Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 77 ) - June 21, 2011

Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 77 ) - Put the Pudding in Perspective ( 把布丁放在正確位置 ) - June 21, 2011

Putting things in their proper perspective is most important. It can give one a proper sense of balance and proportion. It also implies that one is well acquainted with what is happening in one's environment. Most important of all, it means that we know our place and purpose in the grand design of the universe. This is the necessary condition leading to a meaningful life ( meaningful to oneself that is ). Ultimately, this path will give one peace of mind which everyone should have when it is time to go.

Notwithstanding the unfathomable tone the above proposition implies it has, in fact, a very down to earth and everyday application. Furthermore, it can be easy to follow. Being in perspective boils down to following basic principles and generally accepted human values as set out in my previous blog entry ( TYYT - ( 76 ) - Going Back to Basics - http://jkhcforum.blogspot.com/2011/06/thoughts-to-you-from-yours-truly-76.html ). If you are a father do as a father should do. Take proper care of your family and keep them out of harm's way. If you are a mother use your naturally endowed quality of motherly love and tenderness to bring happiness to your family. If you are a growing child put your studies first with a view to learning to become a useful citizen and behave yourself within reasonable limits. What is the common thread running through all these suggestions ? It is the sense of responsibility relating to your position in this world. Being a responsible person inevitably requires one to be unselfish and be willing to make reasonable sacrifices to do what one should do. That is how the whole human race moves forward to a brighter future. It is the preservation of the common good based on reasonable sacrifices made by the responsible individual. When we fight for our rights it serves the cause of natural justice to reflect on our obligations as well - the obligation to ourselves ( which is to lead a meaningful and happy life subject to the laws of nature as well as all just human laws ), the obligation to society ( which is set out in Rousseau's " Social Contract " based on people's power and sovereignty in a summary form ) and our obligation to nature and our environment ( which is to keep it in a reasonably healthy state for the good of our future generations ).

Seemingly high sounding concepts are not necessarily complicated if we go back to the basics upon which they are built. This again takes us right back to the theme of this blog which is putting the pudding in perspective by looking at things from a wider and more balanced point of view. Hopefully, adopting this fair and balanced attitude will bring happiness to this world and in turn to ourselves.


JKHC.