I have, as likely many among us, always been committed to the cause of justice. I have stood up for others, I have spoken up when others didn't, I have chosen a life path that is for me more morally than financially rewarding. I have participated in protest marches, and clicked on countless online petitions. I have devoted hundreds of hours to initiatives that I felt were right, and knew were doomed from the outset. I have proudly taken on overwhelmingly powerful entities, built strong trust-based relationships with partners in the cause, made enormous profits for those I was opposing, and worked hard to build effective partnerships and organisations that would stand with me.
I sometimes failed to recognize opportunities, often failed to follow through adequately on my commitments, sometimes violated my self-established principles, and have often been disillusioned. I only walk the path I do thanks to the support of others, and yet am not always the best steward of the resources available to me.
One important thing that I've learned is that it's easier to make enemies than allies. Spend 15 minutes in the world of a five-year old, and you'll understand that this is a general human condition. We are inherently, unendingly seduced by the thrill of combat with an enemy, and evil force, an oppositional entity. To our detriment.