When people meet me, they view and hear me in a way I do not know. They see my outside, my surface in the world. A mirror does not show this. They see the way I hold myself, the way I move, my face, my clothes. They hear me speak in ways I cannot sense. They like my look or not, and I have little sway.

Most of what I think and feel remains unseen - most of who I am and hope to be. Friendship is that rare uncovering of most.

The purpose of a weapon is to cause harm. If I own an object that has been designed as a weapon, I have greater potential to inflict harm, whether it is used to attack or defend.

The sum total of harm is only reduced by those with courage who choose not to carry or use a weapon.

By causing harm to others, I cause irreparable harm to myself: I make it easier to harm again.

The strength of my power may be curtailed by what I do, and do not do, where I live, my age, health, gender, beliefs, my cultural, social and economic status, by love, by hate, by law and physical force.

When I resort to cruelty I abandon my efforts to resolve my differences through persuasion. When peaceful protest is met with violence, the aggressor yields authority.

Power that lasts comes only through peace, and peace comes only with respect.