All I Have Is I

Human beings are the most blessed creatures on earth, having the rational power to manipulate even the environmental conditions according to their comfort. Unfortunately, though we generally function with our cognition, there are times when we act as if we are entirely ruled by impulse. What we fall short in is, the discretion of gravity of the bond between the self and the worldly entities. If it’s not moderate or regulated, that means we are in the trap of entities. There is also a danger of being extravagantly rational, which can transform us into egocentric characters, which leads to a disrupted relationship with other human beings.

Though being primarily cognitive organisms, in times of panic, dread, and anxiety, we become irrational by functioning according to instinct. I noticed this especially during the COVID-19 pandemic; fear of death wormed its way into the global psyche, most visibly manifested in the mad rush to accumulate essential items. The height of human selfishness was reflected in the overflowing carts in the superstores. The attitude of compromise was conspicuously absent—let alone the virtue of sharing. Some were unable to imagine, and unwilling to consider, the possibility of living life on essentials. These scenes mirror an inordinate love for self, characterized by the exclusion of the other. “Is there enough for all?” was not a question considered. This is exclusively the fruit of instinct rather than rationality.

Of course, in mentioning the above events, I wish to take nothing away from the powerfully inspiring lives of the frontline workers who, through their tireless toil, pulled out all stops to cater to the needs of society by putting their own lives on the line. Many others have voluntarily gone out of their way to assist the vulnerable through exemplary acts like purchasing essentials for senior citizens, distributing free provisions to the destitute, and so on. And at this juncture, I salute all those who have lost their lives in the service of humanity during the pandemic.

Musing over these events, I was inspired to put down my thoughts and reflections, and All I Have Is I is the result. It deals with two aspects and is divided into two parts. The first part of three chapters deals with “I” in relation to worldly entities. Here, we acknowledge that “I” is more important than all the other entities and has the power to possess or discard any of them. A person who is aware of his or her self-worth acts based upon reason.

The second part of two chapters deals with the obsession one has with the self, which results in the breakdown of relationships due to arrogance. These chapters will also throw light on how we can liberate ourselves from this obsession. The final chapter is all about the role of divine intervention in the transformation of the individual. Every chapter culminates in a poetic summary.

I hope that you, dear reader, will find a message for life within these pages.