Without thought, there is nothing. No expression, no feeling, no idealism: nothing. Thought begets action. Only through action can a thought become a commissioned evil. One may think evil thoughts, dream evil thoughts, or even wish evil; but until such thoughts are put into action, they are impotent. It is only when evil actions are undertaken that they beget more evil actions.
It is a classic line of the film, stage, or novelistic villain to say, "The more evil I am, the more they like me." Note that it is invariably "like," never "love" (though exceptions exist), for love is the opposite—the absolute antithesis—of evil. Yes, one can love being evil or love doing evil deeds, but the two—love and evil—are mutually exclusive: polar opposites. And yet, evil is so often misconstrued as good—"Oh, they are so good, they're evil." Or, "To make it in this world, you have to be evil."
Are we to take from this that we should not think at all? No, it is the action that compounds the evil thought. We do not live in an age of great, philosophical leaders. Our age is beset by small-minded leaders stumbling around in oversized shoes, clutching ideas they borrowed, stole, or rebranded from the past. There is popularity in being evil—sadly. This is not a show of strength; it is one of weakness, of fear. Bullying others is never a sign of power; it reveals weakness, fear, and deep insecurity. It is an attempt to elicit not respect, but servility and sycophancy.
If a journey begins with a single step, then a path to hope starts with a simple thought or image in one's mind: a blossoming flower, a ray of sunlight breaking through a clouded sky, or a raindrop that hits a puddle and bounces back up. A simple expression of thought that leads to a smile—nothing more is needed, for now. Everything good and positive can come from a simple thought: expression, feeling, idealism. Everything.
Some pics from the Chalice Well gardens at Glastonbury, Somerset.
Below-one of the paths leading to the natural spring (second pic). Third pic, a 'foot' pond of spring water for walking in - the spring is purported to have natural healing or restorative powers. And lastly, an ornamental 'pond'.
