An interesting quote from philosopher Thomas Merton:
To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything, is to succumb to violence. More than that, it is cooperation with violence. The frenzy of the activist neutralizes his work for peace. It destroys his own inner capacity for peace. It destroys the fruitfulness of his own work, because it kills the root of inner wisdom which makes work fruitful.
How do digital technologies play a role in our inner noise or our inner quiet?
Digital Living: FIN_IND_USA 
Oct 15, 2012 @ 14:07:11
It’s startling to consider that the risk of violence may be a point or a region on a continuum of activity/inactivity, and that an activist, however noble the cause served, is at higher risk of violence. Upon reflection I agree with the the thrust of Merton’s statement. In the context of today’s digital social media, the tendency to distraction and multitasking makes us less available for in-the-room relationships and for community based on presence. Language is degraded and words become instrumental, polemical, and, yes, violent, especially with anonymous postings. Yes, we are more connected – but are we closer to each other in a way that makes for peace?
Oct 24, 2012 @ 18:59:20
So very nice to read your thoughtful comment and reaction to the quote!