Why aren't we Allowed to be Discontent?

Whenever we may be feeling upset, some of us remind ourselves or are even told that it could be much worse. We are constantly reminded that although something tragic may have happened to us, somebody else out there is suffering from worse tragedy. In conclusion, we shouldn't be feeling bad for ourselves because we are spoiled compared to so many others. Despite our discontent, society continuously preaches that we have no reason to feel unhappy and should therefore be joyous. So, because of this artificial comparison, we are forced to repress our natural feelings and hide any problems we may have because our issues are considered diminutive. Yes, it is obvious that other humans will almost always be suffering more than you are but that would make up 99.9% of the world since there will always be at least one person out there suffering more than you are. This argument is irrelevant and has caused some of us to feel guilty about our raw feelings of discontent. Somebody will always have it worse; and somebody will always have it better. We shouldn't continue to make comparisons to other people's lives or their situations. Television shouldn't make us feel worse about what positions we are in just because they falsify theirs. Don't feel guilty if you aren't always happy because I promise you, it is natural!

The Young Boy

Once there was a young boy who didn't know how to make friends. He would try to socialize but found that he could not be himself while around people he didn't know. He simply mirrored their personalities and never gave his true beliefs on the matters they would be discussing. All of his peers would be laughing and could easily make friends so he decided that there must have been something wrong with him. Maybe it was the way he was raised, or maybe he was just born different; whatever the reason, he decided he needed to change his social behaviors. So, he began to stray away from his strongly held beliefs and conformed to be more agreeable with his peers. Before, he wasn't being his genuine self but now he actually began to take on these new approaches that he had previously considered ridiculous. Soon, he found that talking with his friends became much easier. School became more exciting and he began to look forward to each new day. He was now happier and less confused. The world went smoothly for him and he began to see different people as strange or wrong. This young boy grew up and eventually became a police officer. One of his friends that he grew up with, who happened to be a girl, also became a police officer. The two ended up in a romantic relationship and wedded a few years later. About five years later, the couple had three children; they have two girls and one boy. The girls, who were older, did well in school and got along with almost everyone. They were adored by both of their parents who considered them bright and sweet. The boy wasn't so fortunate. Throughout his first couple years in school, the boy had trouble making friends. The school administrators told the parents that they thought the boy probably had a personality disorder. The parents took him to a psychologist who could not make an efficient diagnoses. The father decided that he would speak to his child. He told him that he could no longer be grumpy at school and must make an effort to get along. He also told him that if he wanted to be successful, he would have to do his work and be respectful to his teachers. The boy listened. He began doing very well, which was how his teachers described it, and no longer had any more problems. He grew up and became lawyer. He married a social worker who he had known from his University. They eventually got married and had a few children together. And from there, the paradox continued.

Why not be Normal?

There is hardly any incentive for any of us to challenge what is considered normal. Life is so much easier if we just conform and simply accept life as it has been shaped. A lot of us may believe that we are different or challenge the norms, but we still all remain within the same realm. We may share different fads or contradicting beliefs, but we are still within the same realms. Of course, I once again cannot be angry because there is no reason to be different. Trying to see the world from a different perspective is a monumental challenge each and every day. I see people as strong and courageous at certain times; but they are also often very weak. Sometimes, it is even selfish to challenge the normal lifestyle which adds more to the burden withdrawal can hold. Even those of us who think that we are different are often selfish and oblivious of our own blindness. We all would like to be remembered and we all would like to make a historical impact (I don't like to speak for everyone but it is generally the case). Even some of those humans who have drastically changed our culture seemingly did it for a personal incentive (once again, not all of them). I am not exceedingly intelligent which is another reason why I am disappointed that I can see obvious things that so many others cannot. My dream is that someday a person reads my blogs and appreciates what I have to say. I would love to be recognized for anything helpful that I might have written or that I may have inspired. But, yet again, that is selfish of me and I want it because life doesn't seem to offer anything better. I am selfish, that is true, and I wish I could care only about others. I am more selfless and less selfless than other--which is the case of every person. I am not lonely in this world because I have a family who cares for me. Still, I am lonely in the realm of my mind.  

