> Growing up in the Western world, most of us are used to the luxuries that we receive on a daily basis. And no matter how hard we try, we still take these things for granted. If we truly appreciated what we had, each and every one of us would wake up and start jumping up and down because we are living with shelter, have instant access to electricity and can eat anything we choose.
This is indeed true, but people often don't ask the question - "Why?" Or, if they do, they come to the wrong answers. Why? Why do we have shelter, electricity, and food? Why do we have technology and all these amazing things?
Last week, I committed to giving 10% of my income to charity henceforth forever. I figure it's a good thing to do. I'm researching starting my own charity, hence the discussion I had this morning. I'm aware that we're lucky. And my question becomes - "Why?" "We're so lucky" - yes, we are. Now, let's figure it out. "Why are we so lucky?"
I thought about this, and I looked into it.
And the answer is, we're lucky and we have all these wonderful things because someone worked to build it. Our ancestors, our family and countrymen typically, if you live in the Western world. By and large, everything you use, you get to use as the result of someone's effort. I say this, because I see a lot of charity going about things the wrong way. They give a man a fish, instead of teaching him to fish. Whenever I see the, "We're so lucky..." line of writing, first I completely agree and I'm so incredibly grateful for all the amazing things we have. Second, I'm amazed at the people who built them and sacrificed, and I want to build and sacrifice for the future. Somehow, a lot of people feel guilty when they read something about how good they have it - don't! Feel strong, feel good. You have these things because hard work was paid forwards to you. Do the same for others. No guilt - guilt is crippling, guilt ruins your thinking and emotions, guilt ruins your rationality. Feel strong, feel proud, be grateful to the builders who came before you, and build as well to help others. This is the way forwards.