Humans are complicated. If there is any achievement we should truly be proud of, it is understanding the mechanics of human nature. But unfortunately, that is nearly impossible. Humans are unpredictable. Uncertain. They say one thing one moment and do something entirely different the next. They hurt, intentionally or unintentionally. They wear visages unbecoming of them. They subscribe to ideas and behaviours that often shock their fellow human beings. They do anything that serves them the best.
It is human nature to derive satisfaction from temporary victories, but these rarely yield any lasting good. When it comes to conflict, humans often harbour deep resentment. Being arrogant or disrespectful towards a situation, an event, or a circumstance is nothing but a fleeting illusion of victory. The pride that follows stinks. Humans can go to any extent to prove their point, however lopsided or biased it may be. It is an established fact.
Working in the public sector has made me realise that many people respond to difficult situations with arrogance. They simply want to win, no matter the circumstances. They seek to display pseudo-power and assert dominance over others. Ironically, many of them are well qualified. They understand complex ideas, speak politely, and appear reasonable. Yet, the moment their ego is bruised, all hell breaks loose. They stop listening. They exaggerate situations, play the blame game, assume the role of the victim, and hurl accusations with such conviction that even Lucifer would have something to learn from their art of deception.
I have personally come across many such incidents in my life. Believe me, there wasn’t an ounce of humanity in those moments. That is what shocks me.
It would hardly sound clichéd if I said that education does not always make a person humble. Humility is cultivated from within, and it takes conscious effort to refine this virtue. Merely studying theories and analysing hypotheses does not necessarily lead to wisdom. Even when it does, it may fail to preserve one’s moral values. Jealousy takes root. Sadism emerges. Vulgarity and barbarism surface. That is the real tragedy.
At the same time, it would be unfair to claim that all humans are alike. There are people who remain quiet, humble, and modest despite facing the same problems and enduring the same crises. Yet they do not allow their egos to dictate their actions. They show empathy. They connect with others. They consider the entire context before passing judgment. They inspire us to remain compassionate. We need such people. They are gems; blessings in disguise.
Moreover, we can learn to bring ourselves under control without relying on our egos. It is not necessary to prove every argument through an inflated sense of self-importance. Overconfidence should never overpower humility, and reason should never take a back seat. The wisest people are those who listen, remain calm, and allow logic to speak louder than pride. That, perhaps, is the finest expression of kindness.
Sadly, humility is slipping through our fingers. And with every passing day, the tree of pride grows ever more crimson.
That, indeed, is distressing.
The writer is an Intensive Care Nurse at the Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu.
Feedback at: farhanna435@gmail.com