In search of out our paths | Inquirer Opinion

Humanity has lengthy been conditioned to concern and obey the highly effective. From time immemorial, obedience was usually a matter of survival, with the penalty for defiance often being demise. Consequently, the intuition to outlive grew to become adept at recognizing threats and intuitively searching for methods to thwart them. These with larger bodily energy had been simply perceived as saviors and protectors, as they usually managed to confront and defeat these risks.

All through historical past, numerous wars have been waged between tribes and nations, with highly effective leaders commanding armies of tons of of 1000’s and even hundreds of thousands. These leaders impressed unwavering loyalty, as odd folks had been prepared to struggle and die for them. The sagas of nice leaders with formidable armies solely strengthened the idea that obedience to energy was important for survival. It helped, too, that troopers and warriors usually shared with the loot to additional inspire their resolve to obey.

But, the lots who adopted their kings and emperors into battle perished in staggering and incalculable numbers. Hardly ever did they grasp the true extent of their disposability. They’d little affect over their circumstances, believed their particular person value to be minimal, and assumed that loyal obedience may elevate their standing or, on the very least, enhance their odds of survival.

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Nonetheless, when nice minds started envisioning a life past these entrenched hierarchies, new and radical concepts emerged. Greek philosophers, amongst others, launched ideas corresponding to equality and freedom as actual potentialities. These revolutionary ideas took 1000’s of years to take root, so deeply ingrained had been the outdated patterns of obedience and the safety they appeared to supply. Even right now, these beliefs stay an aspiration fairly than a actuality for a lot of, together with Filipinos.

I discover the idea of democracy sound, honest, and expansive sufficient to accommodate even newer methods of pondering and doing. But, I additionally acknowledge that democracy is intellectually demanding, particularly given the fact that equality doesn’t manifest in our bodily kinds. Think about, then, how tough it’s for poor and odd Filipinos to know this idea once they have by no means felt equal to the elite in their very own communities, not to mention the elite of larger society.

Believing in democracy because it was taught by the West—and impressed by its ideas as envisioned by the clever thinkers of historical occasions—I felt compelled to contribute to its strengthening as a super system of governance. I understood that democracy was alien to Philippine tradition, but it had qualities that, if introduced correctly, may encourage Filipinos to extra absolutely embrace it. Not content material to be a bystander, merely watching from the sidelines, I wished to turn into a participant.

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My determination was not the product of cautious deliberation however fairly a calling from the center and the intestine. I used to be not solely blind but in addition comfy. But staying comfy meant remaining on the sidelines, even when I used to be within the entrance row. Life-changing choices aren’t at all times made with chilly logic; they’re usually daring, maybe even rash, however by no means with out function.

From a beneficiary of the standard system, I reworked into an activist with out a clear plan. I had solely a way of path: a drive to maneuver ahead, understanding that every step would lead me to the subsequent so long as I stayed true to my guiding ideas. I discovered myself deeply attuned to the surroundings, feeling a profound connection to nature and humanity’s place inside it. I hiked by mountains, bathed in rivers, climbed rocks, and cherished dancing within the rain.

I met two extraordinary mentors alongside the way in which. The primary was a superb healer whose experience in chemical engineering led him to discover the religious knowledge of the East. He taught me the significance of spirituality, at all times emphasizing that kindness and love for others should underpin all virtues. His passing a number of years in the past left me feeling profoundly deserted.

The second mentor was a girl, a decided religious chief whose religion was unwavering. She led by instance, loving her God above all else and dedicating herself with fervor to the motherland and the Filipino folks. I’ve learn concerning the nice leaders of our previous and witnessed statesmen and heroes in my lifetime, however none matched the depth of her management. Final weekend, she departed this life for the subsequent, and as soon as extra, I felt the sting of abandonment.

But I do know a profound lesson has been imparted to me. My mentors by no means tried to suppose for me, really feel for me, or reside my life for me. They empowered me with their assist and knowledge however ensured that I walked my path by myself. What they sought to show me was that their superior data and character weren’t my saviors. As a substitute, it needed to be my very own intelligence, will, and the alternatives I made—together with their rewards and penalties—that might form my future.

This is applicable not solely to the best amongst us however to the least as properly. As a result of within the eyes of democracy, or inside the divine plan I settle for, every of us has a novel function and duty. Poverty or wealth are merely circumstances that body our lives; they’re by no means excuses for abdicating our duties. In the identical approach, democracy and creation remind us that nobody is an island. We’re all interconnected, interdependent, and half of a better collective future.

My mentors, who’ve gone forward, completed excess of I’ve. But, regardless of all they achieved, they’re gone. Their passing serves as a reminder that regardless of how a lot we do or how properly we do it, we too will ultimately depart this world, which can proceed to grapple with turmoil and search an elusive perfection.

In the end, regardless of how passionate and relentless our advocacy, regardless of how noble our objectives, we aren’t the saviors or protectors we’d want to be—not even for our households. All we are able to do is give our greatest and belief that life will likely be higher due to our efforts.