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Bring a little bit of happiness into the world
Friday, 17 March 2006
If you follow the media, read comments on the internet, watch movies, or listen to people expressing their opinions these days, it can seem we've all decided the problem with this planet is that we're not nasty enough to each other. Being friendly and nice can seem very uncool and naive.
How come?
Why is it we've decided that killing, criticizing, complaining, attacking, ridiculing, cheating, looking down upon, and insulting one another is the best way to improve humanity's lot? How can supposedly intelligent beings such as ourselves see the only way forward as being giving each other a hard time?
To demonstrate my point, let me ask you one more question: Why can't we all just be nice to each other for a change?
I'm sure that many people reading that sentence will feel themselves wince a little inside. It can be almost embarrassing to consider.
It seems so naive, so unrealistic that it could never possibly work. Surely civilization will collapse without us bullying and threatening each other? Without our nastiness to keep others in line, they'll just do and think what they want.
What a scary thought.
But if we are to lift ourselves out of the misery that being so nasty to each other all the time is bringing, we have to start somewhere. Rather than deciding to be more spiteful to those around you, why not try being more pleasant for a change? Make a real effort to be friendly and polite to people even if they don't immediately return the compliment.
If you practice doing this sincerely, you will surprised at how many good things will come your way. Most people like those who are friendly and pleasant to them. They'll often go out of their way to help you. And they'll almost certainly want you around.
Deep inside, most people are decent. If you show them that you're on their side, you can make a powerful connection. A connection so rare, that they'll likely want it to continue, even if they don't show it straight away.
And what about the bad people of the world? Those that want to cheat us, steal from us, and kill us?
It is true that these people are a threat. We must be vigilant against them. But such people are in the minority. With a few careful precautions, we generally won't have to deal with them too much.
Being friendly and polite doesn't have to mean being a sucker. Just because you are nice to people, doesn't mean you have to let them push you around. It's possible to smile and be firm.
Bring a little bit of happiness into the world by doing something kind for someone without having to be asked and without expecting something in return. Pay a compliment, give a gift, show excellent manners, or make a friendly joke. It's easy to do once you get a bit of practice.
Of course, don't let anyone bully or sucker you into doing something you don't want to just in order to be nice. Make sure you're firmly in control of where your generous nature goes. But show it nevertheless.
We don't have to grow nastier with each passing year. It's a choice. Let it be one that you don't make.
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