"Saintly and well-behaved humans rarely make history. Humans who make history are very disruptive, honestly disrespectful to disrespectful humans, assertive toward manipulators, and respectful and honest to good humans. History is shaped not by the virtuous only, but by those who stand boldly against the manipulative, show respect to the noble, and challenge the unruly humans." -- Yahaya Balogun.
I considered giving this mindfulness piece the intriguing title 'A Good Human is a Dangerous Human' to infuse it with a more profound, nuanced significance. However, the current title resonates better and conveys the essence of the essay more clearly! It depicts the hackable nature of vulnerable minds, with the unhackable minds to their rescue.
The two quotes above explore the intricate depths of our human essence. Throughout the ages, many notable figures have boldly challenged societal norms, fueled by a commitment to values like honesty, dignity, respect, and the esteem of others.
In stark contrast, those who have receded into the shadows often cling to shallow attempts at proving their worth, all while they remain ensnared in the deceptive calm known as the "peace of the graveyard."
Anyone seeking to transform or confront a fragile society must brace themselves against the seductive charm of those who quietly wield influence and sow chaos. An intriguingly virtuous individual, who embraces “good trouble,” is driven by a profound empathy for fellow beings. Their own sense of well-being is intricately linked to the welfare of those around them.
In a world where the concept of normalcy is merely a façade, those who represent genuine normalcy appear as rare exceptions in a twisted society. At the same time, those exuding unconventionality are often celebrated as the standard. In other words, abnormalities are perceived as normal in an abnormal society, while normalities are underrated and disliked as abnormalities.
A truly outstanding person does not shy away from "good trouble"; instead, they skillfully navigate through it to provoke meaningful transformation. A harmless person is not synonymous with a virtuous one; indeed, the genuinely virtuous harness their inner perils with artfulness. They ignite “good troubles” to free society from the grips of tyranny and the manipulative tactics of Machiavellian leaders.
Though life offers no guarantees of fairness, equity, and equal justice before the law, those who embody virtue in a world of injustice present an exhilarating challenge, fanning the flames of equality. Just do good; the long-term rewards far outweigh the fleeting bad behavior or lasting consequences and the insidious or gradual harm of human manipulation.
Posts
