“Just because you lost me as a friend doesn’t mean you gain me as an enemy. I’m bigger than that. I still wanna see you eat, just not at my table.” -Tupac Shakur

    This famous Tupac Shakur quote came to my mind when I read news that a suspect on his killing during 1996 was arrested just a few days ago.

    This quote is more profound in more ways than one because it shows not only maturity, but a richness in perspective that’s quite rare.

    We, as ascribed to our own human nature, have a tendency to judge people as all good and all bad. Person A is good and Person B is bad. It is totally understandable. We are hardwired to protect ourselves since the hunter-gatherer times and protecting the tribe rewarded this type of mindset. This begs the question, “Is this mindset already outdated? Or is a more “civilized” perspective needed?

    Tupac was a really polarizing figure in the past, saying what he said and meaning what he said. He was wise, despite being surrounded by figures who didn’t seem to have much depth of character. He was very expressive especially in his songs and didn’t seem to fear the consequences. He also had his fair share of enemies, and whether one of them was responsible for his death is still unresolved to this very day.

    But what struck me about him, was the two-fold meaning of the quote that he embodied in his short life of 25 years. He understands the fact of life that people tend to outgrow each other and lose some of the experiences, values, and mindsets that bonded them together. He often had fallouts with his own friends, partners, producers that didn’t align with his principles. He would show his anger to his enemies in his rap songs, expressing the emotions that were rapped best in the West Coast style that he always represented. He was true to himself, never letting go of his values.

    The second meaning of the quote is much more important. It showed the fact that he was able to let go of the anger and resentment that he had towards his adversaries. He never held on to his grudges and understood that some people just don’t mesh as well with others. This quote also reflected the compassion he felt even for his own enemies, not relishing in their misfortune nor envying in their triumphs.

    This quote presents to us a much deeper perspective about the way we must view relationships, friendships, and the eventual destruction of those that do not serve us anymore. It is justifiable to feel angry, resentful, and betrayed whenever someone just disappears from our life, or chooses not to value our company and contributions the way we wanted them to. It also makes sense to express these emotions as long as we don’t jeopardize both parties. Where perspective truly shines is in the aftermath of all the spats, quarrels which can culminate a blossoming relationship, a solid friendship, or an unnatural end to a familial connection. This is probably what Jesus meant when he told us to love our enemies.

    Remaining compassionate and caring for a person who is not in our lives anymore is vital for ourselves. This way, we release ourselves from the bondage of wrath and hatred that can tear our lives apart if left unbridled.  We owe it to ourselves to reconcile even with those who don’t seek reconciliation with us. We owe it to ourselves to know when to keep a person at arm’s length but also to wish the best for them. It helps us restore the peace and quiet in our lives that all of us strive for.  Perspective, in this case, is truly synonymous to freedom. Freedom from the internal chains that will haunt us if we don’t liberate ourselves from them.

    I’m sincerely hoping that he and his family and loved ones gets the justice they deserve, seeing how he’s still able to grace us with his music and his wisdom from beyond the grave.