knowitowl | [Video] Ask Wan Shi Tong - Volume 2 (Backdated to 08/31)

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[Video] Ask Wan Shi Tong - Volume 2 (Backdated to 08/31)

[Today the residents of Luceti will again wake up to a lengthy video entry of one very large spirit owl.]

Greetings Luceti. Once again it is the end of the month, and it is time for another session of Ask Wan Shi Tong.

I have received two questions this month, and the first is as follows:

Honorable Wan Shi Tong,

Do you believe in the concept of justice? If so, how would you define it?

First of all, I would like to mention that your handwriting is very neat and stylish. Certainly the best I have seen thus far.

Secondly, I would like to recite the actual definition of justice.

[And now he will quote the dictionary.]

Just behavior or treatment. The quality of being fair and reasonable. The administration of the law or authority in maintaining this. The synonyms are fairness, justness, fair play, fair-mindedness, equity, evenhandedness, impartiality, objectivity, neutrality, disinterestedness, honesty, righteousness, morals, morality.

This is what you humans seem to deem as justice, and I suppose I would agree. Though I have found that while many humans like to speak of justice and claim that they are upholding it, it is most often not the case. Those here in Luceti are no different. I have seen many humans talk of fairness and justice, but when it comes down to it, they do not practice such. They are in fact, only interested in a "justice" that benefits themselves. So no, I do not believe in this sense of hypocritical justice.

I prefer neutrality and objectiveness. That way there is no bias. This is the sense of justice that I feel is true to the definition and it is what I believe in.

[He knows those statements are not likely to win him any points with many people, but he could care less.]

Moving on. The final question is this:

Dear Wan Shi Tong,

Is it better to be yourself when your true self would frighten people, or is it better to hide those things for the sake of getting along better with others? I ask because we're all confined in a relatively small region together here in Luceti with a common enemy.

Hm, a most intriguing question. I would assume that you are self-conscious of your true self and are worried about how others would perceive you if you were to show your true self.

I am a spirit, and while I can take many forms, this is what I would consider the form that is most true to my nature. Despite the fact that I am very large and have frightened many people with my appearance, I continue to retain this form. I do not change myself on the opinions and perceptions of others. If you are hiding your own true self, then it is little more than lying. Not only to others, but to yourself as well. If you value the relationships you have with others, then perhaps its time to put them to the test. Those that truly value you will not differ their opinions by knowing what you truly are. If they do, they were not worth your time to begin with. Despite my form, I am still a member of this community. Not any less or more than anyone else. The same would stand for you as well.

[Wan Shi Tong straightens himself up and regards the camera.]

I hope that my answers have helped and given insight. Please continue to send me your questions.

That is all.

[And then the feed ends.]

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[...Oh, the great owl spirit complimented him on his handwriting. He wasn't attempting to show off, only mask his usual writing with a bit of additional cursive.

The answer to the question itself is something he should've expected from a spirit of knowledge. Cold hard facts. He agrees with the sentiment for the most part. It's a shame that in practice, things can become far too complicated for neutrality and objectiveness. The answer to the second question is an interesting one as well. He would've expected someone so objective to focus on the good of the community rather than one's own selfworth.]

Hmm. I would expect no less than such clarity from he who knows 10,000 things.

Would you say a legal system which relies solely on facts would have no impact at all on Lady Justice's aim, or do you hold the belief that humans are incapable of preventing their feelings from clouding their judgment?

Edited (Derrr, I grammar good.) 2014-09-03 11:20 (UTC)

Humans rely on their feelings far too much, thus I believe their reasoning is often flawed as a result. There is a time and place for emotions. However, they do indeed allow it to cloud their judgement, usually in favor of themselves or their own ideals.

[Much as Simon would like to respect this awe-inspiring owl spirit, he takes personal offense at those words. He's seen plenty of biased humans in the courtroom, both on the defense's side and the prosecution's, yet he himself knows exactly when to stop hunting the defendant and accept their innocence. There are others like him, he knows this as well.

Then again... The dark age of the law persist for a reason.]

Much as it pains me to do so, I must direct your attention to one vital flaw in your own reasoning. That is, no human is the same. I admit that there are those who allow their feelings to guide them away from logic, yet I have also seen those who abide by the rules of the court and will use only fact as their stepping stone towards justice.

... If you would stereotype humans to have the same flaws, perhaps it is you who is allowing his feelings to cloud his judgment.

Or perhaps you're offended by my opinion and allowing your own feelings to sway your statement. Thus proving my point.

I speak from my own experience. I've found that most humans can not be trusted. However there are a few exceptions.

[Wow. Wow.]

One's own experience is just that. It is not entirely objective and thus prone to bias. It is for that reason that we have a rule in our court of law; evidence is everything. Testimony alone will not do.

Furthermore, people are shaped by their experiences- their environment. It stands to reason that humans from your world may differ greatly from those of another origin. They may very well be rotten at the core. I would not know.

