London is becoming more and more like New York City. The comparisons were always there. Many know these villages as the “City”. There is a historical reputation as one of the world's major financial centers. The art have always flourished, from traditional through the latest trend setting contemporary expression. It is the clear intellectual capital of the country. The final notch comes with its compelling attraction to the down and out as well as every type of known hustler and even some we do not recognize yet.
It is too easy to be critical of the latter. We condemn those who are less fortunate, talking of their fates and the results of previous choice. We look down on those who hustle others for a quick buck. Our judgement is, in too many ways, quite amazing! Are my actions different from theirs? Is my motive pure? It appears to most of us drive our choices by the ends and ignore any thought of the means.
Yes, I know that we all do many good things. You take care to help a friend in need. I watch out for the one who needs a listening ear, willing to share a bit of my time unless there is something else that is pressing. Taking care to be polite, especially to the old, is very natural. Giving up our seats on the train occurs without a second thought.
It is hard to watch others win by not playing straight with the rules. My skin bristles when another collects a reward without an ounce of honest play. It is hard to see how the good guys are winning. In this world the means really do not matter, just the ends.
It is important to take one's analysis on through the logic. “Why be a bully? 'Why not?' You say. Because God can't stand twisted souls. It's the straightforward who get his respect.” (Proverbs 3.31,32)
What do you want to win? What is it most that I want from life? With God, the means will bring the end I seek.
