SELF-DENIAL; A RECIPE OF SOCIAL CONFUSION

                            I think as humans we are 'connected' to each other.We share a common bond.As long as we've different aspirations  our destiny remains the same;that is SUCCESS.We are actors and 'shapers' of ourselves.But for this to happen I think we do need one major factor; Knowing ourselves and embracing what makes us.It is that simple.But how can we reach this level?This takes me to another level;to inquire the causes of  the failure or success of a society.What is a society?Individually can we change the face and the outlook of a society?What role do we have individually and as a group in shaping a society?Let me try to examine this.

                           
                          Methinks a society is a collection of thoughts and aspirations.It is the umbilical cord that brings together all peoples and all nations.It is the destiny in the horizon that we all pursue to reach.It can either be material or immaterial.Thus it can be seen and be felt at the same time.It is the opposite of "myself,my family and my friends".It goes beyond boundaries;concrete or abstract.It knows no races or tribes.Thus it is universal.It characterizes the restlessness we need to be energized to look for social solutions.

                   
                          Besides,it neutralizes the spirit of self-denial.And what is self-denial?How does it turn to be a liability to societal make-up?Self-denial is the foundation of social fragmentation.It is a proponent of "so long as it doesn't touch me,it doesn't concern me." It is the cancer behind social conflicts and hatred.It negates the spirit of inter-connectedness.Its philosophy is that of 'when you get a chance,eat and satisfy yourself'.Its foundation stone rests on the assumption that man was created to pursue his own interests irrespective of the means of pursuing them(interests).It doesn't believe in humanity.

                          
                         When does it turn to be a recipe of social confusion?Look at this;a police officer who happens to be a son of a poor peasant is sent/paid to supervise the demolitions of settlements of slum dwellers to pave way for systemic grabbing of the land in question.Philosophically this police officer is 'connected' to the slum dwellers in that;first of all they are humans;second,they share the same background and thirdly they are 'players' in their liberation struggle.But his conscience is corrupted.How?He looks at the slum dwellers as 'another' group of people.Not to interact with and who only exist as a nuisance to his bosses(read the oppressors).And this is what I term as Self-denial;a recipe of social confusion.Sometimes it is better to rebel so as to live within the precincts of human inter-connectedness.This way we shall make the world conducive for everybody.