How do we Treat the Handicapped?

No matter how we decide to look at handicapped people, the reality is that we look at them differently and usually notice them. As an example, let us look at a person whose arm has been amputated. We are taught that it is rude to look at somebody with a disability--in this case the person with the amputated arm--and teach ourselves to look away from them. Even though our child instincts--which are usually the honest instincts--tell us that somebody looks different, we have decided that it is more respectful to not recognize the missing limb. If we were handicapped, would we want somebody to be staring us? It makes complete sense but why don't we look at another perspective. We know that when we look at a handicapped person, we are not looking at them in disgust (at least in most cases). Rather, we usually look at them and feel sympathetic or become interested since it isn't what we normally see. As children, we tend to look because of our innocent curiosity which would fit the second option. Whatever the reason, it is still considered inconsiderate to stare at the handicapped. We have conditioned ourselves to stray away from our genuine reactions. We want to stare but we know that it's considered wrong. If I were handicapped, I would not want people to stare at me either; but I also would not want people to purposely look away from me. Tough situation, possibly unsolvable; but maybe we should consider what is natural.  

I am Not Angry, but Disappointed

Almost everyday, I become more disappointed in the way we humans choose to act. I am disappointed in most of you and I am disappointed in myself. I am disappointed to see how most customers treat retail employees--or any employees. I am disappointed to sit next to a tree and to have everybody pass by me without a word. I get disappointed when I see somebody look at me strangely if I smile at them. I am disappointed in myself for succumbing to social pressure and being too afraid to speak out. I am disappointed in myself for being spiteful towards people just because my mind may be tired. I am disappointed in my weakness; I am disappointed in most of yours. It is sad how afraid of each other we are. It is disappointing that we all know people are dying, yet we cannot get past our daily hiccups. It is disappointing that we fail to learn from our life lessons although we are constantly reminded of them. It is disappointing that I am typing my thoughts on a computer right now but will soon forget my own sermon. I am not angry at people because that would not be just; but I am disappointed that we hardly try to maintain or develop any laws of virtue. Despite my disappointment, I still have everlasting hope in the human being and in myself.

The Rational Don't Hate

How many of us hate murderers? How many of us hate the people who bombed the World Trade Center? How many of us hate people of a certain race or culture? Of course, their are infinite possibilities that initiate hate (some being more justifiable than others). If we all think rationally without any biases, will we still hate these "types" of people? Let us look at murderers. Serial killers often have mental illnesses that they have unfortunately developed because of several factors. Those who kill for an incentive are different, but still, are they killing just to be evil? A person will not kill somebody without an incentive, fear, false concept, or disorder. Don't our American soldiers kill people? That is more justifiable though since we cannot relate with those in other nations. If somebody in my family were murdered then I would with no doubt hate that person. I can say right now, since that hasn't happened, that I would be thinking irrationally. I would still hate that person no matter what anyone told me because my emotions would be extraordinarily high. Still, I can say right now that I would be in an irrational state. I am by no means justifying homicide so please don't confuse me with having no conscience or sympathy (that would be far from the truth as I see it). What about race and cultural background? Some have been tainted so badly that they refuse to even consider a person's difference. There is no reasoning with this mind-set which is overly frustrating; but I still do not hate these people. Some do not believe that they may dislike another race or culture and are unaware of their prejudices. Many of us are ignorant of our biases but I don't want to get anyone upset. Actually, I really don't mind upsetting people but it would be nearly impossible for me to have some people realize their faults. We just hate so often, and to be honest, hating can be enjoyable and easy. What is the problem with hating certain people we may ask? Well, I guess nothing if you don't find fault in other people hating you for what you have been born with. Life is toooooo short, we shouldn't spend it hating. (I initially put "stop hating", but that is too direct and might make you feel like I am demanding something or you. I don't want people to get defensive.)

