"I do not advocate the idea of dog eat dog. I'm sympathetic and will lend my help to a colleague or person in need when I can see that this will be an investment to their well being, not a momentary satisfaction that will need to be reinstated again. Much like: Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime." (Response of a friend concerning the quote.)
This reaction was one of the many I got from interviewing friends that really captivated my attention. While others argued that the quote was inspirational and that we should follow the idea of Loeb, to love one another in order to create a better world, this friends' reaction was completely different from the others. It wasn't a vague response either, he had actually thought about it carefully before sharing his thoughts with me. He explained that he believed that the quote seemed unrealistic and that it sounded like one man was trying to be overly philosophical. His argument was that if we all unite together, there will always be someone who will withdraw from the cause, that nothing guarantees one to blindly put our trust in others. He put Loeb's quote into an analogy. If each human is a pillar, then we, as a society should all lean against one another, this raises an issue because a tripod is a stable, but should just one leg quit, there is no structure.
After analyzing his response, I came with the conclusion that although staying as a single pillar is proved to be safe, it doesn't connect us to others, preventing social involvement in activities such as community service or other organizations that can really influence and make a difference towards vital issues.
Although I disagreed in some of his points, I completely agreed on the quote that my friend used to prove his point that says: "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish, feed him for a lifetime." I would rather teach someone how to survive in the real world, than just provide a moment's relief. Also, it's true that some people may take advantage of good organizations that provides them with aid; and that in a way, we may be reinforcing them to be overly comfortable in accepting help we provide which can ultimately lead to endless expectation.
This of course, is not the case most of the time. Therefore, instead of generalizing as my friend has done, I rather experience my own triumphs or disappointments, instead of locking myself into one idea that may be my end from involvement in my community with issues that are serious and that sadly, many people like him, tend to over think too much and do too little about it.
I really liked the pillar analogy you used. I also like how you bring up the point that some people are becoming overly comfortable with systems of help out there and are taking advantage of a program meant for encouraging progress. We cannot allow people to take advantage of a helping hand, but encourage them to "pay it forward."
ReplyDeleteWe do need to stop over analyzing everything and just get involved. Who cares if one of the cactus' we planted doesn't survive. We still planted ten more that will! We do things out there, and we make a difference. Being in this group has given me a step up in the world of social services, and like Loeb pointed out in an earlier chapter. Serving others makes you more aware of when someone is in need, or when you can help someone out. We need to have more of an "Olive Garden" outlook on like. "When you're here you're family."
Congrats on your blog Alicia, it really captivated my attention. I loved that your friend stood up and argued his case. So many people just agree... Anyways I thought that he had a valid point. It is hard to put your trust in someone, but instead of giving up and thinkin about it too much we should push harder. Lead by example. We learn from our sucesses, our failures. If we stayed in the closet...What would be the point of living?
ReplyDeleteThere is always going to be a odd ball that doesn't mean we give up on everyone. With help others we are not handicapping them we are giving them a hand to get off the mat and to continue the fight we call life.
ReplyDeleteIn response to your friends analogies of pillars that fall over if one is taken away. This may be true but a single pillar (single person) can build nothing on its own. It takes multiple pillars to create buildings and magnificent architecture. At the point when a building is so strong and supported by so many pillars, it may not even affect the entire building if one pillar is broken, replaced, or taken out.
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