THIS universe works on the principle of reciprocity. It is impossible to defy nature. Deceiving nature leads to permanent demise. The same principle applies to the lives of individuals. It’s natural for those who help humanity to live a tranquil and content life. They derive happiness not from accumulating wealth and materialistic possessions but from acting like a candle that lights up people’s lives. Developing a harmless demeanour is crucial for nurturing collective well-being and promoting harmony. Intrinsic harm is caused by anything that inflicts adversity upon others. Harmful elements are instinctively perceived as threats by human nature, leading individuals to mobilize all possible resources to eliminate them.
Human life’s intricate tapestry provides us with the opportunity to interact with fellow beings. The complex nature of society requires us to form friendships, develop social ties and live together harmoniously for mutual survival and communal progress. Despite this, a fundamental inquiry endures: What exactly is the best way to flourish and foster an environment that promotes the welfare of everyone? The answer lies in adopting the persona of a harmless individual, someone who demonstrates kindness and empathy in their interactions with others. Becoming a harmless being involves a multi-dimensional dedication that includes various qualities that work together for the betterment of humanity.
Regrettably, societal norms have transformed to the point where we only reserve the term “harmful” for the most heinous crimes. Certain conventions and principles within modern societies perpetuate pervasive harm within the social fabric, paradoxically internalized despite being seemingly innocuous. Although causing physical harm is widely condemned, various actions can be harmful and destroy human relationships and societal harmony.
The manifestation of malicious intent is undeniably reprehensible when it involves intentionally causing physical harm to someone. People who have wicked motives fulfil their desire for power and control through such detestable actions. However, the range of harmful actions is more than just physical harm. To view someone with disdain is a harmful act. The centre of hatred drives the desire to harm the despised. The hatred often results in a hidden desire to harm, but the lack of practical ways to do so restrains the individual, causing them to foster this hostility as a way to satisfy their craving for destruction.
Similarly, engaging in slanderous talk to defame someone’s character is also considered harmful. It is a fallacy to think that expressing anger or attacking someone’s character has no ethical consequences. The truth is that such actions cause direct harm to the intended target, violating ethical standards that form the foundation of peaceful coexistence. Furthermore, the range of harm includes misleading others, which is often motivated by the desire to impede the progress of those considered threats. Even the act of casting harmful glances at others, commonly referred to as the “evil eye”, doesn’t avoid causing harm. Looking at someone with bad intentions is morally unjustified. Instead, this kind of conduct is morally unacceptable as it invites pain and suffering into the lives of those affected by it.
Moreover, winning someone’s trust and then betraying the person is the most harmful thing one can do to others. Trust is a rare commodity. A person of character will always keep the secrets entrusted to them, even in the face of conflicting interests. Our shared human experience is soured by such kind of dishonest practices that perpetuate harm. Any action taken to rob people of their happiness and joy is a criminal act that provides harm to others. The hidden reality reveals that causing harm to others is equivalent to sowing harm to oneself. Consequences of causing harm always return to the person, causing pain and suffering. While the path of being a harmless person is full of challenges, the benefits, especially peace of mind and fulfilment, are immeasurable.
On the other hand, people who cause harm to others, whether intentionally or not, always end up living a life without peace. Their existence is marked by an unending cycle of discontent, as they remain trapped in their quagmire. The question arises: Why choose to harm others when you could work on self-improvement? In both work and family settings, some individuals have harmful intentions toward others, often hurting themselves in the process. Throughout human history, the battle between good and evil has been a recurring theme. Whether intentional or not, many individuals get involved in spreading harmful ideologies that infiltrate society, often without realizing the full extent of the consequences. Individuals who seek immediate satisfaction by harming others through their words or actions may experience brief moments of happiness, but they always feel remorseful later in life for their actions.
Protecting others, however, is a selfless act that provides advantages to all involved. This noble pursuit promotes brotherhood and encourages mutual respect and empathy. There’s no doubt that the highest level of human achievement is to be a harmless individual who prioritizes the well-being of others. Humanity’s greatest potential lies in the collective efforts of those who tirelessly work to enhance the lives of others, pushing society toward a future marked by compassion, mutual understanding and shared progress. To evolve human consciousness, we must embrace our role as harmless being in the intricate tapestry of existence. It is necessary to develop virtues that go beyond self-interest to improve humanity altogether.
In a world often filled with malevolence and strife, the pursuit of harmlessness serves as a symbol of hope and demonstrates the lasting potential for good that exists in every individual. Amidst humanity’s journey through time’s labyrinthine corridors, the path of the harmless being exemplifies the triumph of compassion, resilience and collective well-being. The presence of such harmful tendencies in society today is indicative of a decline in our moral and ethical values. The fact that evil mindsets causing harm to others with impunity have created a fertile ground for bloodshed and chaos is a wake-up call for us as a society. Life is a precious gift, but it’s meaningless if we don’t benefit others. Together, let’s journey towards becoming selfless individuals spreading positivity around us.
—The writer is CSS Officer, based in Sargodha.
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