live and let live Essays - United States Presidential Inaugurations

LIVE AND LET LIVE we all have been told that changes must start in our very selves. That we should fix ourselves first before we criticize others or before we even try to give pieces of advice which we believe are effective based on our own experience and knowledge. And knowing what has to be changed comes after knowing oneself. But how many among us are courageous enough to look deep within to see who we really are and what we are made of? For so many instances in our lives, we say that we know ourselves well. We have full knowledge of our composition and are, therefore, not strangers to our own humanity. We often say that we have so many firm beliefs, morals and principles that we cannot be influenced or be misled easily. We say that our actions are guided and that our decisions are well-deliberated on. We know ourselves in all the facets of our personality and we love ourselves for what we have become. But how well do know ourselves? It is said that there is so much about human beings that we cannot and will never be able to understand completely. Among these are abstractions like feelings, awareness, conscience, principles and religions. So where do we start understanding ourselves when there is no track to follow? Why is man thought of as a vague entity which cannot be fully explained by science, religion or any other discipline? Yes, we are that complex. We certainly are more than just flesh and blood. I guess the very key to knowing ourselves is to first look at the surface and see what we have become. Who we are is reflected by what we do consciously or otherwise. We sometimes get annoyed when people criticize us because of our actions and attitude. We get hurt because we cannot accept those criticisms which make us feel strangers to ourselves. We react violently because we believe that we are not like what they say; that we are only misunderstood or, even worse, we are just victims of other peoples ill-thinking. But have we ever given time to think over the censuring of others and see what could have been our fault? Are the accusations really true and not mere fabrications? Is there something wrong with us? And when we find out the truth, do we accept it and take responsibility for our shortcomings? Or do we stick to what we perceive is right and act like we do not bother at all? True enough, what is there to mend when nothing is torn? But the eyes cannot see all that is there. And it is just so hard to look deep within with eyes wide open and finally accept the truth. Ridiculous We start destroying ourselves when we start violating rules. A personal journey towards a meaningful life is always accompanied with knowing ones limitations. We might be intelligent creations but how come we sometimes behave like savages? We deem rules as chains wrapped around our necks which hamper our breathing. But the question is if there is really a need for rules when in fact we are supposed to be rational beings? Free will is something that is most often abused. We clamor for our rights unmindful that we are depriving others. We become so ill-principled and selfish that we care less about others as long as we get what we want which is sometimes more than what we deserve. We fail to see how much of this freedom-exertion produces imbalance and injustice to others. People would argue that they can do anything they want as long as they do not violate the law and that others cannot interfere with their activities because they are not entitled to. We often say that democracy is atop every ruling principle and must, therefore, be protected from suppression. Admittedly, we sometimes disregard others and tend to take the world for ourselves alone. And so, what purpose do these rules serve? I believe that they were made to remind us that we are not alone in this world. That respect begets respect. That a simple act of disobedience leads to greater injustices done to others. That living is not a self serving act. Imposing discipline does not mean suppression. Freedom is not