Today a number of people and institutions thrive on high
levels of dishonesty. Surprisingly, higher learning and religious institutions
seems to be on the apex of insincerity or dishonesty by the look of events
appearing on print and electronic media. A close look into interactions and
exchanges in social media reveals a sad story on the height of dishonesty
(these are people who are highly schooled and attend a religious
institution/gathering at least every week).
We are dishonest even unto oneself. Why? So as not to hurt
others? Do we fear if we say the truth we shall hurt or disappoint? Are we motivated
to be dishonest since we have a ‘good image’ to protect? People of ‘high moral’ integrity will go to
great lengths to cover the shocking truth (read dishonesty) so as to protect
their ‘good image’. Parents, teachers, pastors, priests, politicians, churches,
schools etc. will be dishonest so as to maintain the ‘good image’.
Unfortunately the guilty conscious will consistently bother them but eventually
they find it is normal to be dishonest. The so called, weaklings, the filthy
and the wretched of the earth; least schooled, down trodden, filthy poor,
(thieves are not in these category since they end up being role models of the
world) etc. are among the most honest persons. We cannot forget the children
who are the weakest and the most sincere beings in the world. If we can be like
children!
Our response to current political, religion, economic,environment,
and social issues reflect a society that is not sincere with itself, yet it
expect high levels of integrity among its many facets. It is ironical but you
will be surprised (if you are learned or religious) to find that people with
little or no formal education, and people whom are less religious or are not
church goers are the most sincere and free from any pretense. They are the ones
who will express their genuine feelings; be it good or bad feelings towards any
issues or personalities. They lack pretense and are always ready to air their
opinions without coating them for the sake of good personal relationships so as
to look civilized, Christian or schooled.
The blame games seen all over are a clear indication of how
dishonesty we are with our own selves. It looks ridiculous when one schooled
persons blames an institution, when their homes are flooded; yet they
constructed them in a river valley in broad daylight. Unless the house was
meant to be a hovercraft such that in case of flooding it auto fly, then let
you not be surprised by raging floods. Water always follow it course. Let us listen to expert opinions. And talking
of experts, why is it that institutions of higher learning cannot be centers of
excellence even in the fields they profess to train the society in? The
institutions do offer course in management yet they seems to be struggling in
management. We have professors who are ‘expert’ in the fields of sociology,
conflict resolutions, disaster management, financial management, planning name
it, and yet the same institutions are in dire needs of these services. The institutions
are in a pathetic situation, as far as these essential services are concerned.
Is it a paradox of the world or is it that we are unable to interrogate our
actions? Is it a state of mind or are we not educated enough? Does it make
sense to spend 24 years or a quarter a century in school and yet we cannot
solve a simple problem like digging drain waters along roads, ensuring the
drains are not blocked, building culverts to allow water to pass etc.? Is it
worthy to invest in education or churches and yet you are not sincere, honesty?
It all boils to lack of love to your neighbor. A simple act
of kindness, sincerity and love to the person next to you, can go a long way to
make life comfortable for everybody. How many of us throw sweets rappers or
empty water bottles out of the car’s window and yet get surprised when drains
are blocked by the same bottles? Why do we
vote in ridiculous leaders and yet expect changes from them? Although one can
conclude that bad leaders are elected by equally bad voters.
What have you done
to make your current environment better for you? Start with where you are now
and don’t wait for somebody else, do it, and see how the world will change. If
you don’t need something don’t get. Learn to share the little you have and you
will find that you will never lack. The world has enough for everybody.
