On Being Human

Alien and Ignoramus

“Ah, Ignoramus, upset again?”

“Yes Al, human beings never cease to amaze me.

As I move through varied spaces I meet people; strong, sensitive, generous, giving and caring. Silently they lend a hand to all those struggling for a breath. Very quietly they help others to take a step, speak a word.

Then I move though spaces of inane chatter, endless similarity, cyclic repetition, mindless imitation, fake images, false egos, me, me, me and mine. Harmless perhaps, if in this endless race for a better symbol they do not harm the others.

And then there are spaces where there is a deliberate attempt to grab, snatch, injure, harm and annihilate others. This could be greed, indifference, bad policy or a concerted malicious intent. Look at India, Africa, and Middle East!

Are these human beings? Do they belong to the same species?”

“Yes Ig they seem to.”

“But Al, how can it be? Why does this happen? Can this negativity not be changed?”

“Ig, you think of the most difficult tasks! Let us think.”

Net Worth

Alien and Ignoramus

“Ignoramus, what is this ‘Net Worth’?”

“Al, Net Worth is total assets minus total liabilities. It is the total amount of money you posses; all your money in the bank, the money value of your properties, your valuable possessions.”

“What is your net worth?”

“Oh well, it is somewhere in the middle. There are many people who possess less than me and many who possess much more.”, said Ignoramus in a small voice.

“And my net worth is zero!” the Alien laughed loudly.

“Silly Ignoramus! Your net worth is not all that you possess. It all that you give. Your net worth is the number of people you reach in a positive way. Net Worth is total positive thoughts, emotions, actions minus total negative thoughts, emotions and actions.”