#65 History - The History of Compassion

Humanity often fails to admit that its past isn't great

We've become kinda lax with learning that of late

So lets rewind to the common ancestor we share with apes

To remind us how far we've come (as of this date)



It used to be simply survival of the fittest

And though it might seem painful to admit this

The selfish gene was our means to survive

Looking out for number one is what kept us alive



But then slowly, slowly, we started to adapt and change

We realised intelligence, and something most strange

That we were stronger as a community than we were alone

And thus the seeds of civilization were finally sewn



There was still an advantage to be at the top however

Thus bred global insecurities and personal paranoia

It is clear that fear is what drove those with power

Virtuous mercies and compassions were no norm that hour



Ethics and moralities developed so we could live together

It became within our interests to shelter others from bad weather

Still acting for personal gain, but now it's not quite the same

Because we advance from helping others without shame



Now we're getting around the present day

Arguing personal responsibility in various ways

That some people were just born to thrive

Competition and battle is what makes us strive



I'm not going to say whether or not that is true

But it's important we don't sacrifice progress we've gone through

There is a beauty in compassion not often told

So let me extrapolate how our future should unfold



Quite simply, continue linearly on our path

Learn to love one another so we can chat and laugh

Emphasise how working together is how we inspire

Because compassion is what elevates humanity higher.

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http://harryisapoet.blogspot.com/2014/03/history-history-of-compassion.html