Why We Do What We Do

Warning: This is a serious post. Read at your own risk.

Ever wondered why we do the things that we do? Nah.. I didn't think so..

We often take a lot of things for granted. We fall into a system. Who invented the system? It was invented by a couple of people like us. This is what we tend to forget or ignore. Who said we should wake up early, do our chores, pray, study, be a good girl/boy, blah blah..? Are all these specified in some rule book? If so, who wrote it? What would happen if we chose not to do these things and did something else? Who decides what is good and what is bad?

The answer to this lies in evolution. We all know we come from apes. Ah, don't be shy about it. :P

It is said that when man is free to do what he wants, he apes another. It may sound funny, but it's actually true. It is easier to follow a system and do what others do as it gives a sense of safety and is approved by his fellow apes. It has already been done by someone else and nothing has happened to him. So I am safe. Why question the methods? Leave things the way they are. As simple as that.

Is it really that simple? Each human being is unique. No two people are the same. Are we willing to give that up just because we get a sense of security and a nod of approval from those around us? Who are they to nod for our actions in the first place? And why should it bother us whether they nod or not? Because we are all dependent creatures. Sad, but true. This thought is instilled in us from the minute we are born. 'Go with the society. You'll be safe and sound.'

Here's a thought. What would have happened if our freedom fighters all decided to do the same thing - adhere to the British rule? It was obviously a safe option. Those who spoke even a word against it were thrown in jail and tortured. In spite of that, why did some of them decide to fight against the system? They did. And we got our freedom. The freedom we don't know how to use.

Freedom is a tricky word. It is given different meanings at different times as per our convenience. Rather, the society's convenience. We don't bother finding out why a section of people decide something is wrong or right and why everyone else has to follow it. Why can't we be the deciding section? Only because we are afraid to do so. Afraid what people might think. Afraid they might outcast us. Is anything going to come out of all this fear? Who is at loss here? We wouldn't be walking if we were afraid we might fall if we stood up. But then, childhood knew no fear. It is in the adult mind that these thoughts creep in.

Naseeruddin Shah's dialogue in 'A Wednesday' is inspiring. When asked why he should bother getting rid of the terrorists when others don't, he says 'What would you do if there were cockroaches in your house? Wouldn't you get rid of them? Why is it that we are not ready to do the same thing when it is in a bigger scale? So many people died in the train blast. But we are not bothered until one of us is in it. I am fine, my family is fine. Why bother? We have all learnt to adjust, be quiet and move on. My wife calls me every few minutes in a day asking if I've eaten, done this, done that.. What she really wants to know is if I am alive and fine. I want my kids to travel in the train and play in the park without this eternal fear of what would happen when. Enough is enough. I decided to step up and clean my country.'

We need not go to this extent. But we definitely can do some small things which would make a small difference in somebody's life. It could even be in our own.

When you have to follow either your heart or you brain, follow your heart. There are less regrets. Things may not be perfect, but you'll at least know it was your choice from your heart and not made for you by someone else. Your love for it will always remain. :)

Having said all this, I am going to continue listening to my SAP trainer, with no clue why. :P