Bad things happen to good people, too. Because fate is arbitrary, the world is blind, and selfishness is sometimes very acute; however, nobles never abandon their roots despite disappointment, because those who think with their hearts do not understand contempt or cold reasons.
We all know people with this profile. Not only that, every time we see a gesture of nobility, selfless altruism or heroic attitude, most of us feel inspired or even reconciled with the world itself. Something very similar happened recently during the dramatic attack on the heart of London on 22 March.
“An ounce of kindness is worth more than a ton of intellect. -Alexander Jodorowsky-
Tobias Ellwood, parliamentary undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, had no hesitation about leaving the Westminster Parliament despite the recommendations. I wanted to help. For several minutes, he did his best to save the life of an injured policeman, pressing the wound and mouth to mouth until a helicopter arrived. That wasn’t possible. His impotent and desperate actions to not be able to save him have gone around the world.
We all understand your pain. The next day, the entire political spectrum praised his ability to react to the rest and the determination that, far beyond fear, fanfare or indecision, made him act with the determination of those who aspire only to help, of those who prioritize to others. especially.
The question may seem a little strange: which one is better?Invest in your own well-being or prioritize the well-being of others?It is very likely that many readers will think that the answer is easy, because something as simple as doing good is returning to your own aplomb and personal satisfaction. However, this conclusion is not so obvious to experts. In fact, this same idea has baffled experts in human behavior for several years.
Researchers from UCLA (University of California) conducted interesting research in which they were able to conclude that there are two types of vital objectives in humans and each of them has biological implications.
It’s the data
Research has concluded that people with a clear Eudaimonic predisposition (having others in one of the highest places on their priority scale) have a stronger immune system. They were shown to develop less inflammation and have more antibodies, which is synonymous with stronger immunity. System.
Similarly, psychologically, it could be seen that these were profiles of strong convictions, no matter how many times life had killed them, the disappointments they experienced or the losses they suffered, they kept thinking with their hearts. , continued to give priority to others and rely on the very nobility of the human being.
On the other hand, hedonistic individuals have been shown to have fewer antibodies, a weaker immune system, and a more erratic, volatile and variable personality.
It is likely that many of us have gone through a phase in which our own existential aspirations have been purely hedonic, far from seeing it as a clear reflection of an act of selfishness, we must understand it as another step in our own personal growth. we’re just explorers. We want to experiment, let ourselves be embraced by life, aspire to it, rejoice and consume it in large pieces.
“The only symbol of superiority I know is goodness. -Beethoven-
However, little by little we climb the pyramid of our needs until we understand that we are an interconnected whole, a wonderful and complex interdependent plot where our actions affect others. To do good, to act with the heart, is to add harmony to chaos, to be a beacon in the midst of darkness or confusion, as Deputy Ellwood did trying to save the life of Keith Palmer, the policeman stabbed by the terrorist.
Believe it or not, the fact that we are good people does not force us to be heroes, does not force us to engage in risky actions on the part of others, nor does it require us to please all the humanity of the planet. every day they are discreet but bright, silent but cheerful, humble but immense, like their own heart.
We must sow our daily actions with kindness and respect, looking at the smallest things, so that when the opportunity to make great changes arises the movement that we have already created will help us, it is in this horizon of daily work that well- being is above mere hedonism and where one can be a source of inspiration that infects the world.
Images courtesy of Jiwoon Pak.