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Nice essay. Thanks. We have definitely "been primed for this for decades. Maybe (MUCH) longer."

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Such a rude awakening for everyone who grew up looking for the best in people.

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Thank you for helping me inject “philanthropath” into the public consciousness, Ann!

One little correction: “Ann” should be “Anna” in my name :-)

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thank you Ann! This is an important topic.

We can always seek the good in people, but we must not overlook the need to be spiritually cultivated enough to actively use our radars. The radars that can spot the dangers to the dinity and sanctity of life.

I too have had a rude awakening in 2021, it was actually my first substack post. I feel the reason is not to be found in priming. Go the other way. What have I not done properly to protect myself and others? What must I change?

And some thoughts about giving, my Buddhist philosophy clearly states that sacrifice is far from correct behavior. Showing compassion and respect for others but not yourself is imbalance, to put it mildly. Its an oxymoron.

Deeply, when I later on challenged my behavior, I clearly saw that my doing that was a tree of giving rooted in arrogance. That arrogance of 'i will save you'...

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Some good points, Martinos. Thank you. We’re being asked to wrestle with ego and go inward. And yes, there is internal work to be done in striking a balance. I’ve heard from the beginning that this was going to be a spiritual upheaval and it’s proving to be true.

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