Friday, 29 August 2014

No Strings Attached



"To be a good human being is to have  a kind of  openness to the world, an ability to trust uncertain things beyond your own control" -Martha  Nussbaum


Being human to me means accepting  promises from other people and trusting that  other people  will be good to you.

When that is too much to bear, it is always possible to retreat into the thought “ I’ll live for my own comfort, for my own revenge, for my own anger and I just won’t be a member of society anymore”

Meaning” I don’t want to be human(e) anymore”

Very often, we are torn between the dilemma of letting go or holding on.

This stems from our deep rooted sense of commitment to promises made by us and expectations of promises made to us.

Sleepless nights, heavy psychology reads to help resolve  what seems to be a mounting tragedy, and finally the painful decision.

The mind refuses to accept either options and neither seem right once the decision is made.

Either way, being human is impossible for the protagonist!

It’s always better to have taken the other path!


What is right? Being insensitive to the needs of others? Ignoring the call for help to protect one’s own sanity, or being a saint and suffer in silence?


I recall a poem from childhood-

Poison tree

"I was angry with my friend
I told my wrath my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe
I told it not;
My wrath did grow"


And it grew till a poisoned tree flourished and bore fruit enough to kill the foe.

Do we wait for such revenge or do we consider being human and saving relationships?

Maybe, to stay human, yes, even non sexual, platonic relationship are  meant to be “No Strings Attached” 




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