by Khadim Hussain

Created on: June 29, 2009   Last Updated: June 30, 2009

Nothing is more despicable than a respect based on fear. Such a respect is unfounded and short-lived. It evaporates as soon as fear vanishes. Therefore, it is detestable for a wise man to be respected by scaring and frightening others. He knows that people may salute or greet him because of his high status and fear to his face but they speak ill of him in his absence, for they don't love him genuinely. A cruel person may succeed to chain them physically and imprison them but he miserably fails to win their hearts.

On the other hand, a wise person always loves to be loved genuinely. He craves to win the hearts of people with the help of his good deeds, sincerity, selfless service to humanity and his pure love for his fellow beings. He firmly believes that real respect and honour lies in hearts.

In this materialistic world, we, ironically and regrettably, witness people being admired and respected because of their political influence, power and wealth. It is indeed sad to note that people have made money and power as criteria for true respect without realising that both power and wealth are not lasting or durable. They are temporary and short-lived. Flaunting of wealth and power is a very common sight these days. The people possessing immense wealth are surrounded by many people, who are mostly sycophants and flatterers, only interested in their personal gains and vested interests. Such people are fair-weather and so-called friends.

It goes without saying that love always reigns supreme. It is an ultimate force and power. Sometimes, it is eclipsed by forces of evil but it always emerges victorious in all kinds of trials. It may languish but it cannnot perish. In this age of restlessness, we find love being clouded by insincerity, dishonesty and other moral and ethical values being very much prevalent in our society with impunity. Goodness and piety seem to have taken a back seat. Our moral values are on sharp decline. It is indeed a very sorry state of affairs. Under these circumstances, more and more people are resorting to evil ways and dishonest means to be successful overnight irrespective of moral and ethical values. They show a devil-may-care attitude towards these values and mores.

The situation is quite depressing and frustrating. However, we must hope against hope. Since evils are always dominated by goodness, we must wait for good days. They are nigh. They are sure to come. We must seek genuine and true respect based on love and sincerity. We do condemn the honour and respect we get because of fear and abuse of power.

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