If I am alive, I will be a burden

Summary

The author grapples with the guilt of human existence, acknowledging the destructive nature of humanity and the burden of being part of societal divisions and injustices, yet ultimately advocates for acceptance of one's role within the system.

Abstract

The article delves into the complex emotions associated with the author's sense of culpability for being alive and human. This culpability stems from the capacity of the human brain to create destructive forces and overuse natural resources. The author identifies with the broader human race, which is divided by artificial boundaries, whether geographical, ideological, or racial, and acknowledges the violence and discrimination perpetuated by such divisions. The piece also touches on the comfort derived from belonging to a group, which can lead to nationalistic fervor, and the struggle of being both a part of marginalized communities and, at times, complicit in the system that oppresses them. The author accepts the inevitability of their participation in both positive and negative aspects of society, recognizing that their actions will be perceived in various ways. Despite this, they advocate for a personal and communal acknowledgment of the burden of existence, suggesting that everyone should accept their role in the world as they await a metaphorical "judgment day."

Opinions

The author feels a profound sense of guilt for being part of the human race, which they believe is responsible for environmental degradation and societal divisions.
There is an acceptance of the dual nature of humanity, which is capable of both constructive and destructive actions.
The comfort of group identity is seen as fostering jingoism, which the author views critically.
The author empathizes with marginalized communities but also admits to the difficulty of navigating their own fluctuating status within these groups.
The piece suggests that one should not be deluded by the significance of individual actions, as perceptions of these actions will always vary.
There is a call to embrace the inherent burden of existence, recognizing that everyone is complicit in the world's affairs and that this shared experience unites humanity.

I have accepted it. So should you.

Do you carry the guilt of your existence? The guilt of being human? The guilt of doing better than the others? At least in some aspects of life?

I carry that guilt on behalf of myself and of many like me.

The guilt of having a brain. A brain that is capable of creating all destructive forces, of over-utilizing the natural resources.

The guilt of being part of that human race that has divided itself by marking seen and unseen boundaries on the ground, under the colors of flags and skin, under the name of different scriptures, and the followers of those; who’d swear, curse, abuse, assault, and annihilate each other.

And those who assert their superiority, being born in a specific community. Being part of a mob gives a kind of comfort, which is a breeding ground for jingoism. The definitive journey.

There are others amongst us, on the receiving end. Marginalized. Sometimes I am part of that community. Sometimes I am not, which is more difficult.

But there is another predicament, that is accepting the fact that I will continue to be part of the system; of everything happening around me, good and bad.

Sometimes I help or try to help. But, the “me” factor is meaningless. I am aware that someone will have a different perception of my doing, and not doing something else. I will do my part of sharing the predicament.

So, I conclude. I have accepted the burden of my existence; so, should you. Because you are no different. And we all will wait for judgment day.