But I believe that the
“more-people-are-scoundrels-than-gentlefolk” notion is one of the fattest
fallacies ever proposed, and the past few days’ occurrences support my belief.
April 15, 2013. The
117th Boston Marathon. What was supposed to be a blissfully exciting
day had been tragically flipped upside-down and inside-out by someone’s poor
decision to be hurtful. Citizens of the United States and many other places
across the globe are mourning and reflecting upon that day in solemnity, as
they should. Star-spangled banners are waving at half-mast, as they should.
Cheer can be located
in all of this, though. Have you noticed the people who, on the day of the
explosions, instinctively did all in their power to aid those who are affected by
the tragedy? Instinctive desires of the heart led people to leave beautiful
flowers at the home of the little boy who died at the scene; to carry and
wheelchair the injured to safety; to visit the hospitals and stand in long
lines to donate blood; and to sign up on a certain Google document to offer
rides, beds, meals, showers, and the love of pet Chihuahuas to anyone stranded
at the Marathon. Instinctive desires of the heart led people totally unassociated
with the Marathon and its participants to promptly pray for their aching
fellowmen’s comfort and welfare. How sweet it is to know that this is what our
country’s people are capable of and seek to do the moment they notice the needs
of others.
Now, back to the
fallacy that “more-people-are-scoundrels-than-gentlefolk.”
A segment from a superb article about the
Boston situation quotes a certain man who offered service via the
aforementioned Google doc:
“There's more good people out there than bad people. And
it's way more. The scales aren't even close.”
This man and I both
agree that more people are gentlefolk than scoundrels, in the sense that they
want to be helpers in life. We see how naturally hundreds—and even thousands—of
people want to be helpers, especially in the aftermaths of critical moments.
(Now, on to my concluding
point.) The key is that we try to be helpers at all times. If we try to be helpful
and positive at all times, including but not limited to the outwardly critical
moments, surely there will be instances when we will have aided those who were
in need silently, in their inner selves, unbeknownst to possibly any other
soul. By way of ordinary people who have demonstrated the extraordinary
practice of trying to be this type of constant helper, I have been the recipient
of lovingkindness many times. Such times I have never forgotten, and such
people I shall always be thankful for.
