Civilized Survival

The Siren Songs of Society drown out the things we should be listening for.

The jungle is gone, but what replaced it is just as perilous.  At an early age, we learn how to be a part of a civilized world, but we are not told survive it.  Some lessions for the uninitiated.

1. Society will take care of itself first, then it might help you.

There is no entitlement, only good fortune.  So, do not count on it but be grateful when it happens (see #6).

2. It is a transactional world.

Every act deserves an eventual reaction.  This may not land lightly on some.  Remember, not all transactions are ‘cash & carry.’  Some are investments that last a lifetime

3. Many more need your help than you will ever know.

Your life is finite, while the demands are infinite.  The farther you are from the need for your help, the more likely the contribution will only serve your needs more than those you hope to help.

4. Almost everyone in the world does not know who you are.

Tend to the ones who do know you very carefully.

5. You are (eventually) going to die, and everyone is counting on it.

Perhaps the greatest differences you make happen after you are gone.

6. Be kind and generous to those who recognize it.

No good deed goes unpunished by those who do not recognize your goodness.

7. Live with occasional disasters.

Step up at every tragedy and take it as a challenge.  Your outcome is secondary to your resolve in the breach.

8. Have personal priorities and understand the price of not living by them.

No one understands you like you understand yourself.  Do not expect circumstances to consider any facet of your existence or needs.

9. Treat every relationship you cherish as a blessing that may disappear at any moment.

The people you care about are more important than the type of relationship you may have with them.  When life forces changes in such a relationship, decide which is more important.

10. Trust yourself over all others.

How can you trust anyone if you cannot trust yourself?

11. Regret nothing in the past and worry about what you need to do in the moment.

If you are looking back, you will trip over your own future.

12. Follow the crowd as long as you can see it serving your interests.

The tides of society can carry you far, perhaps too far.

13. Question everything but be discreet about it.

Assumptions are for those who do not mind being blindsided.

14. You cannot fix the world, but you can adapt to it.

Your actions have much greater credibility than your words.  If you respond to a world problem in a way that protects you and yours, people will take notice.

15. When you realize at some point in your life that the needs of others are going to come at the price of your survival, do not hesisate to do what is right in your heart and remember: life is short anyway.

This is not a jungle out there because countless have chosen to create and support something that serves the needs of many.  If you recognize your part, then you may someday realize your role has to end.