You Reap What You Sow: What We Can Learn From Andrew Breitbart

The philosophical law of only being able to keep what you give away has been circulating through socially conscious cultures for centuries, if not millenniums.  The belief serves to maintain a natural order, balance and harmony. It is thought that the more you give away, an equal or greater reward will be bestowed upon you in return, but let us not be so motivated by material reward as we strive to maintain balance and harmony as we pursue success.

Kindness can be a far more valuable currency than any precious metal or printed note. It can sway the coldest heart and soften the most callus fist. If you are unkind, inconsiderate, impatient, or intolerant, you will reap a harvest of the same and perhaps, ultimately, a fate far worse.

This morning news broke of Andrew Breitbart, the famous conservative activist, passing away from natural causes. While I personally disagree with many of his beliefs and stances on a variety of issues, I still respect anyone who stands for what they believe in. Cowardice is a far greater threat to maintaining a harmonious society.

For all his passion, I cannot help but wonder if Andrew had it coming. Forget his political affiliation or his beliefs for a moment. Those are off the table for this argument. I am viewing him as just a man.

If you peruse any of Andrews writings or have ever heard him speak, he seemed unwaveringly angry with that which he opposed.

Friends and associates attest to his confrontational nature. His attorney referred to him as a "happy warrior." Former Texas Governor and Presidential candidate, Rick Perry, tweeted, "RIP 'O Mighty Warrior!" News personality, Tucker Carlson, remembered him by saying, "he thrived on the brawling." Jonah Goldberg, founding editor of the National Review Online, said that "One of his favorite pastimes was to retweet all of the hate that people threw at him, because he considered it a badge of honor. It was his Wheaties."

Wearing hate as a badge of honor? A warrior of politics? Perhaps, to some, he lived and died honorably, but there is a part of me that feels this man did not have to die at the young age of 43.

Being angry, spewing hate and defamation and wishing for the demise of those you oppose because of their political leanings or social stances will reap a dismal harvest. I imagine the degree of stress his body was under must have been tremendous. The sheer tension of being so highly strung, ready to confront and dismantle his sworn political enemies when ever presented the opportunity alone, must have left him physically battered. A heart, meant for love and compassion, can only take so much.

Andrew Breitbart should still be here, but the stresses and evils of politics have taken him from his family and from this earth. Perhaps he died in the thralls of what he loved most, but that does not change that fact that today, he is dead.

You reap what you sow. Nature will ultimately prevent a negative seed from taking root and spreading. In the game of politics, anger and hate are not necessary tools for executing a point nor championing a cause. They are shameful byproducts of the weaknesses of men.

Regardless of your political affiliation or social beliefs, do not be so consumed by disagreement that life and love come second.

Andrew was a man, first and foremost, with immeasurable potential and influence. Now he is gone.

May he truly rest in peace. 

Special thanks to Dylan Stableford of YAHOO! News and The Cutline: Andrew Breitbart Dead: Outspoken Conservative was 43