We often take the easier, well-trodden path rather than the trail that does not exist. This instinct is the result of conditioning since childhood.
A chance observation during a therapy set me thinking. I first used my right hand before switching to the other fortaping magnets on my palms. It was the easier way as I am a right-hander. I recalled how,during college examinations, we always attempted the easier questions first, leaving the tougher ones for later. That was not taught in any syllabus in the school or the college. We were guided by our instincts and the lessons learned from seniors by word of mouth.These are not isolated incidents. All of us would have similar stories to narrate. The seemingly harmless habits formed during the formative years often shape our attitudes as adults. They may even make us indifferent to others, not knowingly or out of malice,but simply because of conditioning.
A video was shared on our society WhatsApp groups which illustrated this quite well. It showed a house help sitting on the bench in the lawns with the pet of her employers and talking loudly on her telephone. The clip sparked outrage.Some objected to her sitting on a bench meant only for the residents, others to her gossiping on the telephone while occupying the seat, and many to the pet being allowed free access to the lawns.There were also counter-arguments about the rights of every living being. I suspect, both the view points had roots in the lessons absorbed early in life. One of the roads from Gurgaon to Faridabad runs through the Aravalis. The landscape is a beautiful lush green after the monsoon rains. It would be a beautiful drive if it were not marred by grey and brown patches. The construction debris and other waste material including plasticw are dumped by the roadside. My daughter's friend observed that only a decade ago he used to run along this road in the mornings. It is easy for the authorities to issue instructions for the waste disposal at designated sites. It is easier for the builders and us to scar the lovely landscape. We were taught to keep our homes clean. Nobody told us to keep our surroundings clean too.
A common sight on the roads is the presence of traffic policemen in hordes at signals. They pounce upon the errant riders and drivers. It is often amusing, though tragic,when we find the law enforcers and the defaulters huddling together to negotiate. Many cannot resist the temptation of an easy way out and others the lure of easy money.
Yet, not all is bleak. We encounter many who do not hesitate to go the extra mile for the good of fellow being sbelying the oft repeated sentiment that people are short of time and devoid of empathy in an ever-increasing fast-paced world. I find strangers going out of the way to render assistance to the old for crossing the road or carrying bags for them or any other chore. We, and two other couples, were on vacation in Austria. We caught a bus and realized that we had overshot our destination by some distance. A helpful young lady not only got off the bus with us,but also walked with us till our destination to ensure we were not lost. There are many such examples. Small gestures like these reaffirm faith in humanity.
Doing the easy is wired into our psyche. But that alone is not enough. We must learn and also teach to take the more difficult path.Each of us must become a leader in thought and action. It is not a price to pay. It is an obligation - to ourselves and to humanity.
The author is an electrical engineer with the Indian Railways and conducts classes in creative.
