POINTS TO PONDER CIX

[Both of these quotes came from the introductory page of Amy Tan's novel, Saving Fish From Drowning.]

The evil that is in the world almost always comes from ignorance, and good intentions may do as much harm as malevolence if they lack understanding. 

Albert Camus

 

A pious man explained to his followers: "It is evil to take lives and noble to save them. Each day I pledge to save a hundred lives. I drop my net in the lake and scoop out a hundred fishes. I place the fishes on the bank, where they flop and twirl. "Don't be scared," I tell those fishes. "I am saving you from drowning." Soon enough the fishes grow calm and lie still. Yet, sad to say, I am always too late. The fishes expire. And because it is evil to waste anything, I take those dead fishes to market and I sell them for a good price. With the money I receive, I buy more nets so I can save more fishes."

Anonymous