In a world spiraling out of control, one can’t help but wonder what has changed. Why does it seem impossible to cultivate a sense of civility and decency towards one another? From the moment we step out of our homes, the evidence surrounds us. As we navigate the roads, the frenzied drivers around us dart and weave between cars, behaving as if they are in the midst of a life-or-death emergency. Turn signals are a foreign concept, as they cut in front of us without warning, mere inches from our front bumpers. Road rage, nasty gestures, and reckless speeds become the norm, as if they believe they are winning some twisted race.
Even when we reach a red light, we find ourselves side by side with these hurried racers. Oblivious to the fact that their aggressive driving could easily result in the loss of innocent lives, they continue to maneuver their killing machines like drug addicts on an adrenaline-fueled high. As we enter a store, the atmosphere is thick with unhappiness and anger. Every interaction is laced with unwelcoming, rude, and downright nasty behavior. Gone are the days of holding doors open for fellow human beings. Manners? A relic of the past. Expressions like “please,” “thank you,” and “you’re welcome” are dismissed as unnecessary formalities. Being decent and kind to others? A laughable notion. There simply isn’t time for such frivolities in this dog-eat-dog world.
But amidst this chaos, we must question: Have we truly lost our way? Is it not possible to reclaim the values of respect, patience, and compassion that once defined us? Can we not strive for a society where courtesy and empathy reign? As we navigate our daily lives, let us remember that it is within our power to shape the world around us. By embracing kindness, understanding, and the simple act of acknowledging one another’s humanity, we can sow the seeds of change. It is up to us to reject the notion of a cutthroat existence and instead foster a world where decency and compassion are the guiding principles. Only then can we reclaim the civilization and decency that we so desperately crave.
In this world, it seems like people just take what they want without a second thought. Empathy and compassion have become foreign concepts, replaced by a relentless pursuit of self-preservation. Being a good person, showing kindness and lending a helping hand, it all feels pointless when others only care about being the winner, no matter the cost.
Have you ever had a friend who borrows money and never pays it back? They know they owe it, but they don’t care about being respectful or decent to someone who has always been there for them. Even when confronted by other friends, their response is dismissive, and wanting you beg for it. It’s a dog-eat-dog world, and they’re sitting there, their bank accounts overflowing with cash, oblivious to the consequences of their selfishness.
But karma has a way of catching up with people like that. And when it does, I won’t have an ounce of pity for them. The world is changing, and we can all see it happening. So maybe, just maybe, we can make a difference. Maybe the next time you leave your home, you can drive a little more carefully and considerately. Maybe you can hold the door open for your fellow human beings, showing them that kindness still exists. Maybe saying thank you, please, you’re welcome, or I’m sorry won’t hurt you. And maybe, just maybe, you can pay back that friend you owe money to, because it’s the right thing to do.
What do you want to be remembered for? Do you want to be the good guy or the bad guy? I’m not asking for perfection, just a little effort to be respectful and decent human beings. Are those days long gone, or can we still salvage them from the past? I like to believe there’s hope. As I sit here by the ocean, contemplating another day, I wish you all a blessed and relaxing weekend with your loved ones. Let’s strive to make this world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.