In ancient times
Kieh killed Kwan Lung fang,
and Kâu killed the prince Pî kan.

Both of these cultivated their persons,
bending down in sympathy with the lower people
to comfort, to relieve suffering (as they did) from their oppressors,
and on their account opposing their superiors.

On this account, because of their moral conduct,
their rulers compassed their destruction:
such regard had they for their own fame.

In ancient times,
Yao attacked (the states of) Tshung-kih and Hsü-âo,
and Yü attacked the ruler of Hû.

Those states were left empty,
and with no one to continue their population,
the people being exterminated.

They had engaged in war without ceasing;
their craving for whatever they could get
was insatiable.

And this (ruler of Wei) is, like them,
one who craves after fame and greater substance;
-have you not heard it?

Those sages
were not able to overcome the thirst for fame and substance;
-how much less will you be able to do so!

Zhuangzi by Zhuang Zhou, trans. by James Legge, Hyun Hochsmann, Yang Guorong, Transactions in the World of Men

The sharp edged truth of Zhuangzi is persuasive. My innermost core recognizes “this” feels like the truth. The history of humankind by and large is a blood soaked tableau. I wish it were otherwise. I mean the conviviality which I experience at the start of my day, every day here at Starbucks. Baristas who say “good morning” with sincerity, and that cup of coffee representing the lives of hundreds, from grower to distributor, to delivery truck driver, Seattle decision makers too, – etc., etc. (hundreds no doubt) is a holy symbol of the jointly, shared meaning that humans are capable of.

But alas such paradise-like cooperation is episodic, erratic. To share power, to mindfully limit our inclination to be greedy, – is a lesson that as a species, we must continue to practice. Enough ≠ More.

Until this day and moment, the story of humanity is mostly a field of blood.

I know things can be different.

Friends, here is our tune for this episode: Money For Nothing by Dire Straits. Bangin’ on the bongos like a chimpanzee! Enjoy!