WHAT LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME

 Life has taught people many lessons. Some lessons may be the same, while some may be much different. Before I tell you what I have learnt, I must first make some references. They may seem far-fetched, but by the end of this narrative, they will all make sense. People rely a lot on others, whether it is at work, at home, or anywhere else. They may even rely on objects. Now, many parents who are reading this will just think about “those phones kids always use” when they read the previous line, but this isn’t about that. In fact, they use phones just as much as their children do. We all are reliant on devices, but we have to make sure none of us, children or adults, get too reliant on them. When it comes to relying on people, it is fine to a certain limit. For example, if you take some money from a friend, you might keep taking it until you are in great debt. When this happens, your friend will show their true colors. If they really are your friend, they will continue to help you if they can. If not, and this is very common, then you’re out of luck. Taking advantage of your debt, they will slowly take over what you can or can’t do. You will have to obey because you will be in debt. Your own mind will oppose you if you refuse to obey them. In the end, when you will have paid your debt, you won’t have much left both physically or mentally. If you can’t pay your debt, you might just have to live like this for the rest of your life. Many people will even use emotional blackmailing, acting hurt. This isn’t just limited to a personal level. Nations are reduced to nothing because they can’t pay off their debts. A nation takes debt from others, but failure to pay those debts grants the “helping” nation leverage over the other. Then the one in debt destroys itself trying to pay those debts, paying money to strengthen the “helper”, sending soldiers in wars, and ultimately becoming nothing but a mere slave. People will deny all this, calling it propaganda and whatnot, but it is true, and we all know it. People will even make you think that a favor or compulsory act having a positive effect on you must be paid off. Unfortunately, the most common example of this is when parents say during an argument, “Well, I gave birth to you, raised you, cared for you, so I’m right.” Or, “Say sorry” if you say or do something that they don’t want, even if it’s perfectly appropriate. Parents truly do care for us, but no one is always right. You may even have a valid point, but to some parents, it is always an attitude. And when you are unhappy or angry by the unfairness of that, it will be considered a tantrum. Many times, parents might not even convey this message verbally, but even through a single stare. They may even say that they are disappointed or expect better from you, but you have your limits. You should listen to your parents, but always remember the difference between right and wrong, fair and unfair. People sometimes take their anger out on others, because they can’t take it out on the person they are angry at, like their boss. You might come home after a long and infuriating day of work, but you have no right to yell at someone else for no reason since they had nothing to do with it. People even destroy relations just because of a minor offense, even though the matter can be settled through a few words. People get completely offended if someone brings their opinion to their tongue, even though the other person has the right to think differently. No one should suffer for uttering their opinion, even if it is against someone else’s opinion. People get physical if someone offends them, even though it was a verbal argument. They don’t even try to keep it verbal, demanding obedience by force. All of this is real, taking place in the world. But unfortunately, no one has taken a stand. Seeing all this, I realize, life hasn’t taught me just one lesson, it has taught me many. Never rely on someone too much. Never let someone control you. Never take your anger out on the wrong person. Never disrespect others’ opinions. Never be the first to get physical. And most important of all, if you see something wrong happening, do take a stand. 

 Taimoor Siddiqui IX M C