We do have the potential to be cruel. Our tongues are like knives, our arms and our hands are like guns: We can do all kinds of good or harm with these things.

"We do have the potential to be cruel. Our tongues are like knives, our arms and our hands are like guns: We can do all kinds of good or harm with these things. So this is why heedfulness lies at the base of goodwill [mettā]. It’s a question of getting your motivation straight."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Goodwill & Heedfulness"

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