Understanding Our Behavior

In our household, an unpleasant, rancid smell lingered for a few days, invading our space. It was the unmistakable scent of decay, and despite our efforts, we couldn't find its origin. Ultimately, my sister discovered the source: a dead rat concealed in the back of a kitchen cabinet filled with tools and miscellaneous items.

While the sight itself didn’t particularly shock me, what truly caught my attention were the food remnants scattered around the rat. Half-eaten apple cores, chicken bones, bread, naan, and various other food items surrounded this creature, which had been hoarding food, perhaps for several months, while waiting for its inevitable end.

One might wonder what the real issue is here. After all, it was merely a simple animal, unaware of the complexities of existence. However, the focus isn’t on the rat; it's on us—humans!

We pride ourselves on our ability to understand and analyze life; we consider ourselves the most evolved beings. Yet, we often exhibit behavior that mirrors that of the rat.

It’s crucial to clarify: I don’t criticize the pursuit of property, wealth, or financial stability. What concerns me is the insatiable desire for material goods. We gather and hoard, fully aware that life is unpredictable, and there are no guarantees for tomorrow. The key difference between the rat and us is our awareness.

The rat acts purely on instinct, without any comprehension of life’s cycle. In contrast, our actions frequently stem from greed, and this is where I feel unease.

Reflect on this harsh truth: individuals engage in theft, corruption, murder, fraud, and numerous unethical behaviors in their unrelenting pursuit of wealth. Tragically, many don’t even live to enjoy their ill-gotten gains, which either go to their heirs or revert to the state.

Isn’t the rat, then, somewhat better than us? Its actions arise from instinct and ignorance, unlike ours, which are often driven by awareness yet still fail to recognize the broader picture.

Instead, strive to accumulate wealth through honorable means, and invest it in your family, support the needy, contribute to the education and health of people in developing nations, and, above all, take care of your own well-being. Such a purpose gives meaning to the struggle for wealth, transforming it into a force for the betterment of humanity and oneself.

Thank you for taking the time to read this piece!

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