What’s the Matter With People Around Here, Any Ways?

When I was at school in Humboldt County, my girlfriend and I lived in a tiny cabin in Trinidad, California. Next door lived a desperate alcoholic who drank at least a half gallon of cheap whiskey every day.

One day I heard a voice ask “How’s it going?” from somewhere within his cabin. We chatted, and I told him the brakes had failed on my truck nearly causing a crash, and that we suspected a competitor in the firewood business had cut my brake lines. His response was both naive and profound. “What’s the matter with people around here, any ways?”

Since that day, I have asked this question in a variety of settings.

Salvatore Sonny Grosso, a friend of mine, posted this thought for the day on Facebook:

When the spirit dies, so does the soul. Each time we strike, belittle, bully, steal from or disrespect another, a little piece of the Earth’s soul dies. Each time we help, hold, love, respect, encourage and share with another, the spirit is reborn. We hold the World’s Spirit and Soul in our own hands. Together we can save them!

Why do we strike, belittle, bully, steal from and disrespect each other? And what might the world be like if we stopped?