It would be simple-minded to say that we should all arrest our moral and emotional development at the toddler stage; of course the toddler has a long way to go in order to attach meaning and value to his/her natural compassion, generosity, curiosity, trust, and love. But in that world for which we are striving, I don't think the path has to pass through selfishness and beastliness (with apologies to the beasts!). In a culture of peace, there is ample personal space and life-serving outlets for which no permission is needed. Then compassion can be unconscious, reflexive, the default condition as it is in the toddler. That is not to say our compassion will not develop a mindful quality that is absent in the toddler. For example, I am unconsciously and reflexively - but mindfully - female; it is my default condition.

I hold the hope that the need for space, permission, and outlets is a temporary (one or two more generations) thing. Meanwhile, that unfolding process to which you refer will require what is called "compassion for the self" in NVC - as well as a healthy dose of support from each other because I don't think we're going to find what we need in existing social structures.

Editor, propeace.net

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Love is the answer
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Your observation about young children is correct, but there are many layers of development (which I know you have studied extensively) beyond that naked compassion of toddlerhood. My belief is that we have to work through some stages of selfishness and beastliness in order to become fully conscious of the meaning and value of our compassion. What we lack in the societies we have built is a respect for this unfolding process. We need space, permission and appropriate outlets to exercise and move beyond these stages.

Natural beastly nature? Childish hoarding? I don't think so! It takes a great deal of conditioning to establish a non-loving and selfish reflex. Children are born with so much natural compassion that the newborn will become upset if the mother is upset even if she doesn't show it - sometimes even before the mother knows it herself! If one toddler sees another toddler get hurt, (s)he will seek help from a trusted adult. Children are born with so much natural generosity that by the time they have a bit of motor control, they will reach out to you with food or a toy so that they can share sustenance or play with you.

So what happens? How do we get in our own way so often? My simple two-step answer is first media (especially television), and then institutions (especially schools). I could write a dissertation on either one, but I think you get my drift. For now, suffice it to say that the belief that we are inherently evil is a benchmark of the neo-con philosophy. There is nothing in our nature to overcome. Just get the cultural and domestic toxins out of the way!

Editor, propeace.net

You have put it beautifully. Love is the only true positive force in this world. It is the Magnet that causes unity, not chaos. It is the only "Force" that can produce true tranquillity, and the equalization of mankind's resources and understanding.