Monday, September 7, 2026

 


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In the words of John Paul Jones, “I have not yet begun to fight!” 


This sentiment is often reflected among the ones who follow the command of the Holy Spirit.


Currently, there are individuals who, by fixating on a small segment of a larger context—akin to focusing on a single square on a chessboard—have engaged in conflicts with others and themselves, resulting in widespread devastation and likely depleting their energy and resources in ways that irreparably harm their own spirits.


The challenge with those endowed with a  negative and limited vision is that, worse than being blind, those individuals perceive only what they desire, rather than what is real.  


It would be utterly incomprehensible to them that the true battle has yet to commence.


Evaluating strengths, weaknesses, and devising strategy does not constitute combat, nor do minor skirmishes constitute war.


Furthermore, in terms of the Art of War, what might Sun Tzu say about the probability of victory if a soldier understands less than thirty percent of oneself and one’s opponent?


To what extent does one comprehend the physical world, emotional states, and spiritual dimensions?


It is understood that human beings consist of a body, mind, heart, and soul—each interacting with the physical and metaphysical worlds surrounding us. 


How well does one truly understand this entire system if one’s focus remains solely on the physical aspect?


This concept can be compared to the ancient parable of "the blind men and the elephant," illustrating how individual, limited experiences shape our incomplete understanding of a larger truth. 


In this narrative, a group of blind individuals encounters an elephant for the first time. Unable to see the animal, they rely on their sense of touch to infer its nature.


Each touches a different part of the elephant, leading to different conclusions. The men argue, each convinced that their experience reflects the absolute truth, dismissing the perspectives of others. 


For example, if the man holding the tail perceives it as a thin and flexible rope, he would be mistaken, despite his certainty.


Knowing only the tail with full confidence does not provide a comprehensive understanding. 


If the conflict centers solely on the tail, the rest of the elephant remains yet uninvolved in the confrontation.


One can also consider historical instances, such as Imperial Japan exhausted its military production and at the brink of resource exhaustion, the United States was yet to reach its full potential.


Therefore, how can those holding the tail of the elephant believe with absolute certainty of winning the war, when the rest of the elephant has yet begun to fight?  


And how can those defending against the aggressors believe with absolute certainty that they might lose, when the rest of the elephant, the wise and the world, has yet begun to fight?




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  ✴️ In the words of John Paul Jones, “I have not yet begun to fight!”  This sentiment is often reflected among the ones who follow the comm...