"It seems that under the overwhelming impact of rising power, humans are deprived of their inner independence and, more or less consciously, give up establishing an autonomous position toward the emerging circumstances. The fact that the foolish person is often stubborn must not blind us to the fact that he is not independent.
In conversation with him, one virtually feels that one is dealing not at all with him as a person, but with slogans, catchwords, and the like that have taken possession of him. He is under a spell, blinded, misused, and abused in his very being. Having thus become a mindless tool, the foolish person will also be capable of any evil and at the same time incapable of seeing that it is evil. This is where the danger of diabolical misuse lurks, for it is this that can once and for all destroy human beings.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer,
Letters and Papers From Prison
"As soon as men know that they can kill without fear of punishment or blame, they kill; or at least they encourage killers, with approving smiles."
Simone Weil
“Addiction might be the best word to explain the lostness that so deeply permeates society. Our addiction make us cling to what the world proclaims as the keys to self-fulfillment: accumulation of wealth and power; attainment of status and admiration; lavish consumption of food and drink, and sexual gratification without distinguishing between lust and love. These addictions create expectations that cannot but fail to satisfy our deepest needs.
As long as we live within the world's delusions, our addictions condemn us to futile quests leaving us to face an endless series of disillusionments while our sense of self remains unfulfilled. In these days of increasing addictions, we have wandered far away from our Father's home. The addicted life can aptly be designated a life lived in 'a distant country.' It is from there that our cry for deliverance rises up.”
Henri J.M. Nouwen,
The Return of the Prodigal Son
“When you see the desolation of abomination standing where he should not be, let those who seek knowledge understand, then let those in Judea flee to the mountains,"
Mark 13:14
Today was the end of May. And the markets took a wild ride.
Let it suffice to say that these guys are shameless, and increasingly brazen.
And not just in the markets.
They lie, and fall in love with their lying.
Have nothing to do with them and their ways.
Non-Farm Payrolls and FOMC next week.
Have a pleasant weekend.
