“Naked violence repels like the naked skeleton shorn of flesh, blood and the velvety skin” is a powerful metaphor that illustrates the inherent ugliness and repulsion of violence when stripped of any justifications or pretenses. Just as a bare skeleton, without the covering layers of flesh, blood and skin is unsettling to behold, so too is violence in its rawest form. It suggests that any appeal or attraction often attributed to acts of aggression or force are merely superficial layers that mask its true nature.
This quote uses vivid imagery to convey an important message about our perception and understanding of violence. Often times, acts of aggression or hostility can be dressed up or justified by various factors such as self-defense, honor, duty etc., which could make them seem more acceptable or even admirable in certain contexts. However, when you strip away these embellishments and look at violence for what it truly is – an act causing harm to another being – it becomes deeply unsettling.
Applying this idea in today’s world involves recognizing the inherent harm caused by all forms of aggression – whether physical like war and abuse; verbal like hate speech; psychological like bullying; systemic like racism; economic like exploitation etc., regardless how they are justified. This understanding can guide policy making at national levels towards peace-building initiatives instead focusing on military might.
In terms of personal development, this quote encourages introspection on how we may unknowingly contribute to cycles of harm through micro-aggressions or passive acceptance. It promotes cultivating empathy towards those who suffer from various forms oppression rather than normalizing such behavior under societal norms. By doing so we can strive towards non-violence in our own actions – a key principle for creating harmonious relationships with others around us.
