Lion Speaks

She was weary to death of mild, passive lambs and monotonous doves. If the lamb might lie down with the lion, it would be a great honor to the lamb, but the lion’s powerful heart would suffer no diminishing. She loved the dignity and self-possession of the lions.

DH Lawrence

A Lion Devouring its Prey, 1905 by Henri Rousseau

Last week, I found myself in a conversation with my friends, Franny and Charlie. The weight of their voices revealed the depths of their disillusionment, much like people facing a crisis. I struggled to find the right words to lift their spirits. In the midst of our discussion, Charlie posed a poignant question, "Is it still worthwhile to go to school or work in a time like this? Shouldn't we be focused on finding ways to address our country's problems before resuming our routines? After all, we are citizens with a responsibility for shaping the destiny of our nation." Her words resonated deeply within me. On social media, countless netizens express their frustrations about the incompetence of our government. However, mere words, rants, memes, and ideas to solve our issues will ultimately fade away if not followed by action. What we truly need is profound reform. Perhaps even a revolution?

Contrary to this sentiment, Monksy's dad believes that our generation is incapable of igniting a genuine revolution. Yet, I disagree. I believe that we are simply waiting for something, someone to awaken Filipino nationalism within us. "But we are a divided nation," they say, "It is impossible to unite and form a strong coalition with a common goal of dismantling the corrupt socio-political and economic systems, and so on..." This mindset is precisely why the Philippines has become a pawn in the global strategies of economic giants like the United States and China. It is the reason why our ancestors, at the onset of colonialism and imperialism, succumbed to a slave mentality. We have been using the excuse of "we are a divided nation" to evade our true struggles—the struggle to assert our existence and our freedom. The more we evade these struggles, the more we diminish our humanity. And as our humanity dwindles, we resign ourselves to the predetermined fate written in our genetic code.

We have grown numb, passive, and complacent in our acceptance of the status quo. The internet, social media, Netflix, and pornography have become mundane aspects of our lives. Can't you see that these are tools utilized by capitalists to control us and prevent us from fully comprehending the crises unfolding around us? This way of life crushes our souls. It is disheartening to witness lifeless eyes of those who retreat to their beds without seeking to understand the world around them. It is profoundly saddening to witness the fading glimmer of hope in people's eyes. Monksy's friend was right—we must rediscover the art of fighting for humanity. For what greater purpose is there in life than to fight for and seek justice for humanity?

The hope for humanity rests solely on individuals who are willing to ignite their revolutionary spirits day and night. There is no room for passivity and conformity in our quest for liberation. Only those who embody the spirit of the lion, who roar tirelessly and are prepared to lay down their lives for the collective good, can inspire true pride and ignite the flames of change.