Being a Decent Human Being

“It costs nothing to be nice.” Actually, sometimes it does. Maybe a little and maybe a lot. But it might be worth it anyway. Nice or kind.

We may have ventured into a world, or an area of it, where being a decent human being is not rewarded or even encouraged. Where most would boast about their lack of concern and consideration for others, as if it is some sort of grand achievement that separates them from the “sheep”. But this is quite an oversimplified and skewed view of it.

You can be nice (and kind) to others without betraying yourself. You can accomplish great things without being a lousy or terrible person. You can be in disagreement and lose the approval of others and STILL be a decent human being. So no, it is not about losing your independence and your individuality. It is simply about, at the very least, behaving in a justifiable manner. 

You can put yourself first. But does that mean you should be stepping over others on your way or even be going out of your way to punch and kick them? Unprompted? You can push yourself further. But does that mean you are allowed to steal, exploit, or even abuse others? Including those with fewer resources than you and more at a disadvantage? You can give yourself a break. But does that mean it is okay to completely ignore and dismiss it when others are in danger and require help? Regardless of whether or not they were there for you or rely on you?

In some form, you ought to work concern and consideration for others into the equation. It doesn’t even have to be a 50/50 balance. But make it so that you are not just a leech or a cancer to the world and those in it. 

Give when you can and don’t take what’s not yours to receive. If you earned something, or will reciprocate that something, or you’d honor it in a significant manner, or it was simply in overflowing abundance… Then there might be no issue with claiming it. But if you go around pretending to be someone you’re not, making promises you don’t intend to keep, assuming you’re entitled to more than you truly are, and leaving people worse than you found them… You’ve failed at justifying your existence.

Should you off yourself? Get away from everyone? Sit in a corner? And never come back? Not really. But if you cannot be bothered to properly maintain and correct your behavior, do not expect to belong in circles where people do.