Dear Honest Men and Bonnie Lassies,
In this weeks (8m 37s) VL Mini-series Episode 06.21, we bring part 6 to a close with:
Part 2 on corruption; and
(@7m 25s) Philosophical fantasising related to Corruption; and love.
Please do enjoy!
Additional commentary on the mini-episode
@8m 19s and regarding the pondering on the “All you need is love” lyrics, the skeptical unbeliever in me might think this statement is not entirely true in a pragmatic and physical sense. Although, if I were wrapped in a cocoon of love, I wonder if would ever feel anything but content appreciation and happiness. Love provides peace, excitement, drama, danger, challenges, trials and tribulations (among many other things) too, so it may very well remain a more than purposeful existence.
Some sources and citations2.
As per last weeks newsletter and having now watched Selma (here is link to the movie trailer again), Dr Martin Luther King Jr.’s orating must have been epic to behold live. His work and legacy impelled society. I did not know that he was awarded the (1964) Nobel Peace Prize, but undoubtedly, he deserved it. The following quote is from his speech at the end of the movie,
Truth crushed to the earth shall rise again.
This may be interpreted to mean that justice will prevail for those living true to their purpose that suffer oppression, prejudice or wrongdoing.
It is ignominious that many beings around the world could presently draw on these words for inspiration (some instances have been mentioned in previous mini-series episodes and VL newsletters), but they give cause for hope.
Another related story that the universe served up to me this week was the origins of the Nobel Peace Prize. Alfred Nobel made a fortune wielding nitroglycerin to make a commercially viable product - dynamite. His brother Ludvig died in an explosion, along with several factory workers, at their arms factory in 1864 in Sweden. After which, it was reported that it was Alfred that had been killed.
Due to the weapons advancements afforded by his company’s technology, one obituary referred to him as “The merchant of death”. This led to a biographer Kenne Fant noting Alfred Nobel, “became so obsessed with his posthumous reputation that he rewrote his last will, bequeathing most of his fortune to a cause upon which no future obituary writer would be able to cast aspersions.”
Alfred is now much more widely remembered for putting his name behind the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to those who have "done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses" - quite a legacy turnaround.
Imagine an alternative world if other elites and leaders turned their attentions to how they would like their obituary to read, aligning their purpose with their authentic self and true values, decoupled from serving the ego and materialistic gains.
Having faith in them doing so may not be a fools errand if we can circumvent like Mother Teresa eluded,
Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.
Many thanks for your time here - I greatly appreciate the currency and hope you feel it was well spent.
Happy pumpkins! 🎃 May your be spirits enjoy Halloween and find peace.
Much love and big hugs,
Ross
P.S. VL Newsletter’s header picture (overdue) credit to Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com.
Here is the accompanying mini-series episode tunes. Number 2 below may help in justifying the liberty taken to sing out 😉
The Beatles - All You Need Is Love
Yusuf / Cat Stevens - If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out
A Guardian article on Russians purchasing armour and clothing for soldiers on frontline due to theft, corruption and poor logistics.
25 Corruption Scandals That Shook the World by Transparency.org.
Global Cost of Corruption at Least 5% of the Worlds GDP ($2.6 trillion).
Transparency.org article and recommendation explaining trusts.
Epic fantasy book series, The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant.
An article on the EV industry and batteries from Noema sent to me by HWM 🙏 .