A Lesson Man Can Never Learn

by Marlon Viloria

Since the beginning of mankind and over many generations of evolving and learning to be more civilised, the notion of living a peaceful, respectable and honourable life seemed far-fetched up to this modern day. Despite the abundance of man-made laws and regulations to deter criminality or other undesirable acts, and to protect the interests of many, man still seems incapable to grasp and instil such valuable lessons to advance mankind in a way where more harmonious, more respectful society can occur. Man’s unrelenting pursuit of fame, power and material wealth drives his desires beyond the defined boundaries of protectionism which he himself has designed and created, regardless or whether he is in breach of the safeguards of morality based on values and principles, or in accordance with the scriptures in which he believes in.

The answer seems to lie on the perceived supposition that there are two types of man: good and evil. However, if one has to be philosophical, realistic or even political about it, such simple categorisation is prone to constant criticisms by the simple fact that there are cases of exceptions, i.e where good becomes evil and vice versa. Take for example the adage “Give a man a fish and he will live for a day, teach a man how to fish and he will live much longer”.

Both acts of giving and teaching are undoubtedly considered good deeds but the cynical but proven consequence of such good action is the tendency that once the hungry man knows how to fish and feeds himself abundantly, he is likely to change and will become greedy. He will develop ways to catch more fish, much more than he can chew leading to an abuse of his source of livelihood. Here, the do-good man has unintentionally created an evil man…who probably was himself a good man with a clean heart in the past despite being destitute. The hungry man who has evolved from hands-to-mouth to an ugly fat cow, from good to evil, is a classic example that one’s changing environment and lifestyle also changes one’s interests and attitude, instead of learning a lesson from such transformation which supposedly would make him more humble based on his past, and appreciative for what he has achieved. That it should serve as the basis of reference for the greater good of humanity by teaching others in return.

Another one that bears much strong opinions but causing insurmountable hatred is the advent of religion. That is, numerous religious denominations that have divided mankind all over the world since its existence, which has resulted in unending wars, claiming infinite numbers of deaths, victims of instability, famine and other forms of human sufferings. Although the doctrines of each of these religions are undoubtedly good, it is some of their members that perpetuate hatred, whether knowingly or unknowingly, by their own individual but selfish interpretations of their beliefs, instead of keeping it within their sect, or if publicly addressed, adopting a moderate tone to preserve respect and harmony within a wider global community especially those who do not share or have different beliefs from them…or simply obeying the golden rule “Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others do unto you”. Manifestations of such behaviour and almost illogical or inhumane rhetoric surely add more tension between protagonists and their followers which lead to more instability and uncertainty.

The wind of change sweeping across the Middle East over the last 2 or 3 years and still continuing at present, is another reminder of what few men clinging to power can inflict, causing immense sufferings to their people. But history has it that there will always be an end to everything and such a straw that breaks a camel’s back can always strike at will despite its randomness, or a drop of water that causes a river to overflow is always a distinct possibility however distant, few and far between it may be.  According to an author I greatly admire, this is the occurrence of a black swan, an indeterministic probability of events but a powerful antidote to extinguish one’s burning greed while at the same time, bringing justice and vindication of others‘ struggle for change, where offshoots of recovery and healing can once again emerge and commence.

Going back to the main point of this note, can man ever learn from history and improve his chances of a better world? Or is it a simple fact that man can never learn from his past and that history will keep repeating itself? In this modern era, the dogmatic approach of creating needs out of wants, or vice versa, has also altered the basic principle of existence and has contributed to the decadence of society. It breeds greed and wrongful ways just to compete and be better than others. Although evildoers can never be completely eliminated in this world, the belief that good will always prevail over evil can somehow alleviate some frustrations and find other sources of energy to re-ignite a dying fire of what is called, hope.

Indeed, one can always hope.