I was offered a brave conundrum over the weekend. It tinkered my thoughts abit.
“I don’t see how I am responsible for the people dying in Iraq right now.”
I started to think about how exactly I am responsible for the people dying on the other end of the planet. It is very easy to arrive at the conclusion that I so had nothing to do about the others in this world.
I’m not saying the originator of the statement was right or wrong, I’m sure you do read this. =) I’m taking the statement objectively because it really interests me. Please acknowledge my point of view. =)
I thought for a day and I arrived at the conclusion.
The people dying on the other side of the planet are so, because I chose to have my cup of coffee in the morning, I chose to spend time with the people that I so love to, even if it means enduring their lack of punctuality, I chose to dine to the magnificence of Japanese Cuisine as I imagine to make a difference in the world food balance by finishing what I requested, I chose to spend my money in creating somebody’s esteem, I chose to hold myself & the people near me in importance. I chose to let the lives on the other side fade to dust because, I don’t care about it. I see it.
It’s a fairly far idea to think that I actually can do something about the lives lost on the other side. It’s fair to think that the immense effort to make a difference across miles is indeed “impossible” for the individual. It’s common to think that we all value the lives on earth while we let lives perish at the same time. It’s common to agree that there “should” be equality for all while lives are given different values depending on their localities & economies. I quote the”Starbucks & African Coffee Growers” relationship.
This reaffirmed certain things.
I was walking on the street when a young man approached me with a card of credentials and a bag, peddling party sprays to the tune of $10 in aid of ex-convicts. What would you do if you are in my shoes?
Think.
“Give ex-convicts a 2nd chance.” the man said in a meek manner.
“Everybody deserves a 2nd chance.” I shot the one liner.
I took $5 and placed it in his hands & requested not to have the party spray, which I think he could make an additional $10 with. With well wishes for the coming Christmas, a handshake, I carried on with my walk. I believe I made a difference in him for the day.
Few believed in the nature of ex-convicts or their ability to turn over a new leaf. Many doubted the legitimacy of such solicitation. I haven’t seen many who respond positively to such. Aren’t we all too quick to conclude that people don’t become better when they haven’t had the chance? More so, in the times of a gloom economy & instability.
Some say I am a easy victim for a scam. Have faith in me for my intelligence. My IQ is 136. I provide the chance. It is up to the individual to decide what he wants to do with his life. To learn to fish, it’s always a choice.
It’s your life. Own it.
Today, I was prodded to write a book. Unimaginable, perhaps, for a Chinese man without a scholarly background. To express the ideas I have for this world to work in harmony. I was never brave enough to have this idea but I acknowledge that, no matter how big the idea is, the time to start is now. =)
Feel free to discuss the following issues, I so love your 2 cents worth.
- Energy
- Food
- Land Use
- Pollution
- Money
- Socio-Demographics
- Medicine
- Life Expectancy
- Technology
- Globalization
- Institutions of Power
- Making a Difference
Has reading this post made a difference to you? Let me know. I want to hear your views. Blog it & post me the link. =)
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Comments ( 2 )
my 2 cents worth is in my blog. too long to write in the comment box. hur
Sher added these pithy words on
Dec 16 08 at
11:41 pm
You make a difference in me when you told me that you wan to Save the World. I am in and feel for this idea..
Making difference doesnt need to be a great action that you need to take…A care and concern action that you willing to give will make a difference and you might be surprised that with such a small action, you might create a great difference in people life. The most important is that every step you want to make a difference is from the bottom of your heart and you must feel it.. this is my 2 cents worth of view.
Cindy added these pithy words on
Dec 17 08 at
9:50 am
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