Preventable Death: A Call for Compassion and Education

A Call for Compassion and Education

Today, and several times prior, while listening, learning, and observing the work of pro-humanity educators concerning liberation, organizing, interdependence, etc. (I know I will never be completely caught up! Haha!), I feel drawn to write some further thoughts that have come to mind from those leads. So, I would like to talk about murder and preventable death.

The majority of people who find themselves involved in violent or murderous acts do so accidentally. The number of people who deliberately hurt or murder someone is actually rare (e.g., serial killers). Just as we childproof our homes for babies, we CAN and SHOULD focus on preventing death even into adulthood.

Yes, everyone dies someday, and accidents happen. Suffering occurs regardless, and we can only plan so much. However, a significant amount of suffering, illness, and death is preventable.

Continued investment in solutions to increase safety and healing can absolutely assist in preventing violence or death. This, in turn, produces a far more thriving, pro-humanity, and healthy environment, thereby increasing the capability and progress for every living being.

When a female fish lays eggs, we know to separate the eggs from the adult fish so that they can thrive. When we create a garden space with multiple plants, we place each in the most productive areas—those that grow better with direct sunlight and a warm environment or those that require more shade, perhaps more water, or even a wintering, restful environment. If you plant hot peppers next to a watermelon, it would not be uncommon to end up with some hot, spicy melon. Therefore, it's better to give them space to keep each other thriving.

This is why invasive species create bigger problems when placed in environments outside their natural realm. And it's also why and how we have been able to create new species through evolution. There is always the possibility for experimentation without the limitations of deliberate, non-consensual, intrusive actions.

So, when it comes to human beings who plan to continue to align with or act in oppression, it simply hurts everyone throughout the world, including themselves. It creates an obstacle to a thriving, multi-talented, and healthy environment. The universe is vast but is made up of all its tiny pieces in one space, celebrating every difference with a purpose.

Oppression increases preventable death. Diversity, inclusivity, and equity decrease preventable death and increase the possibility for further creativity, growth, faster, and less costly actions.

Mental health and education are crucial. Our mental and physical health and well-being are equally important in preventing preventable death. Regardless of the multiple ideas people have about mental health, it is undeniable that mental wellness is just as important as physical wellness, thereby increasing overall health.

Education, which includes learning about each other, the world, and our differences, is vital. We must keep science as an action, not a topic or belief. Community with ourselves and with each other, learning about multiple cultures, critical thinking, and processing ideas, thoughts, actions, perceptions, and concepts into a bigger picture, testing and experimenting with the results, sharing common goals and ideas while still celebrating differences and multiple gifts and talents, and recognizing the possible roles of each individual rather than a class or caste system—all contribute to giving people more confidence, grace, compassion, and understanding of how vital we all are to each other because no one can do this alone. These factors all assist in preventing death.

Life is about living! It is an opportunity! It is a challenge with great long-term rewards. I am grateful for community and hope to continue hearing from everyone soon!

Much love,

Sabrina Reynolds