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Primo Levi in his book The Drowned and the Saved wrote of the “grey zone” in Auschwitz. It would seem that the prison camp life could easily be divided into two blocs: the persecuted and the enemy.
But not so. He wrote, “At least for the solidarity of one’s companions in misfortune” would offer some relief. But no, the camp was divided by multiple divisions and the enemy were everywhere. “The enemy were all around but inside as well,” he wrote.
Isn't it disturbing that in the street, school, workplace, prison camps or anywhere for that matter, that humans have the inclination to divide, create hatred and divisions? Yet, we all share the same DNA. Where does such evil come from I wonder? It comes from selfishness, greed and hatred. All from within.
There is that story about the American Indian grandfather (Achei) teaching his grandson a lesson in life:
"My child, there are two wolves fighting inside you. One is greed, selfishness, hatred, deviousness, and he is full of malcontent."
"And the other, Achei?"
"He is kind, selfless, humble and full of good intention."
"Achei, what wolf will win the fight?"
"The one that you feed," Achei replied.
Galatians 5: 22, 23 reads,
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Achei: Navajo name for grandad