Our Paradox

We don't have a lot of time to live. Our era may be now, but soon it will belong to a billion completely different people. Yet, even though our time is so short, most of us are doing the same things as one another everyday. Even if we have a breakthrough or decide to change our lives, we eventually go back to what we used to do. We might learn things that make us want to appreciate our lives more. We might learn things that reveal to us a bigger picture in which we are blind of. Still, after we may be enlightened to some extent, we just forget what we've learned and return to our old mindsets. We can hardly be blamed though since that is how the natures of our minds work. We are basically forced to go back into our set lifestyles without much of a option to break through it. It is similar to the unfortunate people born into low income nations or in the slums of our society. They don't have much opportunity to better themselves and aren't given a fair opportunity. For some reason, we all believe that we're all given a fair opportunity although it is certainly not the truth. I truly wish that all people were intelligent and open-minded and good, but I believe it may not be the truth. People have shown that they are in fact weak and stubborn. I know barely anything, you all know barely anything, and hopefully we can appreciate that fact together.

Stay Human

I put my E-Book on sale today at Amazon. I apologize for promoting myself but this is really the only way I know how to. It costs $3 and is available here: http://www.amazon.com/Stay-Human-ebook/dp/B0063P4S0E/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1320510014&sr=8-5 

No Voice

Imagine a situation in which you know or see something that almost nobody else sees. Your friends, family and the rest of the world fail to see what you see. When you attempt to expose your revelation, all people do is reject you and team together to put your ideas down. So, you are forced to live in a social environment where people continue living their lives while you know that it is but an illusion. It would be torture of the mind. The only person whom you can talk to about your perspective, (without being attacked), is yourself. The people are too stubborn and stuck in their beliefs to even attempt to listen to you. They think you are a fool and, because they have more credibility, they must be right. This is the life that you have been delivered and there is nothing you can do to change it. Your power is weak. Most likely, you will die knowing that everyone was oblivious. How dare you question someone who may have more experience. You shouldn't challenge someone who has gone to a better college than you. This is because everyone has been sold these beliefs. Imagine this situation and how frustrating it would be; to have nobody respect what comes out of your mouth because you have no accolades. What a horrible situation to be in; life must get better.

My Enlightenment

In my view, Enlightenment is a period when people begin to genuinely think for themselves. It is a time when people are no longer worried about social pressures and things that they cannot control. I don't expect people to all be happy, but I do expect Enlightenment to open everyone's minds and offer a brand new perspective. This perspective should allow people to see past propaganda and their own ridiculous behaviors. It should be a time in which people make selfless decisions without the hopes of getting anything in return. The Enlightenment should liberate people from their endless lust for wealth and power. Money should no longer be the divine power that controls our people. Instead, the Enlightenment should teach us how to work together in order to achieve goals that we are all attempting to reach. People will no longer have individualistic mind-sets because greed should no longer be an issue. Untainted freedom of thought should also exist and nothing should be considered taboo. We should finally be allowed to challenge concepts that we may find questionable. When Enlightened, people should realize that we cannot understand everything and cannot verify anything. Senses should no longer dominate our beliefs when the Enlightenment arrives. We should all learn to think rationally with few emotional distractions. Life should be better for everyone, but not because we have more materials, but because we will have a greater understanding of life's realistic possibilities. No longer will we pursue things that we hope will make us infinitely blissful, because Enlightenment will teach us that happiness is not necessary for us to be content with ourselves. For me, Enlightenment is a time when things become utopian. My expectations of what Enlightenment should be are unrealistic but that doesn't matter since it is only my idea. Enlightenment should be a time when we are happy with ourselves and no longer care how the world views us. All that should matter is that we know we are good people by our own standards. This is my Enlightenment.

Halloween Candy Poisoning

I was fortunate enough to learn that poisoned candy, during Halloween, is one of our society's great myths. There has never been an incident when a child's candy has been poisoned, although it has been used as an excuse for other crimes. For example, Kevin Totson, a five year old, died when he consumed heroine sprinkled on his candy bar. Later, it was discovered that the drug actually came from his uncle who stashed the heroine in the bar. Because of stories similar to these--and because of the continuous propaganda the news feeds us--we believe in these mirages and become even further ignorant. Not enough of us question what we are told, and that, consequentially, turns into ignorance. Also, this is good to know since now we can be less worried about the candy our children eat!