I’m not sure that I believe in fault any longer.

When we consider the reasons we make mistakes, or do whatever else we do, we can immediately see that those mistakes were largely the consequence of things that we didn’t choose, like our upbringings, mental capacities, physical aptitudes, desires, etc.

Even for those things that we did choose, it’s just another thought experiment to ask ourselves why we chose them, and by performing this repeatedly, ultimately we can see that our own choices are entirely out of the picture.

I do believe in taking responsibility, however. It seems reasonable to hold ourselves and others responsible for things that are our/their responsibility. That’s just about making life work better though. Sharing space with other humans. Functionality. Reducing suffering. I’m big on responsibility.

But fault? I’m not sure that I see either the value or the accuracy in assigning it.

You know, similar thought experiments can be done on other people. When we also see them as simply doing what they do because of all the causes and conditions that led up to them doing it, and that ultimately they didn’t choose to be the way that they are either, we can simultaneously feel more compassion for them AND not put up with their bullshit as much.

The way we treat grizzly bears. We would all do well to treat ourselves and others like we do grizzly bears, or other creatures which we already look at and think of as simply following their programming.

It’s not their fault.

• Reader response: This would save lots of money as well… when a grizzly bear gets a taste for blood and go after men they are simply put down and not locked up and baby sat for the rest of their lives… I’m sure that’s not what you meant and I’m only kidding… for the most part😉

• My response: Yes, of course I don’t mean exactly like grizzly bears–unless of course a person behaved exactly like a grizzly bear. But generally what I mean is we should treat people more like we treat grizzly bears. In the scenario you described, when the decision is made to put down the grizzly bear (or when they are relocated for human safety), the feelings and attributes attached to it are compassion, sadness, wisdom, safety, etc. Whereas if it were a human with grizzly bear programming there would be hatred, anger, revenge, reaction, inflicting suffering, etc., plus possible guilt and shame afterward.