What makes us human? ‘One of the key characteristics that makes us human appears to be that we can think about alternative futures and make deliberate choices accordingly’…. Thomas Suddendorf, a professor of psychology. This statement resonates with my train of thought. The ability to think and also make choices are exceptional features that differentiates us from animals. Every individual on earth has willpower and can therefore make choices that will ultimately shape his/her future. Therefore, your attitude at any point in time is your choice. One of the measures of how worthwhile your life has been, is how many people you have made happy or unhappy. I advocate positive attitude as a winning strategy of life.
Appreciating people as human beings is a second element of empathy. Treating someone as less than a human being means that you view them as less than. It means you do not see any good in them, you consider them as worthless and useless but when you appreciate people as human beings, you will respect and acknowledge their presence and essence. Do great things for people simply because they are great(the seed of greatness is in everyone). Expect nothing in return and you’ll be surprised what actually comes back to you. I remember vividly an experience I had with a teenage boy who had sores all over his right leg. He usually begs for alms on a major road close to my office. The first time I saw him, I was terrified and could not summon courage to look at the swollen leg. I actually ran and was talking to myself..…this boy needs care..doesn’t he have a family? Who are his parents? I told some of my colleagues and they confirmed that he had been sitting at that spot for the past one week. Haa!!! My heart bled. The following morning, I took that route deliberately and resolved to engage him in a conversation. The boy was rudely shocked when I greeted him and so I asked him why he was sitting down begging alms with sores all over his leg. He started his story, I must confess at first I thought it was the usual rhetoric of beggars but I chose to listen to him (….his parents are poor and living in the village. His elder brother brought him to Lagos. He started his primary education but had to stop because his brother could not afford his education. He usually sells fruits until he observed the sores on his leg… hmmm!) What touched my heart was that he was quite articulate and intelligent. As the conversation progressed, I realised I was not the only listener, many passersby stood to listen to him and after his story a crowd had converged. ‘This boy really needs help! Someone shouted from the crowd, ‘the government should assist him..’’ hahaa.. must government do everything? Let’s do the bit we can’ people were making several comments and just like a film, they started giving him money…I was flabbergasted. At the end of this drama, I waited till the crowd dispersed and told him to take the money and quickly go to the general hospital close by for his treatment. To my greatest surprise this boy’s countenance changed and he started singing praises to God. I watched him as he took his steps slowly into the hospital. There he registered and went into the ward to see the doctor. He had no phone so I could not communicate with him afterwards. I was very surprised two weeks after when I wanted to buy some oranges, I saw a boy sitting down the major road. Lo and behold it was my dear friend…he was full of joy and was quick to show me the leg. Obviously, I could see the sores were dry and the skin gradually healing. He called his brother and we exchanged pleasantries and contacts. All doubts dispelled and I was convinced that Ezeh is truly a good boy. Much more, he is now a petty trader. He told me he used part of the money given to him to start his business. What a wisdom! I proudly bought some oranges from him and even left the change..there’s no point bargaining prices with such a child who needs help. I don’t need to blow my trumpet, Ezeh is back to school. Thanks to the Lagos State government for making education affordable to all. I am so proud of Ezeh and I know his future is unfolding gloriously.
- Continued online