Even though I believe that being judgemental is not the best thing to do; I do it all the time under the cover of
'discernment', by subconsciously (or even consciously!) classifying people as
good and bad. During my childhood, I had always believed that people behave in
a certain manner depending upon some intrinsic value which is highly influenced
by how and under what circumstances they were brought up. I had decided
that every jerk I meet; I will try to cut him (or her) at least some slack just
because they might have had an unfortunate childhood, unlike mine. As I grew up
and read more economics, I started thinking that the most rational thing to do
was to be good. I believed that if I was good to people, they were bound to be
good - not because of my (or their) belief in Karma or their conscience or any
other so called spiritual concept but because it's in their best interest too
(at the very least). What then incentivises people to be not good? There can't
be contradictions. I needed to check my premises.
I did not cheat in exam; I knew more than
enough by myself. But I have no idea of how I would have responded if I had to
cheat to be able to barely pass the exam. I return someone's wallet lying on
the road. Is that because I am a good person or is that because I have enough
money? Would I have returned if it were, let's say something that might matter
to me more than money or might be unaffordable, an antique painting? When I
talk nicely to people; is it because I am a good person or is it because I
enjoy their reciprocation of love and respect for me (friends) or is it because
I can't afford to mess up with them (foes)? Would I talk to nicely to someone I
do not deem worthy enough of either being a friend or a foe? When I let go
things that make me feel bad, is it because I am not egoistic or is it because
it's in my best interest to let go? Is it in the future anticipation of my
behaviour due to which others might have to let go?
The very premise that good behaviour doesn't
have a cost associated with it is what fails the theoretical concept of it
being the best thing to do. More so, it has different cost for different people
and hence, the varied responses. It's expensive, rather unaffordable to indulge
in the luxury of being good.