And you mean to tell me you have no bias as a human to a spirit who thinks ill of them?

As I have little memory of the humans from my own world, it is the humans here, from different origins, of which I speak.

I never once claimed to be free of bias. I am, after all, only human.

Would you truly say that the residents of this enclosure together, human or otherwise, are incapable of exerting true justice?

How about I put things into perspective for you.

Say that you arrived in Luceti and it was almost entirely inhabited by spirits instead of humans. You then proceed to live your life the best way you know how, but the spirits find it offensive and attack you verbally. Eventually you start to reason with some of them. However, before an agreement can be made, one of them comes and takes everything you hold dear. In your effort to fight back, they then take your life.

When you come back, you have no memory of the situation, and have lost many of your memories from home as well. Despite that, you are forbidden access to what you care most about. While the other spirits, even those who tried to show you kindness, look the other way.

You are then forced to apologize for your supposed misdeeds before you can get it back.

Tell me. Would you then trust the spirits?

[He's silent for a good while, because how is he even supposed to respond to something like that? He didn't ask for this spirit's life story, though it is an awfully interesting anecdote. There are two sides to every story, of course, but he can see now why Wan Shi Tong feels the way he does.]

Hmph. I take it this hypothetical situation has a root in personal experience as well. It is not my place to apologize for what has occured, yet I will offer my sympathies. I fail to see why anyone would need to lose their life in this place, even more so when it is returned fairly quickly.

To answer the question... No, I suppose I would not. Though it sounds to me as if very little attempt at exerting justice was made in the first place. If so, that is all the more reason to find the root of the problem and slice it clean through. We must learn from our mistakes, not repeat them.

You assume correctly.

[Simon's words though intrigue him. He's the first that seemed to have any apparent interest in the issue other than empty words of remorse for his death. The person responsible not being one of them.]

I have been cooperating for the sake of being allowed in the library. Plus I am not eager to die again. Thus I have not pursued justice. Nor has anyone else. However, if you are truly an advocate of justice and wish to pursue the matter, I will not stop you.

[Hm... Simon wasn't really referring to retro-active justice. Considering the way Luceti works, it isn't his place to search for such a thing. After all, the whole incident is really 'none of his business'. Luceti has no need for prosecutors- not in the way they exist within Simon's world, anyway.]

I cannot. As I said, we must avoid repeating these mistakes, yet it would be arrogant of me to assume I could advocate justice in a matter that did not concern me. Luceti is not within my area of jurisdiction. Or, as they say... What's done is done.

Should you find yourself being threatened by humans a second time, you are free to call upon my services so that I may play the part of mediator. This offer is the most I can present to you.

Edited 2014-09-06 20:22 (UTC)

Hmph. Then you are no different from anyone else here.

There was a feeble attempt at mediation before and it failed. A bully is instead allowed to do whatever he pleases, no matter how despicable. There can not be learning from a mistake if it's not even acknowledged as a mistake. Thus I am left with the proverbial short end of the stick simply because I was less powerful than the man who killed me.

So this is the justice you believe in.

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. As you said, after all, you are only human.

[Any respect he could have potentially had for Simon is now thrown out the window.]

[It's the same for Simon, really. He wanted to try and get along with such a majestic creature; he even offered a sort of protection. Clearly, that gesture goes unappreciated. This owl only hears what it wants to hear.]

Tsk. What twisted slander from a great spirit of knowledge. Justice is not a natural phenomenon that simply occurs, nor can you expect a stranger to set these events into motion for you. Sitting back and directing your frustration towards others instead will accomplish absolutely nothing. Even a human child would know this.

I cannot condone what occured, nor can I condemn it. That is between you, your bully and whoever was involved in the matter. Bear in mind that should you continue to belittle every human you come across, you will find no allies here.

What you consider slander has been the truth for me. As a spirit of knowledge I research all angles. From my perspective I have not had a friend since the moment I arrived. It would seem that "slander" is the only means I have to protect myself.

Is that not what the human legal system is for? To protect and acquire justice for those who can not protect themselves? I suppose you would tell me it doesn't apply here. If so what is keeping everyone from killing each other? Apparently nothing. Or I am merely the victim of human arrogance and double standards. As I said, your kind only exercises justice when it benefits yourselves. You are again reinforcing my opinion. I can only come to the conclusion that it is fact.

[While veiled, Wan Shi Tong's words had been a plea for help. Though now it seems Simon is refusing just as everyone else had. The humans were only interested in controlling him. Just as Isaac had said. Now he can see why he had hated humans before losing his memory.]

Edited 2014-09-06 23:49 (UTC)

[In a way, it's funny. Simon spoke to a fellow resident about this matter not even a month ago. They agreed that in a sense, it is the lack of order that keeps the residents from descending into disorder. What's keeping them from killing each other, aside from a sheer lack of motive in most cases, is that there's nowhere for the murderer to run and only too many vigilantes who would take the law into their own hands. The fact that Wan Shi Tong hasn't sought revenge (yet) is for the best, of course, but it would serve as a good reminder that death begets death.

