The dictionary defines arrogant as “having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or abilities.” It comes from the Latin root meaning “claiming for oneself.” Why is this of interest? Because it helps to explain some of what we see around us. Rather than seeking to live with one another in a civil civilization, some opt for power and wealth (claiming for themselves) no matter the cost to others.
Arrogance brought us atom bombs; drugs with long lists of “side” effects; pollution; manufactured goods that can’t easily be disposed of; genetically modified crops; toxic fertilizers and pesticides; huge quantities of industrially farmed, nutritionally lacking “food”; gasguzzling cars; the current economic crisis; and, sadly, the list goes on. But, like every coin, this one has two sides. The flip side is intelligence. Our dictionary says it’s “the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.” It also comes from a Latin root, but this one means “understand.”
Like it or not, we’re in a battle for the future of our race. The planet will continue—the only question is, will it continue to support mankind?
Unfortunately, it’s not only the various crises we have to deal with (war, economy, environment, energy, health…), it’s also the fact that in each of these situations there is a battle between intelligence (trying to improve conditions) on one side and arrogance (seeking to keep things just as they are for personal gain) on the other. If you ever thought that some of these disasters might not be all that natural, then you get the idea. Turns out we’re not all on the same team.
The good news that doesn’t make the “news” is that there are a lot of people who realize that life on this planet is an interdependence. There are some good examples in this issue. We have a doctor who specializes in using natural nutrition to support world-class athletes, an environmental organization that is saving tropical forests from being slashed and burned, and a farmer who works by understanding nature to produce high-nutrient fruits and vegetables with “true taste.”
The interesting thing is that arrogance is built on lies. It seeks to use wealth and force to sustain its power. Intelligence seeks to live with the truth. Telling the arrogant from the intelligent is quite simple. Look at the results. If there’s pain, suffering and death involved, it’s arrogance. If there’s life, health and happiness, it’s intelligence.
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