Grey Matters

We all have a failry good idea of what's right and wrong. Lies and truth. Cheating and fair-play. Injustice and justice. These are all concrete examples where we can easily pick out what is right and what is wrong. Of course, there will be some individuals who may challenge the societal norms by reversing right with wrong and wrong with right but overall, barring these exceptional cases we can say with ease that we all know right from wrong in most situations.

Then there are the shady areas. The not so distinct areas where right and wrong have conveniently mingled and given us a hybrid progeny known popularly as the "grey area". And the lines seem to fade away and the concepts of right and wrong are written over each other to reveal a palimpsest, thereby making it harder for us to base make a decision. When treading through such an area one has to be very careful as one can not side with what's right and what's wrong because there is no right and wrong anymore. One MUST exercise judiciousness in such locales.

So what to do? Which option shall we go for? They may all seem right and none may seem wrong. Flip side: they may all seem wrong and none may seem right. Confusion and utter chaos ensue in the mind. The best thing I would suggest in such a case is to opt for the most practical option but trying to at the same time to make a right choice too.

Let me illustrate with an example. Say a beggar comes to you with the usual request for charity. Now we enter the grey area. It is not binding upon us to pay him to relieve him of his woes but at the same time if we don't then we feel morally responsible. If we don't pay him it's not as if we are benefiting him in fact some people say we are harming him more by robbing him of his initiative. Others say we must give him the money to help him alleviate his troubles upto a point thereafter from where he will work his way up. Both arguments are sound but are they both correct? Are they both wrong? It's really hard to say. So what is the best way out of this dilemma. We can all come up with different ways to approach this problem and solve it in the best possible way. Some will just dish out the money others won't. Some will give the money but not before parting with some advice and empowering words to help them uplift their spirits. Some will help them get some way for them to start work. Whatever is the way I feel there must be some sound reasoning and judgement to base their decision which have a positive effect overall. If you think giving money will have a positive effect and believe in that then go for it. If you believe not giving any money will be more helpful then opt for that. If you believe giving advice is more beneficial then that is your "dao". Your mantra maybe helping them find work but whatever make sure it is based on an honest conviction to your basic ideals of right and wrong !