One-sided travails

Do you believe that each and every person is capable of teaching us a lesson or two, no matter what their station in life is? Whether favorable or unsavory, there will always be a message of worth in how people choose to conduct or present themselves. If you don’t want to take my word for it, the easiest way to have a full 101 experience is by being observant of the very people entrusted with serving the common good—some who quietly work hard at it, some who lose sight of it along the way, and the handful who are brave enough to stand up for what is right and just, regardless of which side they stand on. One cannot help but marvel at the amount of self-control that some have put on display, and their skill in choosing the right words—powerful enough to speak the truth without getting consumed in the process. Some of these have become class acts to be followed.

As we all go through life, let these be some of the lessons to keep in mind.

First, make sure that you study a case or a situation before you even begin to engage in a discussion. There is value in keeping silent when one hasn’t done their homework. The worst thing you can do to yourself is help dig your own grave. Never pretend that you have a grasp of a situation, because people with a certain level of intelligence can always see right through you. False knowledge is having the illusion of understanding when one does not, which may result in wrong conclusions and, subsequently, erroneous decisions. George Bernard Shaw, an Irish playwright and critic, is often credited with saying: “Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.” In medicine, we always say that arrogance should never play a role when one is dealing directly with lives. Likewise, in situations where you have been given the privilege of having a hand in someone’s fate, be cognizant of your limits and your capabilities. If given the task to seek the truth, do not be the person who confuses the issue. Furthermore, at the very least, learn to respect everyone’s time, if this has never dawned on you.

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Second, never let your own definition of success and power go to your head. Do not ever think that your credentials, the fame you enjoy, or the education you have received make you a cut above the rest. This kind of thinking is extremely divisive. In any situation that involves major decisions, people are more interested in your efforts to get to the heart of the matter and provide solutions than in your college degrees, where you graduated from, or your family pedigree. Please do not make people believe that the best minds only come from a select group of schools. Never underestimate any person, for that is one of the most cruel things a human being is capable of. Most of the time, the more learned are the ones who have a better understanding of what life should be about, and those who bothered to earn a postdoctoral degree in the art of employing common sense.

Third, please remember that observing the laws that are in place is a way we can teach the young and the impressionable—or anyone, for that matter—the importance of discipline and the concept of true justice. No one is above the law, and this holds true regardless of position, influence, or affiliation. We are all responsible and should be held accountable for our actions.

Fourth, always strive to be respectable. One of the simplest ways an individual can show respect is by practicing active listening. Haven’t we all been taught not to interrupt when another person is speaking, since we will always be given a chance to say our piece? We have to remember that the way we conduct ourselves, how we deal with people, and how we behave in trying situations can be reflective of our upbringing. Give your parents honor and credit for whatever good they instilled in you.

Fifth, temper yourself from being reactive. Some who are on the losing end of an argument tend to resort to words meant to incite an inflammatory reaction. Refrain from rising to the bait. Our energies and efforts should be put to better use. Preserve yourself. While it may be extremely difficult, always choose to take the higher road. You will thank and congratulate yourself for doing so once the dust has settled.

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Sixth, never twist the truth to suit your purpose. What is blatantly wrong can never be right. Learn to fear and prepare for that final day of judgment.

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