The Sheepdog

Most of the people in our society are sheep. They are kind, gentle, productive creatures who can only hurt one another by accident.” If you have no capacity for violence, then you are a healthy productive citizen: a sheep.

We know that the sheep live in denial; that is what makes them sheep. They do not want to believe that there is evil in the world.

And there are wolves, wolves feed on the sheep, they show no mercy to the young, feeble or elderly. There are evil men in this world and they are capable of evil deeds. If you have a capacity for violence and no empathy for your fellow citizens, then you are defined as an aggressive sociopath–a wolf.

Then there are sheepdogs. Sheepdogs have a deep appreciation, loyalty and are dedicated to their fellow citizen. They do not seek violence, yet they are capable of it. Prepare for it for they know the wolf will come.

The sheep generally do not like the sheepdog. He looks a lot like the wolf. He has fangs and the capacity for violence. The difference, though, is that the sheepdog must not, cannot and will not ever harm the sheep.

Still, the sheepdog disturbs the sheep. He is a constant reminder that there are wolves in the land. They would prefer not to be aware of his presence amongst them. The sheep would much rather have the sheepdog cash in his fangs, spray paint himself white, and go “Baa.” —- Until the wolf shows up. Then the entire flock tries desperately to hide behind one lonely sheepdog.

Sheep and the sheepdog think differently. The sheep pretend the wolf will never come, but the sheepdog knows he will and prepares for that day. Even though the flock does not accept you as one of them or invite you to join them. You know you must protect those who you have been entrusted to protect.

In nature the sheep, wolf & sheepdog are born for what they are. They didn’t have a choice. But as a human being, you make that choice. It is a conscious one.

If you want to be a wolf, you can be one, but know this… the sheepdog will defend his flock at all cost and is willing to sacrifice all to do so. He will hunt you down, you will never have rest, safety, trust or love.

But if you want to be a sheepdog, then you must make a conscious and moral decision every day to dedicate yourself to the flock and prepare yourself to do battle for the moment when the wolf comes.

It’s good to be a sheepdog.

Lt. Col. Dave Grossman,
Commencement Speech at West Point Academy