We often get caught up in petty squabbles and material pursuits. But is it too late to course-correct and live life to the fullest? This article explores the causes of our destructive tendencies and offers a call to action to prioritise empathy and brotherhood.
Grudges and indifferences have seeped so deeply into our lives that we are unable to look beyond these narrow considerations. Instead of embracing and cherishing the grand and beautiful moments of sympathy, empathy, and brotherhood, we have reduced the vast horizons of our lives to unnecessary noise and grievances. Everywhere, people are at loggerheads with each other. Petty issues have taken the driver’s seat, while the most important and solid principles are kept on the back burner, smouldering there, hidden from the public.
Since time immemorial, this has been happening in different forms and hues—the greatest gift of life has been narrowly understood. It has often been thrown to the winds of ideological differences and slaughtered at the whims of so-called great lords. The results are crystal clear: wars, drug trafficking, genocide, female feticide, female infanticide, human trafficking, and more.
Now the question arises: why do people, instead of taking life as a series of life-giving adventures and lessons, accept it as an opportunity to play the blame game and make their own and others’ lives hellish? It is an established fact that when death snaps the limited breaths of this ephemeral life, all the bickering and grievances of life come to nought. However, is it necessary to acknowledge this truth only on the deathbed? Why not before that? In the following lines, some causes responsible for this mindset are briefly discussed.
The first is materialism. The material interests of one person clash with those of another, resulting in chaos and confusion. Competing with others in material pursuits sets the stage for overlooking the diverse concept of life in favour of superficial fights. In this way, the whole structure of life crumbles down like a house of cards, with destruction seeming endless.
The second is ego. No person is ready to surrender their egoism in favour of the long-lasting bliss of enjoying the intricacies of life. One’s so-called egoism doesn’t allow one to think beyond their egoistic considerations and see clearly. Egoism blurs one’s vision, erasing the thin line distinguishing a satisfied life from a dissatisfied one, and this paves the way for destruction.
The third is blind faith. Following others blindly is a path fraught with dangers. Chasing others is like walking on a sword; any deviation from the main path has serious repercussions. Instead of lighting one’s own flame of truth, respecting, honouring, and cherishing others’ ways and principles is a lost gamble.
The fourth and final cause is our own fault. The whole universe is an open book for us to read and introspect. Everything in the vast universe is calling us to see thoroughly through it. The race for conquering and exploiting everything to quench our unquenchable thirst has the potential to bring doom to our lives. The universe is a path to be trodden carefully. Weighing down and burdening ourselves with worldly things mars the very purpose behind the creation of the grand universe. We look at the world through narrow lenses, inviting destruction.
The need of the hour is to live life fully, in accordance with the grand universe and the pious inclinations within us. How long shall we tarnish the images of others? Isn’t the present moment apt for setting things right that have gone awry? How long shall we pour petrol on the blazing fire, reducing our lives to ephemeral ashes? Aren’t the blood-stained streets a wake-up call for us to embrace reality and live life as the one-time opportunity it truly is? How long shall deserts bloom while green gardens turn into barren lands, staring us in the face?
The light of wisdom must radiate its pervasive rays in all directions, bringing an end to the never-ending streak of abuses, trampling upon the fragile buds of others’ gardens, and felling the blooming trees, with their fruits and colourful birds. Our deeds have put humanity into lament. Now, the lamentation must end, and we must embrace humanity in its entirety. Selling and buying are not the only aims of life. Living every moment is the essence of life that we can embody. No one is going to rescue us. It is up to us to enlighten and awaken ourselves for the betterment of the present and the future. Let us hope for the best. May good sense prevail!