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THE PARADOX OF GOODNESS: THE SILENT SUFFERERS & FLAGRANT MALEFACTORS

By P Mohan Chandran


In the grand tapestry of humanity, a peculiar paradox unfurls, a quandary as ancient as civilization itself: the virtuous are often subdued, while the malevolent triumph unabated. It's a narrative that plays out daily, in streets, communities, and across nations, and it begs the question - why do good people suffer for their kindness, while the unkind flourish?


Imagine the story of a person, let's call him Arjun, an everyday good Samaritan, committed to the noble cause of feeding stray dogs. Despite the civic-minded nature of his actions, Arjun finds himself targeted by the public. People object, they criticise, they impose restrictions - not because his actions are illegal or harmful, but simply because he is an easy target. Arjun, like many good souls, prefers to avoid conflict, to remain 'soft' in the face of adversity.


Conversely, another story unfolds - an individual, for example, engaged in illicit activities, felling trees illegally or discarding waste haphazardly. Despite the destructive nature of his actions, he operates with impunity, unchecked and unchallenged. He is brazen, audacious, and revels in the lack of opposition.


Why does this dichotomy exist? Why do good people suffer while the wrongdoers seem to prevail? The public's habit of challenging the 'soft' while acquiescing to the blatant wrongdoing stems from a fundamental survival instinct: the fear of retribution. Most people perceive good-natured individuals like Arjun as harmless, while those who blatantly commit wrongdoing are viewed as a potential threat. This skewed perception fuels a culture of compliance towards the wrong and resistance towards the right.


Moreover, when an evil-doer is challenged, it is often observed that ten more emerge in support, emboldening the perpetrator. Goodness, on the other hand, usually stands alone, unsupported and solitary. It is as if goodness, inherently strong, is expected to stand tall against the winds of adversity, while evil is bolstered by the pillars of shared wrongdoing.


However, it's essential to challenge this narrative and emphasize that true strength is not in overpowering the weak or the virtuous, but in defending them against the unscrupulous. As a society, we must endeavor to change the status quo, to support the soft-spoken do-gooders and challenge those who brazenly flout rules.


The strength of a society lies not in the dominance of the mighty, but in the collective power of its good-hearted citizens. The time has come to shift our perceptions, to recognize that the gentle strength of the soft-spoken good Samaritan is not a sign of weakness to be exploited but a beacon of hope to be supported and cherished.


In the end, it's crucial to remember that while goodness may often stand alone, it is never truly lonely. For each act of kindness, each selfless gesture, radiates outwards, touching lives and inspiring others, transforming the narrative one good deed at a time. Let's remember that a good person never really suffers; he only endures and becomes stronger.


As we navigate through this intricate maze of life, we need to rekindle our collective conscience, to ensure that our streets echo with tales of celebrated heroes like Arjun, not with stories of unchecked wrongdoers. For it is the compassionate, the kind, and the good who truly shape the destiny of our world.


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© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.

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