We don't export birth-control programs and abortion programs for the benefit of the Third World. We do it for our own security. We live in a culture that exalts the self . . . Community works in exactly the opposite way. Community is based on shared principles which are larger than the individual self, and a shared commitment to the future.
Competition becomes conflict, and conflict creates violence and more anger.
And we see that all around us now, every day. If we want to defend human life, we need to begin by realizing that abortion, euthanasia, exploitation of the poor and all the other acts of violence against human dignity which good people work so hard to prevent, begin right here - in this trinity of pride, fear and anger. First, we need to embark on the daily struggle with ourselves to wake up from the culture of death which our own selfishness has helped to create. We need to pray for humble hearts, because humility is the beginning of sanity. We need to pray for grateful hearts, because gratitude creates joy.