Excerpt from Ch. V " The Masterpiece"

"What some believe destroys their lives, others may believe empowers it. What some perceive as good, another may view as evil. Perhaps, those who commit evil aren’t convinced their actions are evil at all. The environment they grew up in molded them to operate a new polarity. 

The ideas of good and evil are subjective to an individual’s (or group’s) survival in an individual circumstance.

We experience examples like this within the constructs of impoverished countries who are forced to enter into the coca fields, or even in our societies where attaching to gangs 'guarantees' safety and prosperity. What other option exists when our government fails to establish decent education within their neighborhoods? If the avenue to provide them a way out is obstructed, what are they supposed to do? Sign their life away to your military so they can experience a 'patriotic' form of disposal?

Patriotism is pride weaponized by the government.

When it all comes down to it, people become heroes or antagonists through mutual voracity. This is for money and success, which serve as stepping stones toward achieving ultimate freedom and prosperity.

We mustn’t allow ourselves to become the background noise in our world's narrative. We must become the main character. We must have the courage to choose a side and commit.

Is it possible to choose both sides? 

Is it possible to succeed in crime for eternity? 

After all, we live in a duality of good and evil coexisting indefinitely. 

Sometimes I conjure up what some call ‘white lies’ to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Something like convincing someone you haven’t watched a movie they want to watch with you, even though you have seen it, because it would make them happy. Or telling someone you love their Christmas present even though you'd never stick a single toe in a pair of Sketchers unless you had a gun to your head.

Is it possible some things declared ‘evil’ are also ‘good?’

We glorify the brutality of the UFC on television for our entertainment, but condemn it on our streets for being unorganized. It’s quite comical. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching people hurt each other professionally. 

As men, it can be onerous to commit ourselves to a side.

We aim to grasp the full spectrum of volatility wherein our conscience resides. 

Our goal should be to scale the walls of mediocrity that ignite fear when faced with the lure of authority and oppression.

Our goal should be to understand our carnal requisites so our behaviors aren’t dictated by the flesh, but guided by our spirits."