Proverbial #3 - If you don't stand for something, you will fall for something

As human beings, we always live by certain principles. These principles are consciously or unconsciously designed by us. Some of these principles are gotten from the society, some from parents and some are drafted by us.

There is a debate between individualism and communism on what influences our actions in the community. This individualism and communism should not be confused with that of Karl Marx or Vladimir Lenin. This would be discussed within the context of Africa.  Individualism claims that our actions are those designed by us and these behaviours are independent of the communal ethos. This view suggests that we influence the society at large and not the other way round.

Communism on the other hand maintains that the community influences the actions of individuals. Everything we do, according to this view, is determined by the society. 

Now it is possible for you to argue for or against these views. Rather than deny any of the two, it is better to look beyond the scope of the argument and focus on the reality on ground.

In Africa, the community determines how we live, what we do, what is right and what is wrong. The society (as an entity) believes we must respect elders, be virtuous, humble, decent, etc. Sometimes, these things do not go well with us especially when we are being disrespected but cannot do anything because the society places importance on age difference. So the communal reality is evident and true in African societies.

For the West, wearing bikini looks normal to them, they don't place emphasis on age difference and that is why a little boy can call grandpa his name. But a kid dares not try that in Africa. If an African should travel out of his country, he will need time to adjust to the reality their because the society (where he came from) has shaped his thought.

This does not however suggests or mean that we do not think independently. We do and that is why what works for family A does not work for Family B. Every family also have their principles and this also shape the individuals behaviours. But as we grow and seek wisdom, we design our own principles. This principles become our guides and how we act. 

Nothing says the society is right and the individual is wrong. Whatever the society says, we must create our ethical rules and live by them. Everybody needs to uphold what they consider ethical and rational. Man needs to stand for something or be known for something noble. This is what defines the existence of the person.

The person who stands for nothing will easily accept defeat. We must always uphold 'just' course for instance. If we do not define ourselves or what we want out of life then every thing goes which means we can accept anything in life.

While standing for something, we must always consider the moral implications of the thing in question. One of the worst things that could happen to a man is to stand for nothing, to have no identity, to have no principle. 

Life is short, live it right!

Thanks for reading. Your boy @smyle the philosopher 

Image is mine