The Enemy at the Gates
The enemy at the gates is fear.
Whether it is a Leper at the Dung Gate in Jerusalem or a masked COVID-19 patient at your door, the response is the same. We fear the unknown. We turn away from strangers, our thoughts on survival, and only congregate with those we know.
In the ancient world, people had much to fear due to their lack of knowledge. A solar eclipse could bring on mass hysteria, a large investigation of locusts could signal the end of days, and Lepers were cast-off from society in colonies.
Why?
Fear is a large motivator in our lives.
Today we look forward to a harvest moon or a solar flare. We have a scientist to explain why locus gathers in such high numbers, and we treat Leprosy (Hanson’s disease) with drugs.
Fear, however, remains.
We can not wish it away or scientifically debate that issue – it remains deep in our being.
To be Feared or Loved
How we choose to lead people is also a fear-based issue.
Niccolo Machiavelli asked 500 years ago: “Is it better to loved or feared?” His subsequent response:
“It may be answered that one should wish to be both.”
We can see how deep fear runs in us all. It is a safeguard at times and also a curse. It can save our lives if we sense danger, but it can also keep us from learning and accepting new ideas.
Fear, as noted by Machiavelli, can be harnessed and used against people or to control them in a certain place and time.
Today, we witness governments worldwide use fear to control citizens. They tell us to stay indoors, don’t talk to people, wear a mask, stock up items that you may need, and make sure to have cash on hand.
These are the seeds of fear and our response is based on our personal history of fear and as a community. Are we level-headed and curious enough to research the problem or do we capitulate and join the scared running herd.
It is not an easy question to answer: we get drawn into a situation and often times simply get carried away.
Fight or Flight?
In the age of social media, we are now aware of what is happening on a global level within hours if not minutes. Our response, however, is an ancient one. Our backs are up and we look out onto our immediate world to see what will happen in our own streets.
Immediately, we wonder about or families and children. We rush past strangers to get home and make sure our family is safe and well.
Then the radio station breaks off normal programming for a government leader to speak, triggering fear.
This is why “The War of the Worlds” was so captivating and terrifying. It was based on our belief in the accuracy and authority of a newscast which it attempted to mimic and set off our deep-seated fear of the unknown. Aliens were invading our shores and they were everywhere and bent on world domination and destruction of our society.
Fear dominated the ancient world and it dominates our world today.
What will you do in the face of fear?
Robert
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