Blog, Thoughts

Don't be Thankful

You might think that there must be something wrong with the title or the idea, as it's against the commonly accepted wisdom. In this imperfect world, however, there’s no absolute wrong, as there’s no absolute right either. None of us is the ultimate judge. Hence, there must be element of truth in the statement.

On the other hand, the more familiar “be thankful” statement may also contain element of fallacy, element of defect. The two statement is in fact equally important, neither one is better than the other. Whilst there’s universal truth that can always be consulted as compass, the application of the wisdom can be situational.

There are conditions need to be responded with different kind of responses, such as patience, criticism, cautiousness, instead of thankful. Others need to be challenged with physical and mental struggle. No magic formulas can be applied successfully to every situation.

It’s true that it may give a person peace in mind if she is always thankful to whatever happens to her, or to the family, the society and or environment she’s living in. No complaints will ever be voiced out. Life, however, will probably be quite flat. Well, some of you may question whether flat life is good or bad, it’s both. It’s a choice.

Be thankful is indeed a strength of a trait. If it is overused, however, it will be a blinded weakness. Criticism is equally good, as it shows that the person gives a thought about what’s happening. Overused criticism will also be disastrous.

Not to be thankful easily, that avoids complacency, can be quite good as well. It may push people to achieve better results, to travel farther, to learn new skills, to develop innovative devices and tools, to meet more people, to earn more money for good, to pursue higher degree, to live in a more convenient house, to enjoy greener environment, to have more competent governor or president, to live with healthier body, mind, heart and soul, to be able to find weakness of a masterpiece, etc.

The moral is probably not to feel weak when choosing to be thankful if it’s the best way to respond to a particular situation, and not to feel bad either when choosing not to be thankful easily if other response is more appropriate, or can drive more advancement in life.

The point is how to maintain the independency of mind, and never be blinded by subscribing to only one type of formula or response and applying it to every condition we are facing.

As final note, self-integrity, wholeness of self, needs to be maintained at all times, regardless responses we choose. It’s not easy, as we will be fallen every now and then, but that’s life. It’s never been or ever be perfect.

, seorang pejalan musiman dan penyuka sejarah. Penduduk Jakarta yang sedang tinggal di Cikarang Utara. Diperbarui: June 30, 2007.

Leave comments

Type it first, then click "Login ..." or "Posting".

« Newer©2021 FollowOlder »

Treat me for a cup of coffee, or just pray for those who make your life better.