The power of disapproval

The silent majority. I understand that at some point in each of our lives we may have done things that may be a tad questionable or more. Self-reflection and making amends to oneself and others affected, and course-correcting is what makes life meaningful. In a moment of weakness we may find ourselves taking the easy way out on a difficult work-related project or passing the buck on a complex task or getting away with petty lies to avoid a difficult conversation. Sometimes we do have our errors of judgements. Let me go first. Yes, I did copy research notes from my classmates when I really should have done my own research sitting in the biochemistry lab for 4 hours and the University library for another 3. But I was busy playing tennis for the university! Now, you may forgive me for that one (p.s. I already have) but it is simply to illustrate that we always have an apparent reason for our missteps. Of course, that is not good enough. But then we always have the opportunity to learn from our past errors and make wiser healthier choices in future. However whilst our individual errors may have limited impact, institutionalised wrongdoing or corruption can have grave consequences for societies. Corruption is the misuse of public or entrusted power for personal gain. Scientists say it is the decay in the decision-making process in which a decision-maker consents to deviate from the criterion which should rule his or her decision-making, in exchange for a reward. Too often the corruption debate and discussions all over the world are focused on how somebody broke a law. By that rather incorrect definition India's freedom fighters who fought foreign rulers for centuries were the most corrupt people since they systematically broke the morally corrupt and ethically degenerate laws prevailing at those times. Clearly we'd agree that those who protected Bharat against invasions and colonisation were not corrupt in this regard. India is a country that is so rich in its cultural, philosophical and spiritual fabric. And yet modern day India has a long way to go before it reclaims its dharmic, rightful conduct, roots.

An interesting point I researched was about whether genetics have anything to do with some of us being more susceptible to ethical missteps than others. Apparently science says that some of us may be born with a greater tendency to deviate from the accepted societal ethical norms than others. Nature has its part, and then there is nurture. Each person has his or her own set of circumstance, childhood experiences, access to emotional intelligence and karma. So, what can we do about it? Personal accountability. It may be harder for some than others, but all of us can do this if we so choose to. But those around us may also need to take a stand by simply showing their disapproval towards our wrongdoings. Disapproval, at the very least! I can understand it is easier said than done especially when there is a myriad of emotions like fear and affection to deal with. In the world of star whistle-blowers, let the righteousness of dharma shine through us.

Whilst we must strive for it, at times ensuring that the corrupt or wrongdoers face the full legal or emotional brunt of their actions may not be straightforward. Few among us are born with the courage to face those situations. I salute those who have the strength of character and resilience to be real whistle-blowers and change-agents. At a deeper level, lasting change comes by focusing on the wrongdoing to make necessary amends instead of simply focusing on the wrongdoer. May we all be resurrected beings, whether in our own lives by facing oneself and making restitution, or in the life of others which would eventually bring peace to all parties concerned including the wrong-doer. The small action of distancing from the wrongdoing, which we all can take with a relatively minor impact on our lives, may bring about long-term positive change in society at large. Don't underestimate the power of disapproval.