The first sin or original sin was the knowledge of good and evil. We have forgotten that the second sin is speaking clearly. These are man’s affronts against God, the child against the parent and the citizen against the state. This is why, when a great teacher commits these sins, they are punished. Such is the price of being civilized and communicating. Is there any doubt that if Jesus came to earth again and preached we would first put him on television and then after he established himself as a leader either assassinate or crucify him again?

Our price for being civilized is to allow a multiplicity of controls to be placed on us. Our task is to assert our individualism and evolve while dovetailing into our society, an almost Sisyphean task.

Say little. But when you speak, utter gentle words that touch the heart. Be truthful. Express kindness. Abstain from vanity. This is the way.

Satoru