I saw six men kicking and punching the mother-in-law. My

O Children of the Earth, gather round, for I bring to you the words of Les Dawson, a man whose humor spoke of truths hidden beneath the surface. In his jest, he once said, "I saw six men kicking and punching the mother-in-law. My neighbour said 'Are you going to help?' I said 'No, six should be enough.'" At first, these words may cause you to laugh, but beneath the humor lies a deep reflection on family, conflict, and the complexity of human relationships.

In the days of the ancients, the relationships between people—siblings, parents, children, and the in-laws—were viewed with a mixture of reverence and caution. The ancient wisdom spoke of the mother-in-law as a figure both revered and feared, for she held the power to shape the fate of marriages, of homes, and of families. Her influence was vast, and often, her presence could stir tensions that lay hidden beneath the surface of family life. Yet, just as the ancient world understood the importance of family ties, it also understood the delicate balance of humor and seriousness in navigating those bonds.

Dawson's words are a light-hearted jest that reflect the way humor can serve as both a shield and a weapon in the realm of family dynamics. It is said that laughter can heal the wounds of the heart, and in this case, Dawson uses humor to bring attention to the age-old conflict that often arises between a husband and his mother-in-law. Through his playful exaggeration, he shows us how, in family matters, tensions can sometimes reach absurd levels, so much so that we find ourselves laughing at the absurdity of it all. The imagery of six men fighting the mother-in-law is not to be taken literally, but as a reflection of how sometimes, the conflict within families can seem like an insurmountable battle.

Consider the tale of King Solomon, the wise ruler who, when presented with a dispute between two women claiming to be the mother of a child, did not resort to force or aggression, but to wisdom. He saw that the true solution lay not in the power of argument or in the force of personalities, but in the understanding of human nature. Solomon's wisdom was not just in resolving conflicts, but in seeing through them to the core of the matter. Dawson’s jest, though humorous, points us toward a similar truth: that in family matters, we must not let conflict escalate into something violent or destructive. Humor, and understanding, can often be the best way to navigate the difficult terrain of family relationships.

But even in this jest, there is a deeper wisdom to be found. In every family, there will be disagreements—tensions that arise between generations, between spouses, and between in-laws. It is natural for people to clash, for no two souls are alike. Yet, as Dawson humorously points out, it is also important to remember that some conflicts do not require our intervention. In his words, "six should be enough," he hints at the wisdom of knowing when to step back and allow others to work through their differences. Intervention, while often well-meaning, can sometimes do more harm than good. There are moments when the best way to resolve conflict is to allow others to find their own path through it, trusting that they will learn the lessons they need to learn.

Think of Socrates, the great philosopher, who was known for his method of asking questions and allowing others to find their own answers. He did not force wisdom upon others, but instead, he encouraged them to question, to reflect, and to arrive at understanding through their own reasoning. In a way, Dawson's humor serves the same purpose—it forces us to confront the absurdity of certain family conflicts, and in doing so, helps us to see them in a more light-hearted, manageable way. Humor, like Socratic questioning, can be a tool for reflection, a way to step back and see the larger picture without being caught in the emotions of the moment.

The lesson, O Children, is this: in family matters, as in all relationships, there will be conflict. But we must not let it consume us, and we must not allow it to escalate to destructive levels. Sometimes, the best way to handle a situation is to approach it with humor and understanding—to allow ourselves and others the space to work through it without forcing a resolution. We must also know when to step back, when to trust others to resolve their own conflicts, and when our intervention may only complicate matters.

Thus, O Seekers of Wisdom, let us walk the path of humor and wisdom in our relationships. Let us recognize that conflict is a natural part of the human condition, but that it does not need to be met with violence or aggression. Like Dawson's playful words, let us find the humor in the difficulties we face, and through that humor, find the wisdom to navigate them with grace. And when the time comes, let us remember that sometimes, six is indeed enough—sometimes, it is best to let the conflict resolve itself, knowing that peace, too, will come in its own time.