Equality for all is merely the most cherished wish of those at the bottom of society. Some say that regardless of wealth or status, everyone is equal in terms of human dignity. However, we all know in our hearts that inequality is the stark reality of this society.
Inequality is a fact, the truth. Everyone has different backgrounds, different upbringings, different innate personalities and intelligence, different levels of effort, different mindsets and perspectives, different values, different abilities… These many differences determine the different outcomes of people's endeavors and the vastly different life circumstances—these "differences" predetermine inequality. As for why people are unequal, I think only God knows the answer, but who among us will live to see God? There's no need to complain about the reasons for inequality, much less to drown one's sorrows in alcohol, because complaining is useless, crying oneself to death is not worthwhile, and sobriety after being drunk is even more desolate… It
is precisely because of the existence of inequality that desires arise, desires drive people to strive, and only through striving can desires be satisfied. Everyone's desires are the fundamental reason for the richness and diversity of the world. People born into poverty strive to escape it; ordinary people aspire to an extraordinary life; talented people yearn for achievement; those at the bottom of society dream of rising above their circumstances; those who haven't tasted grapes always crave them; those who have seen a pig run want to eat pork… In short, because they lack something, they want to pursue it—this is the human desire fueled by inequality. Desire itself is an energy that stimulates human consciousness, an instinct, just as people need to eat when hungry, drink when thirsty, sleep when tired, rest when exhausted, warm themselves when cold, and seek refuge from the heat when hot. No one is without desires. Buddhism says that desire is a sin, but the world has misunderstood. Desire itself is not sinful; it is the unending nature of desire that is sinful. This means controlling one's inappropriate desires and not letting desire control you.
Are all people equal in terms of personality? This is not a simple question, nor does it have a correct answer. What is personality? Baidu Baike explains personality as follows: Personality, also known as individuality, originates from the Greek word "persona," which originally referred primarily to the masks worn by actors on stage, similar to the facial makeup in Chinese Peking Opera. Later, psychology borrowed this term to explain that on the grand stage of life, people also change masks according to different social roles; these masks are the outward manifestations of personality. Behind the mask lies a real, true self, which may be completely different from the outward mask. Simply put, personality has three "selves": the first is the "ego," which is one's self-perception; the second is the "external self," which is how others perceive one; and the third is the "true self," one's essential, authentic self. Personality is complex. Among these three selves, it depends on which one you value most. If you value the "external self," you will live a very tiring life, constantly striving for victory. This is not inherently wrong, but the mistake lies in the hatred, jealousy, and anger that arise when you fail to win. Over time, these negative emotions will erode you, making you unable to experience true happiness and ultimately causing you to lose your true personality. If you care about your "self," you'll lack self-awareness, become arrogant and self-centered, and the "external self" you create won't be as radiant. If you care about your "true self," you won't be exhausted by being overly attached to your "external self," nor will you lack self-awareness because you care too much about your "self." When you no longer care about how others evaluate you, nor about your own inner feelings, you've found your "true self." In terms of personality, there are differences in the "external self" and different perceptions of the "self" between people. However, if your "true self" is completely unaffected by the other two selves, then the statement "In terms of personality, everyone is equal" is true. But we all know in our hearts that the inequality people complain about is actually at the level of the "external self." "In terms of personality, everyone is equal" is actually a complaint, or a cry, from those at the bottom of society at the level of the "external self," compared to those of higher social status. Between people, their evaluation of their "external self" differs, their perception of their "self" varies, and their "true self" is often deeply hidden. Therefore, in terms of personality, people are inherently unequal.
However, the question of equality between people is not the most important issue. Everything has two sides. If your social status is lower than others, you will have a stronger motivation to strive upwards. If your social status is higher, you will also experience the pressure of being at the top. While the higher you climb, the stronger the wind blows; while the lower you climb, the more comfortable you become. Everyone's position is different, and so are their feelings. How can the rocks on the mountaintop know the joy of the soil at the foot of the mountain? How can you know what you consider good is what others also desire? There is no standard for judging equality; it depends on your own judgment. If you feel your suffering is unfair, you will encounter even greater suffering. If you believe suffering is life's most precious treasure, then where is the injustice? If you believe smooth sailing and calm seas are blessings, then isn't your life a tragedy? What you see as inequality may be a coveted treasure for others; what you see as equality may be a disaster.
Humans are incredibly ignorant and insignificant, and shouldn't complain about "inequality among people," because faced with inequality, people can only feel helpless. But what can some people do if they choose to accept it? They can try to change their fate, and even if they can't, they haven't wasted the good times of their lives. Others choose to accept it, so they just passively accept it and give up. These two choices may lead to the same outcome, but the process is vastly different: one is brilliant, and the other ends in resentment.
Comments
Post a Comment