A memory to be cherished
I do not think that people who do good deeds make others uneasy (“Focus: Fear of morality”, Gulf News, October 9). In my opinion, such people are treasures and inspire others to emulate them. This of course depends on the overall character of the individual doing a good deed. For example, if a person gives some money to another person and the manner of giving is arrogant and condescending, then the deed is no longer good. On the other hand, if the manner in which the person gives money reflects humility, then the act of kindness remains as a long-lasting memory to be cherished. What is true of tangible items like money is even truer of intangible things, such as smiles.
From Ms Arshia Wasif Ahmad
London, UK
Our actions matter
People who do good deeds would only remind others of their own social responsibilities and instead of making one feel uneasy, it would generally encourage others to do good more than what one is already doing. I believe each one of us does their bit of good deeds, from a simple helping hand to lift grocery bags, opening doors for the aged or even just a smile of acknowledgement or a thank you. A more relevant act is when someone gives you way as you drive and you wave your hand to thank the individual. These are all good deeds, which generally get carried forward by the receiver as is human nature. On a major scale, those who lend their support for relevant charity events, whether in monetary form or voluntarily helping in disaster management, are highly appreciated by others who are unable to do so. But, that does not mean that others are selfish. It just makes one realise that one can do smaller things within one’s own capacity and ability. Even a silent prayer bestowed with others in mind would suffice to be considered as a good deed.
From Ms Aazmin Kantawala
Dubai
Let go of our ego
People who do good influence others and become the impetus for change. If somebody calls him or herself selfless, then I would call them hypocrites. You know, to err is human. And no human being can be entirely selfless. The only exceptions to these are a few enlightened ones. In a world where a society decides the moral values, morality becomes a relative term. What is right to me might be wrong to another person. The world is an imperfect place; let’s accept it. We can surely make it a better place, if we give up a bit of our ego and selfishness.
From Ms Dhanya Dharmaraj
Abu Dhabi
Don’t publicise your deeds
There are many types of good people. There are those who do good deeds and then hide them, instead of publicising in front of those they know. They don’t need any appreciation and never expect any type of return in their life. There are also those who want others to know about their actions so that people consider them to be good and they are appreciated in the community. Some even go to the extent of performing good deeds in front of others or publicising it on social media platforms so they can get a quick response. I don’t think that’s appropriate and if you are doing something good, it would be best to keep it to yourself.
From Mr Mohammad Zubair Anjum
UAE
Facebook comment
We need role models
Quoting a saying: “Selfish people lose so much in life, because even when they realise they are wrong, they do not know how to ask for forgiveness or show regrets.” It is clear that no matter what another person does or shows, if a human is selfish, he or she is definitely weak in their department of morals. We humans constantly seek role models or ‘father figures’ in different domains. But, nevertheless if there were no role models to take the lead it would be a really tough call to make Earth a better planet to live on.
From Ms Samah Riyas
Dubai
A positive influence
I am always a positive thinker, while I analyse what is going right or wrong. The person who does good deeds has most likely sacrificed his or her own will, choices and desire for the sake of others. Such individuals will not think about their own needs and will be more focused on how to make others happy. But, this will affect others who don’t want to do good things and don’t aim to help. When they see people doing good, they will start to think of their own actions and perhaps get positively influenced.
From Mr Arjun Dahal
Dubai
Sharing with the unfortunate
People who do good deeds completely unravel the selfish ones because it shows them how small their minds are and how attached they are to their materialistic world. It exposes them to the world around and shows that they don’t seem to care about anything. Even when someone is genuine and has a helping nature, they are termed as the ones trying to show off, as attention seekers and some even try to discredit the deed, saying that they are doing this for bigger, selfish returns. How can a person who cannot feel the pain, hunger, loss of another come forward in any way to help? So when they have a do-gooder in their midst, they ridicule, spite and insult them. It is their defence against them, because they refuse to admit the blatant truth that they are selfish and live in their own materialistic world. When people understand that their lives have the same value as the richest or the poorest in this world, they will keep for themselves just enough and share the rest with the unfortunate.
From Ms Bindu Sathianesan
Dubai
Both good and bad
Good and bad people exist, but our perceptions are different. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly. Good people should continue to do their job honestly. If that reminds others of how selfish they actually are, that’s their issue. Good people weren’t put on this Earth to rectify bad people.
From Ms Surma Sarkar
UAE
Facebook comment
Circus of life
Doing good in today’s world involves a lot of sacrifice. Everyone would accept your good deeds in private but then sideline or hush it up when in public. Most of them feel guilty and have a fear of being punished by the Almighty. But, while they run through the circus of life and try to achieve their greedy targets, they overcome the guilt and fear.
From Mr Ajith Kumar
Dubai
A charitable effort
I pay a very small amount of money to charity for the sake of my late family members and that money goes through many hands. As a result, some people think that I am a very rich person and they feel jealous, as they are surviving on credit cards. Others feel that I am too generous and they expect me to participate in all charity programs. And these people think that I am stingy when they ask me to pay for some charitable cause and I refuse.
From Mr Xing Zang
Dubai
Facebook comment
Return the favour
I think people who do good deeds inspire others to follow their example. If someone does you a favour, would it not inspire you to be generous to another person? I’m sure it would.
From Ms Afshan Kathamale
Dubai
It’s not an act
Why show others if you are doing something good for someone? Your actions are between you and your Almighty. If you are doing something good and you want people to know about it, it doesn’t count as a ‘good deed’. It’s just showing off and a way of telling others how selfish they are.
From Ms Yasmeen Rasool
Dubai
Facebook comment
Influencing others to be good
You can be an example and inspire others to follow your lead. It depends on your intention.
From Mr Ali Othman
Kuwait
Facebook comment
Appear to not care
When someone does something good, others seem incompetent and also appear to not care. Do the good deeds quietly.
From Ms Tahmina Ansari
Dubai
Facebook comment
Focused on themselves
Selfish people aren’t bothered about what others feel. They cannot see what they do to others, or how their actions affect those around them. They just focus on what others have done for them.
From Ms Affaf Rathore
Sharjah
Facebook comment
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