Best not to plant that idea in the spirit's mind, though. Repercussions, if any, should be diplomatic. A mean grin dawns on Simon's face.]

You seem incapable of grasping the meaning of my words, so allow me to spell it out for you. If you seek a chance to bring the hammer of justice down upon your killer, you yourself must take the first step. By all means, suggest a trial to the village at large and see if they will accept such a notion. Perhaps someone will offer a more suitable alternative- one more befitting of a place such as this one.

I do not know the full story surrounding the incident, yet if you believe that the killer deserves some form of punishment, Lady Justice may smile your way. To take the life of a fellow within our community, whether they be human, spirit or otherwise, should be met with consequences. [He taps a finger against his forehead, his grin widening further.] ...Or perhaps anything similar to a trial will serve to prove that you got what you deserved, which will allow us to put this whole thing to rest.

Am I? It seems to me you are unwilling to grasp the truth. Considering the tendency of the society here, I do not believe a truly fair trial free from bias would be conducted. Otherwise i would have already pursued it. Plus I find it highly unlikely that anyone would willingly or adequately assist me in this endeavor.

I have already admitted that I may have been wrong. But I have heard no such admissions from the others involved. My pride can not be wounded anymore than it already has.

If I could be convinced that a fair trial would occur, I would be willing to accept this.

[Oh revenge is already on Wan Shi Tong's mind. He has merely been biding his time. Feigning cooperation until the right moment. He has had plenty of time to think this over.]

Edited 2014-09-07 00:59 (UTC)

[A fair trial... Wan Shi Tong's cynical attitude towards such a thing is eerily similar to Aura's. She too has no trust left in the court system. Simon is to blame for that, of course, but he has very few regrets. He would do the same thing over and over again.

Evidently, this is a lost cause. He could try to use his Power of Suggestion to make this trial happen, but what would be the point? A stubborn creature such as this one deserves to stew in his own frustration for a while longer. A proper trial can't occur if the victim doesn't support it. ...Not that most victims of murder could support it, yet the Prosecutor's Office likes to think it speaks in an echo of the deceased's voice and acts in the best interest of loved ones.]

Tsk. I see. It is for the best that you will not pursue the endeavor then, for the basis of a fair trial is trust. Trust in one another and trust in the system. Without that, the proceedings are little more than a sham and you seem to be quite opposed to even the mere concept of trust.

I concur.

As you said yourself, you would not trust the spirits that wronged you. I have no reason to trust the humans that have wronged me.

[Stubborn is practically his middle name. But letting a scorned knowledge spirit stew can be a dangerous thing.]

No reason, you say? [He laughs in a rather bitter manner.] Who knows? Perhaps a reason will make itself clear to you eventually. Until then, He Who Denies 10,000 Things.

[With that, he'll snap the journal shut. It's been a very enlightening conversation, but he needs to go out and get some fresh air now. All the skepticism could make him sick to his stomach.]

Hmph. Typical.

Wait... did you say Wan Shi Tong? As in, the spirit that oversees the great library?

That is correct.

[His eyes are going to boggle just for a moment.]

The one that used to be in the Si Wong Desert? Are you serious?

I am always serious.

Uh. Right. Sorry.

[Oh man. That's... that's something else right there.]

Are... is this the spirit world? Is that why you're here?

[Everyone else said it wasn't, but he has to be sure.]

[There's a sign in his voice. As if he's been asked this question before.]

I assure you, this is not the spirit world.

[Kai is visibly disappointed.]

Yeah. That's what everyone has said. I keep wanting the answer to change, though. Sorry.

You would not be the first.

Figures. So if you're here, then is your library here, too?

It is not. I inhabit the library that they have here.

Wait. You mean the one Jinora's always going to? So I could meet you if I went inside?

Indeed.

Whoa. That's really cool!

[This is a kid that is actually excited to meet you Wan Shi Tong. Right up until he sees exactly how tall you really are. That will be very scary.]

I suppose.

[Though he hardly approves of Kai's choice of words. He never liked slang.]

I can come over any time to see you at the Library, right?

Of course. The library is open to everyone, and I happen to live there.

Educating the masses again, Mr. Wan Shi Tong?

Indeed. As a spirit of knowledge it is only prudent to spread that knowledge.

I suppose, I doubt it will get through to those whom you wish it to.

I am aware of this. However I was asked a question and I will answer it honestly.

That's the thing about justice. Half the time, it's just another form of revenge, and the people involved are just too stubborn or proud to admit it.

Still, is it even possible to be 100% objective? You can try, but I feel like there's always gonna be at least some bias.

Hm. I suppose you have a point.

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[Video] Ask Wan Shi Tong - Volume 2 (Backdated to 08/31)

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