Inputs And Outputs

Yesterday I watched a movie I wish I hadn’t. From the very first minute I knew I’m not going to like it. How?

Well, imagine this, the first scene was of three very young farm boys and a little pig. The youngest of them was convincing themselves to shoot the pig with his pistol and the other two were sitting on the fence, watching in disbelief.

The next few moments back and forth scenes of the youngster looking super uncomfortable and unable to pull the trigger and the poor little pig trying to escape

After a minute, the two older brothers got off the fence, took the pistol from their younger brother, and shot the pig.

I wanted to stop the movie right there as I was almost sure it’s not going to get any better than that. And guess what? It hasn’t.

The entire movie was violent; filled with injustice, criminality, and outright brutality.

The only reason I kept watching was out of politeness let’s say, as my wife and brother were also watching.

But now here’s the sad part: A HUGE part of cinema today is just like that! Filled with guns, backstabbing, and violence.

For example, there’s a new Jason Statham movie coming out this year, called Wrath Of Man. Don’t get me wrong, I think Jason is a brilliant actor! He’s one of my favourites!

At the same time, after seeing the official trailer, where in less that three minutes probably over 30 people were killed, I think I’m going to skip watching this film.

Now, it’s probably important to mention that this isn’t me creating a bubble of sorts between myself and reality. No, not at all. For one, this film isn’t reality, it’s cinema. Two, I know there’s injustice and violence out there, and I do my part to help stop it it many different ways.

But why would I intentionally feed my mind with more and more and more violence?

Our minds are nothing other than the cumulus of everything we’ve ever seen, heart, or felt–i.e. inputs. And everything we think, say, or do is is a sort of conclusion we draw from all that information about what we should think, say, or do in this moment–i.e. outputs.

So why would I keep piling up negative images, if I can choose not to?

I truly believe global piece and prosperity are possible. I believe humanity CAN reach a point where people will realize that the best course of action is understanding, kindness, and love.

Maybe it’s just wishful thinking. But I was blessed with (hopefully) 100 years of life, and I commit to using it to help society make progress towards that.

I invite you to be aware of what inputs are going into your mind. We shouldn’t be “OK” with people killing each other on the screen for any amount of time, but especially not for a full 90 minutes… Just think about it for a minute. It doesn’t make any sense.

The world isn’t filled with THAT much negativity and violence. Yes, there is that somewhere, but there are also BILLIONS of people doing good every day. Professionals adding value through their work and providing for their families, volunteers helping those less fortunate get access to clean water, medicine, and education, and mothers and fathers reading their children bedtime stories and kissing them good night.

There’s good in the world. Let’s be part of that. Every day. With everything we do.

Thank you,
Robert

P.S.: If you ever need to talk with someone, have any questions whatsoever, or just want to say hi, please email me@robertindries.com. I’d love to meet you.