Genuine Progress

Envy can lead to arguing and fighting and even worse situations when people try to get what they want by any means available. The ends do not justify the means. In times of crisis people can do strange things. Abuse of power and position often occurs when power corrupts. A seal is a symbol and sign of authority. They should be respected. Political and cultural crises are not uncommon. Envy has occasionally been involved. Crisis brings with it prophets to show the way. Prophets are the people who as individuals make an impression on and even change history. They show a deeper dimension to the interpretation of events. They can show social reform is necessary when the status quo is defended by the vested interests at the top. There are different conceptions of property set in opposition from different commercial backgrounds and cultures. In business history when Phoenician power and imperialism was at its height they sought to impress their superiority on others but theirs was a different culture to that of Israel and the surrounding nations. When a culture gained respect from others one sign was to acknowledge their religion and we see temples of different cultures in the same place. Differences often cropped up.

Revenge and retaliation for damages have been regulated since ancient times in various parts of the world. It may seem primitive to many people today but it was normal practice in ancient times to take revenge on those who had wronged another especially a family member. It was genuine moral progress to limit revenge and exact reciprocity. Even that became too much and it was advocated that violence and damage be limited further. Psychological and moral resistance has also become a feature in this area. Historical figures like Mahatma Ghandi and Martin Luther King used it as a strategy for winning, not merely as passive resistance or indifference to evil, to shame their opponents into a change of heart. Jesus also encouraged people to be tolerant, kind and generous in giving. He said 'turn the other cheek', 'give him your cloak as well' and 'go another mile'. We can practice that as well.