, etc. can and will become enemies.
The saddest but surest finale will be when one has "eliminated" the other/s or one has left the fight (though not necessarily a surrender). Because there can only be 1 person left standing, with 1 whole pie (eventhough by then it could be a badly damaged pie).
Before any partnerships or collaborations ever come to that stage, bear in mind that "for each his own" and especially true of personal interests and benefits. When conflict of interest arise, the war will start ... whether you like it or not.
Some people fight for power. Some people fight for money. But most fight for "face", directly or indirectly, whether they knew it or not. Dignity and self-ego is one of the biggest reason Man fight.
In the 21st Century, everyone advocates and shout about "WinWin" collaborations & cooperations instead of competitions. If everyone can take care of one another's interests and especially their "common" interests, then of course it will be a splendid way to do business and make money together. But unfortunately, regardless of how good or reliable a concept, idea or way of doing things ... it always go wrong.
Why? Because human beings are very unreliable!!! If a company suffers losses, the partners blame and fight against one another. On the other hand, if a company makes money, the partners will also fight against one another ... fight for a bigger share of the profit because of their bigger "contributions" towards the business venture's success. Yes, when a company starts making lots of money, even sleeping partners and relations of partners will suddenly want to meddle in the company's business. They want to make sure they can "conquer more territories" and "carve" a bigger share of the profits for themselves.
There is nothing wrong with Man being selfish and unreliable. That's human nature. Need not get personal or emotional about it. As Don Corleonne said in the
Godfather, "It is nothing personal, strictly business". Accept that as a part of life and learn to live with it, learn to cope, learn to protect yourself.
CityHermits.BlogSpot.Com: Hermits in The City
CityHermits.BlogSpot.Com is a blog about 21st century hermits living in the cities all over the world.
