With knowledge and wisdom guiding us, we often listen and speak just to gauge the reactions we might receive. Understanding our audience and their responses allows us to view things from their perspective. It’s important to focus on principles that are universally respected and designed to align with others, rather than simply catering to personal preferences.
We learn the value of speech by listening to what others are saying. People like to use language as a force to strengthen their own opinions of the ways of the world around us. Sometimes only using a portion of what may be true in order to pivot to how they want the story to be told that fits a certain agenda going forward. Why putting things in context matter.
Spinning myths to fit our own agendas has become an art. Elections seem less about truth and more about who can spend the most money highlighting their opponent’s flaws rather than their own plans if elected. Our system feels hijacked by hidden money and influence operating behind the scenes. The idea of “putting things in context” seems to have been forgotten. Whose principles do we follow? How do we discern truth from lies? This isn’t a new issue.
In ancient times, people often faced the challenge of choosing between two paths. When the way forward wasn’t clear, they turned to shamans, the stars, or nature for guidance, believing there might be a better source to follow. The one who could best convey the story of success often led the way. Even today, not much has changed. The key lies in understanding who we truly are as individuals, as neighbors, as a country, even the world. Nature and the universe depend on those who will protect the environment in which we live. It is just that simple… but not so easy, as we often need to be reminded.
Language is a tool for teaching and learning by showing contrasts—how things should be and how they shouldn’t. It starts with rejecting the idea that others get to decide who we should be within their chosen context. We all have the right to decide too. It’s always been about defining what freedom means for us, both as individuals and as a collective, not just the few. This alone stands as the basic tenet of the meaning of democracy as others have looked to America as the beacon of light for all. 
Our future heavily relies on three key factors: education, opportunity and truth-telling for all of us not only a few. When these are prioritized, societies flourish, but when access is limited, history repeatedly shows that such societies don’t last.
Most importantly, I believe the founders of America recognized the importance of context and freedom and acted in alignment with those principles. This has not changed.
My travels with Lieh Tzu / Interpolations along the Way
Chapter Six – Endeavor and Destiny
92. Keeping an empty or open mind
Having no need for principles. Forever staying true to the external situation. Bringing with you no regrets from the past or thoughts of any future that may come. Perfectly concentrated only on the consequences of spontaneous action while remaining always in perfect discipline.
Never quite sure if the appropriate action to be taken is an act of free will or the intent of heaven. Achievements remain outside of our control as they depend solely on the situation at hand. Choices to to be made without choosing to do anything.
Men and women throughout the ages gaining infamy as they are praised for making the correct decisions under difficult circumstances. When they had no choice. Knowing in the end that what was done could only have been a mistake if they believed there was some benefit in doing otherwise. The Tao taught us to empty our mind of all subjective principles, attend to the external situation at hand with perfect concentration and respond without seeking alternatives.
How can we know prejudice if our mind has no preconceived notion of right and wrong, benefit and harm? Why should subjective preferences be allowed to distract our vision? 
If we allow our mind to reflect or mirror the situation, then how can alternatives or choice exist? What distinction can there possibly be?
The sage knows the proper way simply because no other alternative is free to come forward. He remains eternally unobstructed to do whatever comes naturally to him. The essence of true spontaneity. Striving only to maintain the oneness found in each instant or moment as it comes and goes.
Remain as an inanimate object. Free from whatever the world brings to your doorstep. Staying only as a repository or empty vessel. Filling spontaneously when something is poured into it. Until then, just remaining as thin air waiting to be displaced again and again. 5/31/95
Number ninety-two of one hundred fifty-eight entries
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