F. Scott Fitzgerald is often cited as the source for the quote: "The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function." Apparently some first-rate intelligences debate that attribution. Still the quote lingers on. And the phenomenon sometimes get trotted out in public, where its veracity remains every bit as in question as the literary source.
I am, of course, referring to the contretemps that has arisen over the tragic assassination of the youthful conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. While I doubt Mr. Kirk and I would have agreed on any aspect of politics or policy, I am saddened and distressed by his death - yet another indication of the growing belief in our society that violence is an acceptable mode of political discourse. My distress is furthered by the seeming acceptance of the notion of "holding two opposed ideas while continuing to function" that is being displayed by the White House in its contrasting commentaries regarding this young man's death.
On the one hand the Vice President eulogizes Kirk as "a martyr for the Christian faith", while on the other hand President Trump takes the opportunity to assert, "I hate my opponent!" We seem to have some sort of theological conflict going on here. Matthew 5:44, records Christ's Sermon on the Mount in which he instructs his followers to "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Instructions that one would assume "a martyr for the Christian faith" would adhere to. Yet Trump, who, when the occasion warrants, professes himself a Christian, declares in Trump 21:25, "I hate my opponent!" So which kind of Christian lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue?
If this is an indication of “first-rate intelligences” at work, I would be content to be a "second-rater." The founders of our seemingly increasingly fragile democracy were incredibly prescient in separating church and state in our fledgling nation. One need only glance at the violent conflicts simmering around the globe to see what happens when inflexible ideology dominates national interests and policy. When hatred trumps love.
I do feel obligated to once again trot out my "second-rater" personal ideology:
Foster Harmony. Enable Beauty. Distill Complexity. Oppose Harm.
There is enough complexity in trying to live by those simple phrases to keep me slogging along. Not enough energy left to worry about "hating my opponent."
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