On Philosophies and War

I am, of late, given to rumination on the natures of religions which have entered the sphere of the public awareness in the years since my death. Particularly, I have noticed a surprising popularity of religions - or philosophies, I suppose - with origins in Asia.

Buddhism, especially, is considered by many to be a near-perfect philosophy, a standard of life impossible for the many but ideal for the few. I cannot comprehend the reasoning behind this outlook. The insistence on detachment, in Buddhist philosophy, seems the last refuge of a mind so obsessed with its pain that it must likewise relinquish joy. They come hand in hand; you may not have one without the other. Therefore, so as to live the clearest life possible, in Buddhism, one may have neither.

Similarly, in the Taoist concept of the Uncarved Block, ignorance and haplessness are idealized to an utter perfection of contentment. Ignorance, quite literally, is bliss. Taoism would have each of its followers relinquish all responsibility for the ebb and flow of the world, and instead hold themselves apart.

For those who would advocate the Buddhist support of unconditional peace, I would remind you that, though the evil of war is great and terrible, there is good that may not be accomplished but with blood. Fighting for freedom is not made wrong simply because it is fighting - that is not only folly, but a dangerous disrespect to those who have fought.