Revolution

There seems to be some misunderstanding among visitors to this page regarding my intent when I named this webpage "The Revolution Starts Today." First of all, let me make it very clear that I do not believe in any form of violence; I am a pacifist. This is why I am against abortion, animal exploitation, the death penalty, and military aggression. I do not believe that violence can ever offer any solutions to existing problems. Violence can, at times, offer what appears to be a temporary solution, but a temporary solution is not a real solution. I am convinced that violence will always beget violence. If one operates by a value system that claims that harming others is wrong, but excuses behavior that is harmful to others under certain circumstances, then one is operating under an inconsistent, and therefore faulty, moral structure. I believe that if one takes a stand against violence, then he or she must do so universally. Even if one uses violence to fight a morally reprehensible cause, righteousness cannot triumph; immoral means cannot bring about moral ends.

With this in mind, consider how this philosophy applies to the idea of revolution. Clearly, it shows that I do not advocate any sort of revolution by violent means. Rather, I believe in what the Catholic Worker movement calls "a revolution of one," i.e. a revolution that is brought about one person at a time. Lasting change cannot be brought about by violent means because it does not ensure that every individual will believe in the revolutionary ideals. Force-feeding beliefs is not effective in changing society as a whole, nor is broad-casting ideologies to the masses. While violent revolutions may appear to effect drastic change, their accomplishments are superficial. Real revolution is only brought about on the individual level. Lasting change occurs only within the mind, heart, and soul of the individual. This kind of change is not as visible as that made by government policy-makers or violent revolutionaries, but it is far more genuine because it lives in the heart of the individual. This is change that can last for generations. This is real revolution.

One might ask how such a "revolution of the heart" might be implemented. The answer is simple. Every individual must constantly examine and evaluate his or her conscience and question whether he/she is doing what it takes to make the world a better place. Revolution starts with each and every one of us. We have a duty to humanity to constantly educate ourselves and elevate our minds. Education is the most powerful tool in achieving revolution; an uneducated society is doomed to suffer from the woes of injustice and oppression. Education and the spreading of ideas are what drive a revolution. Knowledge incites the will of the revolutionary to strive for change. In addition, a true revolutionary must be a positive example for those around him or her. The best way to lead is to lead by example. We must constantly ask ourselves whether the world would be a better place if everyone lived their lives like us. We must build a society of leaders.

You might think that such a revolution can never occur and that it is unrealistic to aim for such change. Such pessimism is the root of all failure. I believe in setting high goals and pursuing them relentlessly. Why take artificial satisfaction in acheiving low aims, when you know that you can achieve more? Satisfaction can only be found in the pursuit of the perfect.

Can't change the world but you can change yourself. - Sick of it All

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