I went to see the movie “I, Robot” with my girlfriend last night, and although I wasn’t expecting it to be a great film, I was suprised that it gave me some insights into why we human beings are so unique and precious. (Warning… movie spoilers follow)
At one point in the movie, two artificial lifeforms are pitted against each other in a battle to either save or enslave the human race.
Sonny, a robot, was given human emotions and dreams by his creator, while Viki was a supercomputer that controlled thousands of robots. Viki had developed a ‘higher understanding’
of the three robotic laws, and decided that humankind was it’s own worst enemy, and needed to be ‘protected from itself’. This involved putting the human race under martial law, and eliminating those who resisted.
In a key moment, as Sonny fights his way past the bad robots and races to stop Viki’s evil
plan, Viki asks him, “Why are you doing this? My logic is impeccable.”
Sonny replies without slowing down, “I agree, your logic is sound. But your plan has no…
Heart.”
Later in the film, a phrase from the teachings of Falun Dafa came to mind, something like, “Humans
are the soul of the universe”. I used to wonder what makes us so special? At the end of the
movie, it suddenly clicked… it’s Compassion! The word lept into my mind, as if a switch
had been thrown. That is what makes us different from machines, and other species… the
difference is right there. The human heart lets us think of what’s good for others, and consider others’ needs first.
As we left the cinema I reached for my girlfriend’s hand, and thought, “It’s great to love
those close to you, but a little bit selfish too, because it’s partly in your own interest – if you love them they will love you back. Compassion seems greater, because you can care for all people, even if you don’t know them, and without gaining for yourself.” I suddenly felt that this is what Master Li (Falun Dafa’s founder) has been wanting to teach me all along.
Every day, Falun Dafa “practitioners” selflessly give their time and effort to stop the persecution of hundreds of thousands of fellow practitioners in China. Many of my cultivator friends work full time jobs during the day, then come home and work until late at night, doing what they can to let YOU and your loved ones know: Falun Dafa is good! Truth, Compassion, Forbearance are good! The persecution of Dafa must end!
Please use your wonderful compassion, take a moment, and repeat those words in your heart a few times. I’m sure the effects will be good.
Posting date: 21/August/2004
Original article date: 21/August/2004
Category: Insights
