Admirable post that truly opened my mind in many ways. Possibly the most relevant thing I’ve read in a long time. In a world that sees things only in black and white, friend or enemy, the concept of “holding two truths” seemingly conflictive at once is revolutionary. Thanks. Lucky to be subscribed.
Thank you so much! I hadn't heard of this incident, but as a sister and mother to several relatives with serious mental illness, your sensibility is most welcomed, and your analysis so perfectly right on. Such a terrible tragedy, unavoidable in that moment, but your ideas for reducing this risk are exactly what we need to get serious about.
At services this weekend our rabbi talked about the need — now more than ever — to be able to hold two conflicting truths at the same time. Earlier today I listened to an enlightening episode of Sam Harris’ podcast where Yuval Noah Harari was talking about the same thing. Then I read your piece, which is beautiful, sad, and also urgent. Your conclusion seems to be in the air I’m breathing lately and I just hope it’s airborne and spreading, because I don’t recognize the world anymore and it’s getting harder everyday to even know where I stand in relationship to it. The world needs more of your grandfather. Thank you for always sharing so much of your personal experience with us.
I can’t imagine the demons running through her at when she answered the door and I question if a mental health expert or another police officer would have helped. If she had a history of mental health issues, was this communicated? Did the person that requested the wellness check convey the reasons?
You have written with a broken heart, and you have broken mine in the process. (Your writing affects readers powerfully.) What does one do when "right or wrong", as if opposite sides of a coin, are not so simple, don't seem to apply so neatly? So many lives shattered. Are our hearts large enough to feel grief for them all? I hope so.
So refreshing to read something carefully considered, nuanced. These situations are rarely routine, rarely black-and-white (!)... rarely one individual solely at fault... thanks, David, and let's all try to do and to be better.
How little we understand of everything, the brain, the effects of pharmaceuticals - starting and stopping, the daily needs of the mentally ill. We should have more humility, and in some areas patience.
Yes, I have had to fight for my life. Once in Bangkok, I was attacked by a group of gangsters armed with knives. Once in Cuzco, I found myself caught between violent protesters throwing Molotov cocktails and military tanks and soldiers brutally putting them down. I have had other near-death experiences, so I feel I can understand the mindset of the officer to some degree. Thanks for sharing your story. But I think Liu does have the luxury of two conflicting truths. Not in the exact moment. But looking back, he can both feel sorrow for the life he took without feeling as if he did anything immoral in defending his own life.
Admirable post that truly opened my mind in many ways. Possibly the most relevant thing I’ve read in a long time. In a world that sees things only in black and white, friend or enemy, the concept of “holding two truths” seemingly conflictive at once is revolutionary. Thanks. Lucky to be subscribed.
Thank you so much! I hadn't heard of this incident, but as a sister and mother to several relatives with serious mental illness, your sensibility is most welcomed, and your analysis so perfectly right on. Such a terrible tragedy, unavoidable in that moment, but your ideas for reducing this risk are exactly what we need to get serious about.
At services this weekend our rabbi talked about the need — now more than ever — to be able to hold two conflicting truths at the same time. Earlier today I listened to an enlightening episode of Sam Harris’ podcast where Yuval Noah Harari was talking about the same thing. Then I read your piece, which is beautiful, sad, and also urgent. Your conclusion seems to be in the air I’m breathing lately and I just hope it’s airborne and spreading, because I don’t recognize the world anymore and it’s getting harder everyday to even know where I stand in relationship to it. The world needs more of your grandfather. Thank you for always sharing so much of your personal experience with us.
I can’t imagine the demons running through her at when she answered the door and I question if a mental health expert or another police officer would have helped. If she had a history of mental health issues, was this communicated? Did the person that requested the wellness check convey the reasons?
So many unknowns with many answer lost forever.
You have written with a broken heart, and you have broken mine in the process. (Your writing affects readers powerfully.) What does one do when "right or wrong", as if opposite sides of a coin, are not so simple, don't seem to apply so neatly? So many lives shattered. Are our hearts large enough to feel grief for them all? I hope so.
So refreshing to read something carefully considered, nuanced. These situations are rarely routine, rarely black-and-white (!)... rarely one individual solely at fault... thanks, David, and let's all try to do and to be better.
Oops. I inadvertently liked my comment! Sorry
I will find it in my heart to forgive you, Juan.
How little we understand of everything, the brain, the effects of pharmaceuticals - starting and stopping, the daily needs of the mentally ill. We should have more humility, and in some areas patience.
Yes, I have had to fight for my life. Once in Bangkok, I was attacked by a group of gangsters armed with knives. Once in Cuzco, I found myself caught between violent protesters throwing Molotov cocktails and military tanks and soldiers brutally putting them down. I have had other near-death experiences, so I feel I can understand the mindset of the officer to some degree. Thanks for sharing your story. But I think Liu does have the luxury of two conflicting truths. Not in the exact moment. But looking back, he can both feel sorrow for the life he took without feeling as if he did anything immoral in defending his own life.