Moreover, skillful wrestlers begin with open trials of strength,
but always end with masked aggression (to gain the victory);
as their excitement grows excessive,
they display fraudulent tactics.

Parties drinking according to the rules
at first observe good order, but always end with disorder;
as their excitement grows excessive,
they become raucous.

In all things it is so.

People are at first sincere,
but always end with becoming rude;
at the commencement things are treated as trivial,
but as the end draws near, they assume great proportions.

Words are (like) the waves acted on by the wind;
the real point of the matters (discussed by them) is lost.
The wind and waves are easily set in motion;
the success of the matter of which the real point is lost
is easily put in peril.

Hence quarrels are occasioned by nothing so much
as by artful words and one sided speeches.

The breath comes angrily,
as when a beast, driven to death,
wildly bellows forth its rage.
Then both sides become enraged.
Hasty examination (of the case) eagerly proceeds,
and revengeful thoughts arise in their minds; they do not know how.

Since they do not know how such thoughts arise, who knows how they will end?

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

This section of the Zhuangzi the fundamentals of diplomacy are discussed. A diplomat has responsibility for artful communication. Is not everyone in the business of communicating? Without doubt this is so. Examples are given of a sporting event (wrestling) where the rules are observed initially, then winning becomes what matters, and anything goes… We’ve seen it many times. Rules bent and broken without shame in order to win.

Imagine a dinner party if you will. Alcoholic beverages are available at open bar, – decorum is observed by everyone, at first. You know, polite and measured conversation. Then “things get out of hand.” A single ill advised comment, an oblique judgment whether true or not doesn’t matter – all hell breaks loose. A reputation will be defended, even to the death.

Haven’t you observed a similar scenario on occasion, maybe even participated in such a downward spiral of a relationship?

“Words are waves acted upon by the wind.”

Emphasized is the ease by which words are loosed, sharpened, made one-sided – and then the beast rises, that hardly human primal monster. The monster in you and I. You know it. The process is subtle, so seductive, the agent is confused such that he/she hasn’t a clue about how they reached this condition. Without the aid of self-reflection, the contagion of ill will, purposes become murderous, must run their course.

I was reminded again of why these words of Zhuangzi matter. Americans are now in the longest shutdown of the government in history. Air Travel is disrupted. Thousands are going hungry as a result. Thousands are slammed with health insurance costs they cannot afford. How could we have elected a chief executive who is known to begin every relationship with aggression, blackmail, and extortion? He is feared and despised by millions here and around the world. A friend made comment that the occupant of the White House is a Fucktard, – a dark and poetic term. An apt word for these times, don’t you think? And that is the point.

Are we clueless, bereft of self-reflection?