With the Berkshire AGM over for another year, I was once more left to marvel at how two Mid West grandpas aged 86 and 93 could keep so many people spellbound for five and a half hours. And I remain in awe of their rational approach to life which comes, amongst others, from their study of the greatest of Roman emperors, Marcus Aurelius.
So it was to Aurelius that I once again turned yesterday to make sense of what is happening in the world today. And was heartened by a reminder of a belief that superior intellect is reflected in empathy for your fellows. And it is from such empathy that flows a desire for justice, fairness, truth and benevolence to others.
Aurelius believed few sane men are intentional evil doers wilfully causing injury to their fellow man. They do so, rather, as a result of ignorance, incompetence, laziness or neglect. And it is up to those who know better, those blessed with superior intellect to change the minds of those unwittingly causing chaos.
That approach puts huge responsibility on enlightened beings in a country like South Africa. Something to think about before throwing the next stone.
