What human quality we need more of and why?

Human beings should be life-long learners. There are certain qualities each and every human being should have. Qualities that have the power to help each and every one of us to connect with our own selves and the world around us at a deeper level.

We all can recall, and very few can relate to the olden times when people would stop to help out a woman if they see her struggling with a punctured tire, or any person for that matter stranded, in distress or in any sort of a problem. There were times when majority of people donated generously and helped the other without thinking twice. Families were more considerate and supportive rather than be cut throats towards each other, and people positively acknowledged the success of others instead of envying them adversely. In this technology driven fast paced life, every one is involved in the greed of wanting more, despite what the person possesses and being content with it.Nowadays, road culture of thoughtfulness is nonexistent. Be it the month of Ramadan or not, people on the road are like soldiers in a battle field. There is absolutely zero patience and no sense of right or wrong. Nobody cares about the laws and everyone is out there to kill you if you only happen to pass by them on the road or otherwise. The similar attitude exists when you even knock on their shells of existence.

This arrogance is prevalent in all sections of the society despite the class. These days, people are so driven towards their own goals that the prime knowledge of civic sense as an ethic is either a low priority or very painstaking for them.

One school of thought suggests that we all have shaped ourselves into this chaotic existence as a part of our survival, while the other blames the lack of basic etiquette and manners due to our action packed lives. Whatever the reason may be, the human gene of compassion and consideration has mutated significantly. The results of which are quite evident in our daily lives.

W.O spoke to a few people about what they feel lacks in our society and what human quality should be encouraged more. This is what they had to say:

Dr.AliShoaib “The first and the most important thing we lack is capability to think critically. And this is the reason why we believe in conspiracy theories, elect the wrong people again and again and are behind science, technology and original research. Secondly, I think we put emotions before reason. We have become way too responsive and quick in showing our response or feelings. Logic and reason should be encouraged in people to use more often in their daily interactions. Thirdly, we are ‘Reversed Stoics’; minding everything and everyone that doesn’t concern us, and not minding our own business (basically not setting our priorities straight).” Dr. Ali further elaborated that teaching the logic theory can help in maturing the brains. It is a branch of philosophy and mathematics which is actually a tool to make inferences about epistemology (Knowledge). It is by employing this that we have learned so much about universe and beyond four dimensions and at the quantum level.

Dr.KulsoomKazmi “I think empathy is something that our society badly needs.We all need to empathize with our fellow humans more. If we do that, our society will be nicer and kinder. We would be less quick to judge others on everything. We are all so quick to point out mistakes and judge people that we fail to understand the reason behind someone’s actions.It would be better and healthier to just accept and provide help if needed-even and especially when helping someone out doesn’t necessarily get us anything in return! Hence we should empathize more and judge less.”

It is true that people don’t empathize much which is one of the leading causes of evolving psychiatric disorders in Pakistan. The lack of generosity and compassion in adults trickles down to their children who grow up alien to this basic concept. Hence they have a difficult time coping up with stress, rivalry and competition as they grow old. Most of the time these qualities are so much noticeable in a person that their marriage suffers which results in the ever increasing divorce rate in our society.

Ms. Fizza “Our society lacks generosity and compassion. Mainly due to running a rat race, everyone is living for themselves and no one thinks as a whole. One of the reasons could be due to the fact that we have distanced ourselves from our religion. No religion teaches to stay distant or think low of others, but due to running after the worldly pleasures, our priorities have changed. We need to change this attitude and also teach our kids to develop compassion in them for others. We also lack nationalism. We certainly don’t accept our responsibilities towards our country. We are divided into different sections of communities like Pashtuns, Sindhis, Balochis, Punjabis, Army, Maulvi Brigade and others. All this has affected our morality and conscience as a whole. The only way to improve this chaotic scenario is by creating thoughtful process of equitability, justice and stability of governance.”

Nimra “It’s disgraceful how as human beings we have degraded ourselves! Sometimes I just keep on wondering for hours and hours what’s wrong with us. The only thing that comes to my mind is our selfishness and hunger to keep ourselves really happy while we are least interested what others are going through, as if they have no sentiments of their own! Our apathy and extremity of desires might make us worse than animals! Or should I say we already are.”

Hannah “People should start looking for happiness in little things just how they complain about petty stuff. There is lack of self-confidence and immaturity in all we do. If we see someone do better instead of appreciating we get jealous. I feel we need to realize that we can live long and healthy if only we stop cribbing about others.”

Farman “The first thing that I think lacks in our society is common sense followed by love and empathy majorly because people are so busy making money that they neglect the little things that make them a human. There is still major gender discrimination which needs to be wiped off from our systems.”

Dr.Areeba explained what can be done to encourage compassion and more of the above mentioned human qualities in people, “If there’s one thing that can bring any change, it is education — Not the traditional textbook education but real knowledge of right and wrong. The kind of education that builds tolerance and acceptance and the kind that incorporates love of fellow beings and responsibility towards the society. Only then will we get out of this vicious cycle beginning with illiteracy, leading to impatience, crime, hunger and poverty culminating in inhumanity.”

Indeed education with knowledge of basic principles of generosity in schools can help our children learn about the right attitude. As for our elders, who are mothers or fathers glued to expensive shopping, Facebook and gossiping — indulge in some healthy activities to keep your minds off the nitty gritty details of everyone’s life and comparisons.Practice what you preach to your children and set a good example for them. Don’t just send your children to posh schools that have a big showy name, focus on their real education, manners and etiquette. Teach them the kind of education which will stay with them forever!

We, as human beings should donate generously, feel for underprivileged and while helping others, tell and teach your children the essence behind your act of compassion. Start from practicing small good deeds every day, and notice the change you will feel in yourself, your kids and gradually in your society!