How to evoke the real inner you

A Story by Om

An inquisition into what or how people would react to extreme, unexpected or life-death situations. Food for thought...what is truly important to us?

It is amazing what even the most respected figures in our society will do when faced with unusual situations. Read on to explore...

1. A man with his wife & mother is confronted by armed gunmen. He can only save one person. Who does he save? His dedicated wife or the reason he is on this planet in the first place - I.e. his own blood, who has brought him up & provided everything for him - education, nuture?

2. Your boss (who is worthy of great respect & honour) or even a celebrity who you admire has invited you to a party during which he/she happens to insult or humiliate your nearest & dearest, be it your spouse or parents...what do you do? Stand up & battle for your family's pride or succumb to the big shot's banter? Which choice is considered truly courageous, knowing you may risk your standing in society for having a rift with the VIP?

3. The awkward situation a somewhat cunning person places you in when they do something special for you & you are indebted to them...such as saving your life. However, they then misuse this & blackmail you by asking you to abuse your position to cover up something really immoral they have done. What do you do? Bear in mind that if you do not comply with their deal, you will be ostracised by society, framed with false allegations & lose your career...perhaps you were set up in the first place, as part of a conspiracy, sadly falling prey to their trap. Do you owe it to them to keep quiet?

4. Someone holds you at gunpoint & demands that you either tell a lie or do something very immoral or unethical, such as defaming or labeling an innocent person - which you would normally not dream of doing...do you sacrifice your life for the sake of holding a clean conscience or engage in something vile just to save your life?

Had I chosen the latter selfish options in life when faced with such situations, perhaps I would have been a much more successful person than who I am now. This comes at a cost...selling your conscience, which sadly many (but not all) prominent figures have done in order to attain the position that they are at today. It is not surprising that our society does not value honesty anymore. We have regressed to the Iron Age once again. What will it take to pull us out of this black hole? Sadly the way the world works, people gauge one's success by their wealth, qualifications or popularity if they are a celebrity...not their clear & intact conscience. Ironic considering that more often than not, these recognitions are obtained by deception or recommendation...really then, how genuine are they? What would you do in these situations? Which path would you choose & why? What is more important - materialistic success or a clean conscience? Sadly for most people, it's all about the money...ultimately boils down to survival of the fittest. What an animal kingdom we live in?