Those Who Build And Those Who Destroy

There are those among us who are driven by anger and destruction.

They are hyper-critical, resentful, and quick to spot the errors of the world. We all know these people. These angry critics. Those who wish for your joy to become ashes in your mouth. Quick to criticize, slow to praise. And only praise when it serves their deeper criticism.

You’re excited about your new phone? But the buzzkill is quick to mention the slave labour of its production. You’re enjoying the holiday season? The buzzkill will always remind you of the genocidal and colonialist roots you celebrate. You’re optimistic about the future and excited for an opportunity? The buzzkill will criticize your excitement. The buzzkill will hold your happiness against you so long as you are not as outraged as they are.

The cosmic buzzkills are those who feel the need to dampen the spirits of all those around them. There can be no happy moment around these critics, for they are quick to remind others that even perceived good things are built on bloody foundations.

And building? They do no such thing. They criticize that which has been built without building themselves. For them, their goal is to destroy and tear down that which has been built, without offering a building for the future. They seek to tear down, rather than build up. They serve only destruction, these cosmic buzzkills.

They claim to be outraged on behalf of the oppressed, while their spirit is cold ruthless. They condemn the slaver, while they smile when handed a whip. They say the aim of their criticism is at a higher good. But when the time comes, they would rather talk than walk.

And it is for this reason that we should not worry about these comic buzzkills — they don’t do anything. They don’t build. They don’t plant. They don’t create. That which prospers cannot be built by forces of destruction. Nothing can be built on the foundation of destruction. Anger and resentment are not self-sustaining, and will always crumble. These destroyers will never prosper.

These servants of destruction can only destroy. Although they walk possessed by anger, these the servants of destruction will always walk among us. But they will not build a new world. They will only destroy the old world and perish among its ruins. They die and fade into obscurity, and are left behind as the new world is created.

But you, my friend, do not have to worry about these servants of destruction. For you build while they destroy. For you plant while they point fingers. For you create while they condemn. Nothing will grow from their cold and empty hearts. But your heart will create. Your soul will build to new heights.

Good things planted are enjoyed by those who reap them. The trees you plant will provide shade for others. And that which you build will be a shelter against the suffering of the world. That which you create will be enjoyed by many. While the servants of destruction will bring joy to none.

Like up and down, and light and dark, the creators and destroyers go their separate ways. Them to destroy, and you to create. Now go forth and build while aiming your sights at the highest good.