Madness & The Moon
“The sage points at the moon.
The student sees only the finger.”
—Taoist Proverb
“I don’t wish to go among mad people!” said Alice,
“You really can’t help that,” said the Cheshire Cat, “because most everyone is.”
— Alice Through the Looking Glass
by Lewis Carroll (1832-1898)
We hold certain virtues and achievements in high regard: Honesty, Humility, Winning, Hard Work, Commitment, Dedication – the whole Scout Law.
Certain people, manifesting those virtues, earn our trust, respect and even adulation. In fact, over time they come to symbolize – even become synonymous with – the very values we hold in such high esteem.
Yet, they are still people – regular, physical, fallible human beings. A respected teacher takes solace in cigarettes. A spirited aunt becomes too fond of spirits. An inspirational politician finds his inspiration with a lover in South America. His wife is unmoved. A trusted adviser dips into client assets and descends into fraud. A historic coach…well. (These are just some examples.)
So, as our trust in the teachers erodes, we begin also to distrust the principles we acquired from them. The people have displaced the principles they purportedly espoused. We find ourselves “Inspired by the principle; Betrayed by the person!”
We suggest that the flaw may lie in each of us. Having conflated the teacher with the lesson, we swiftly (sometimes vehemently) reject both the low teacher and the lofty lesson in one swift expulsion. It’s our mistake – the failure to distinguish between the “Moon and the Finger.”
Examples of this classic human failing litter human history and our daily conversation. A great teacher emerges, engages our imagination, inspires great thinking and lofty aspirations. She tells us to “manifest compassion for all living creatures!” Time passes, and we erect a golden statue of her, while fighting a violent battle for the space with followers of another teacher who counseled, “Love one another!”
Friends, it’s the teaching – not the teacher! Perfection is not found in the priest, but in the principle.
Applications
1. Individually
Betrayed by the “Failure of a trusted adviser or clergyman?” Cut it out! Keep on investing, working on your spiritual development and becoming a more meaningful source of inspiration to all who know you. Don’t reject all teachers, coaches, financiers or all religion. If the people are mad, move on and polish the underlying principle!
2. At Home
Betrayed by the physical failure of an aging parent? Hey! It happens! People grow old and fail. Love them! And turn to teach your children.
3. At Work
Been there a long time? Watching a formerly trusted senior become stale and self-absorbed? Move on! Outlast them and get your revenge by becoming a better leader! Stick with the principles and carry the other people forward.
Don’t want to go among mad people? So sorry…
Being human is to dance with madness in the moonlight.
Dance with the teacher. Reject the madness. Keep reaching for the moon.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
