Control, part 2

So apparently what I would like to control is world events. I've got much more access to information than I have to influence. Exhibit 1: my last blog entry.

And then there are people in the opposite situation, with access to influence far exceeding their ability to process information. Exhibit 2: George W. He's a human being, he makes mistakes. His power exceeds his ability to interpret information correctly--i.e. understanding that the CIA intelligence was faulty, etc. (Or maybe he knew it and didn't care, which is another issue.) Taking time to listen to other points of view reduces the chances that we'll make bad decisions, but even then, whole groups and nations can be wrong about something.

I went to see Fog of War on Friday night, which was a documentary about American wars in the 20th century told through the lens of Robert McNamara's life. McNamara is probably best known as the Secretary of Defense during the first half of the Vietnam war.

Something he said that really stuck with me was this: you can't change human nature. And I wonder if it's true--I wonder if it's impossible for people to choose not to use the violent powers that they have. I don't know. A cynical part of me says he's right: you can't. Every generation has to make its own mistakes.

Let me get back to control. Like it or not, I have very little direct personal influence on the decisionmakers who planned the Iraq war. I also have limited influence on the broad scope of human nature. I know, you're shocked. But it's true. :-) I can do my part, write letters, speak up, but I can't re-channel the course of history.

Given the size and the scope of these things, then, there is a balance to be struck. Some of the care for the world belongs to me, and a lot of it does not belong to me, which I need to both define and accept. Some tremendously creative and influential people have refused to see the status quo or accept the limitations put on them. MLK comes to mind.

Where does God come in? I think God moves very subtley, through people. If I answer God's call and succeed in doing God's will, and if others answer that call, then maybe we can get somewhere. It's an achingly slow process, though, and is ultimately too large for any one person. To quote a popular prayer for serenity: "God grant me the courage to change the things I can, the power to accept the things I can't, and the wisdom to know the difference."

Easier said than done, of course.