"Three things for which a person might hazard his/her life
and lose it: the search for truth, the upholding of justice;
the performance of mercy."
___ Welsh triad, (trans CM)
The eternal search for truth engages many people in a dangerous quest, whether that quest be research into life-threatening diseases in an attempt to find a cure, the struggle of writers, poets, and activists to maintain the voice of truth in the face of restrictive regimes, or any of myriad other pursuits.
The upholding of justice is a worldwide concern. Although we may complain that judicial systems are antiquated and need reform in the West, at least we have a system of justice, however poorly we may believe it to function. In parts of the world where dictatorship, war, and other evils reign, justice is a gun in the hand, and there are many daily who die in attempting to bring an end to unjust governance.
The performance of mercy endangers life every day; wherever the land, the weather, or the prevailing conditions are dangerous, there are teams of rescue workers and health professionals who hazard their own lives in order to save those of others.
Those whose view of humankind is a very low one, who believe humans to be intrinsically selfish, and greedy, need only look at the lives of the defenders of truth, justice, and mercy to change their opinion. If we cannot venture our lives in defense of the three principles named in the above triad, then there is indeed little hope for our species; but there never seems to be a lack of compassionate people who put their own concerns aside and risk their very lives in defense of the greater good.
"Make a blessing of protection for all who hazard their lives in defense of lofty principles."
[From: "The Celtic Spirit" by Caitlin Matthews]
How very true, it is always amazing to find altruism and compassion.I would lke to link this post as it's so relevant to what's happening over on my adoption blog.good wishes.....
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