I do not think the death of Col Gaddafi should be a time for the Libyans to celebrate. I think it should be the time for deep reflection. This is the time to answer some soul searching national questions. How did the people allow one man and his family to control their lives for 42 years? How can they prevent other ‘Gaddafi’s from rising to power again?
I believe that some of the Libyans including foreign leaders, now celebrating his demise were probably among the people he had in his mind each time he appeared on the national television reassuring the world that ‘my people love me.’ What were his ‘people' saying to him that gave him such confidence. They were probably saying one thing to him in his presence but saying another thing in his absence. He was listening to his elusive friends but not to his real friend, which is his inner voice. What a human failure.
What lesson could we learn from his dishonourable and lonely exit?
As an individual, I thought about having the courage and the wisdom to step out of the dancing floor when the ovation is loudest as one great lesson? This is relevant in any sphere of life whether in business or politics. Nelson Mandela is a living example of a man with such courage and wisdom
“Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men doesn't try to force issues or defeat enemies by force of arms.
For every force there is a counterforce.
Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself.
The Master does his job and then stops.
He understands that the universe is forever out of control, and that trying to dominate events goes against the current of the Tao.
Because he believes in himself, he doesn't try to convince others.
Because he is content with himself, he doesn't need others' approval.
Because he accepts himself, the whole world accepts him.”
I believe that some of the Libyans including foreign leaders, now celebrating his demise were probably among the people he had in his mind each time he appeared on the national television reassuring the world that ‘my people love me.’ What were his ‘people' saying to him that gave him such confidence. They were probably saying one thing to him in his presence but saying another thing in his absence. He was listening to his elusive friends but not to his real friend, which is his inner voice. What a human failure.
What lesson could we learn from his dishonourable and lonely exit?
As an individual, I thought about having the courage and the wisdom to step out of the dancing floor when the ovation is loudest as one great lesson? This is relevant in any sphere of life whether in business or politics. Nelson Mandela is a living example of a man with such courage and wisdom
For the leaders, both political and religious, I’ll like to share with you the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching (God) as espoused by the legendary Chinese sage, Lao-tzu, some 2500 years ago:
“Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men doesn't try to force issues or defeat enemies by force of arms.
For every force there is a counterforce.
Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself.
The Master does his job and then stops.
He understands that the universe is forever out of control, and that trying to dominate events goes against the current of the Tao.
Because he believes in himself, he doesn't try to convince others.
Because he is content with himself, he doesn't need others' approval.
Because he accepts himself, the whole world accepts him.”
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