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A Mary T. Hoffman Commentary from All-Creatures.org

 

"Joyful Curmudgeon" An oxymoron?
No! I see all the beauty of God's creation and I'm joyful.  At the same time, I see all the suffering and corruption going on in the world, and feel called to help expose and end it so that we may have true peace and compassion.

 

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Humane? – 3 March 2009
By Mary T. Hoffman

Isn’t it interesting that the word “human” with an added “e” doesn’t necessarily describe humans? How many humans that you know are really “humane”? How many have stopped listening to the lies of manipulators who exploit nonhuman animals for financial gain? How many allow their conscience to assert itself, resulting in changes toward a more peaceful and compassionate lifestyle for all of creation – human and nonhuman?

Unfortunately, the answer is “relatively few” – both in the past and at the present time. John Galsworthy was one of those who tried to promote kindness toward both humans and nonhumans.

Born in England 14 August 1867, John Galsworthy gave up a career in law and became one of the most important English novelists and dramatists of his time. His novels and plays usually protested against some social injustice, but they also rank high as literature, as do his poems. His work, The Forsyte Saga, consisted of a series of novels about the affluent Forsyte family. To read his poem “Prayer for Gentleness,” visit:
http://www.all-creatures.org/poetry/ar-prayerfor.html 

Galsworthy visited the United States several times. In 1929 he was awarded the British Order of Merit, and in 1932 he received the Nobel Prize for literature. He died 31 January 1933.

The following is a quotation by John Galsworthy found in Much Cry, Little Wool:

“Once admit that we have the right to inflict unnecessary suffering and you destroy the very basis of human society.”

For a large collection of fascinating quotations, visit:
http://www.all-creatures.org/quote.html 

Also visit:
http://www.all-creatures.org/anex/index.html 

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