Have you ever read something in a work of fiction that was so profound, that you completely embraced it and used it as a guide in life?
A series of books was introduced to me. The Sword of Truth by Terri Goodkind. The first of the series: Wizard’s First Rule. This book was loaned to me by one of my first husband’s subordinates. He was an NCO in the Army and this younger fellow was constantly hanging out at our place. Very bright and intense, I always enjoyed talking to him so it wasn’t a shock to assume I’d like a book he’d suggest. He called it “brain candy”.
So what exactly IS the wizard’s first rule?
People are stupid. (I’m not saying that people are stupid... I’m saying that is what it says in the book! Don’t come at me with your torches and pitchforks)
Zed, the First Wizard, explains further. People will believe things for two reasons: because they want it to be true, or they are afraid it is true.
Here is the root of manipulation. Learning this rule changed my perspective on things. I watch from the sidelines as people are drawn in to “mass hysteria” and mob mentality. I have had that second part of the rule used against me in my first marriage.
Sticking to the facts... what is known... that is how I’ve overcome a lot of fear and anxiety in my life. When I am told that I am a bad mother, I challenge that information. Every new mom worries about being a good mother. I was no exception. That was the one thing that held weight in my life; my ability to be a good parent.
Now I think I struggle a lot with the first part. There are so many things that I want to believe. I trust easily. I see the struggle of humanity and give people the benefit of the doubt.
As it turns out... my greatest desires are also my deepest fears. What if everything that I believe to be true about people... turns out to be false? I don’t often allow that train of thought to take me ... but every so often I get a small wave of paranoia driven panic. I cling to the belief that people... in the most basic natural sense... are NOT malicious.
I have to believe that. I have to recognize the love. It is what endures and sustains everything.
Szer'as so'as bas'sekir.
