Often, I ask myself, “Why do we do what we do? For whom? To what end? Why do we strive for perfection? Why do we dedicate ourselves to uplifting others from dire situations?
What else is there in life, if not to be remembered for the good we leave behind? Endless questions, seeking answers from the rivers that flows with mystical requirements, and yet, the more I think I know, the less I truly understand.
Like Socrates, the teachers before, I remain aware of my ignorance, my supposed wisdom about life remains a question mark.
From the elders in church to the politicians, the drunkards, and the so-called “philosophers”, I have lived, I have witnessed, my knowing is unknowns. Thus, I have resolved: for all there is to life, the purpose of all existence is to rise so we may lift others.
Why Bother Asking?
It may seem illogical at this point, why bother with the search for meaning. Why dive into the rabbit hole if you will come back at the end with nothing to show for your effort, if majority of humanity continues to bear the weight of the world?
I suppose we will never know why ignorance is bliss, and karma is a bitch. But the effort nonetheless we must make, for we may fall victims of the same circumstances.
The Paradox of Hard Work
Sometimes I wonder: are the poor paying the price for their ancestors’ sins? Does fate truly favour the brave? Why is there so much suffer, and yet very little time to amend?
Every day, I witness individuals labouring tirelessly, struggling to earn a living wage. I see these people from all walks of life, putting in their utmost effort, yet success seems to elude them the very moment they believe they have caught a break.
Why is this?
It is difficult to ponder these questions without seeking someone or something to blame. Even when we question God, divine intervention does not always offer consolation.
In this absence of comfort, we find ourselves trapped in a cycle of endless questions, sleepless nights, making futile plans.
Without relief, our emotions often turn to anger, logic gives way to desperation. We cry, we pray, “Why me, Lord?”
Society’s Cruel Reality
Society may never understand your effort or your struggles. Even those closest to you may criticise, call you “Lazy. Good for nothing.” And yet, the question must be asked: why is there so much suffering?
I have heard countless stories of struggle; I have lived one of those stories. But today, I stand on a different ground, I realise, success is not achieved in isolation. Success is collaboration, a card best played together.
Connections and reciprocity often shape the reality of success. This does not mean bribery or scratching backs should define success.
In today’s society, the path to success is rarely linear, and short-cuts, while tempting, are seldom sustainable.
The Truth About Wealth
As the saying goes, “Easy come, easy go.” Those who achieve success without effort, like lottery winners, rarely hold onto their wealth. Success by definition is through hard labour. Hard-earned is worthwhile.
Success earned swiftly often vanishes just as quickly. In truth however, wealth and success require more than luck, they demand intention, discipline, and resilience. As Wallace D. Wattles reminds us: “The person who owns all he wants for the living of all the life he is capable of living is rich, and no person who has not plenty of money can have all he wants.”
The Fight for What Matters
As my mother once advised, “To achieve anything of real value, you must be willing to fight for what belongs to you.”
Her words resonate deeply. The secret to success lies not in luck or shortcuts but in consistent effort, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to one’s goals.
So, why do we do what we do? Perhaps it’s because, in the end, success is not just about individual achievements, it’s about lifting others, leaving a legacy, and living a life that’s truly complete.
