We term certain conduct of people as escapism. This trait or behaviour is in born and practised by many.The trait can also be defined as a way of redirecting ones attention on things pleasant and savouring, on the contrary to the dire realities of the everyday life. The quality can be healthy and assisting. But in extreme forms can be detrimental too to one.
Now, but how should we discuss about people who escape closing their eyes to reality, principles, ethics and duty? These people are not refocusing their attention to pleasant things but are being selfish and forcing themselves to make believe that the fact and the problem don’t exist.
The latter group are practising the art of escapism because of their selfish character. For them call of duty, ethics, morality and love for fellow beings are not at all in their priority list. It is purely self interest that life is all about. Such people identify every aspect of human behaviour with the bench mark of commercial gain and advancement. So they see nothing, hear nothing and enquire about nothing. That is the surest way to avoid confronting realities which they are naturally duty bound to tackle.
I remember a story I read somewhere. The gist is – a highly successful career woman forfeits her career to take care of her grievously ill husband. A friend of hers while on a social call on her commented,’gracious, how unselfish you are to make such a sacrifice’. The woman was rightly and naturally incensed. She fumed and told the friend,’your remark is insulting. I love my husband and this is the most selfish thing I have ever done and ever will’.
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People who seek to escape by closing their eyes to reality, principles, ethics and duty and all other good human qualities which are an anathema to them, will, one day, find that these will come to haunt them in the twilight of their lives.Their love and greed for their worldly riches have not only blinded their eyes, but, more importantly, also blinded whatever sliver of cancerous minds which they possess!
For outward appearances, you can see such "people" at places of worship in "earnest" prayers, with covered heads and lowered gaze and a make-believe look of utmost piety. In their homes, they would have poojas, prayer-meetings and such. Behind this "holier-than-thou" attitude, lie the Devil's disciples, throwing all religious teachings out of the window ! For these myopics, the lucre is their God Almighty ! Which reminds me of the words in The Gospel of Matthew, verse 26 : for what is Man profited, if he should gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul ?"
"As ye sow, so shall ye also reap,”, say an old proverb.
This post comes at the right time when I have been analyzing an incident. Happened to interview a candidate at work. This guy seemed to be interested in only his growth. He was self indulgent, talked only about his self interests, how fast he wanted to reach higher position. He was not even willing to talk to anything beyond that.
How could people be so selfish? They lack ethics, morality and consideration. One could always say Survival of the fittest. Yet! They are detrimental.
@insignia,
Ambition to shoot up the ladder is fine. But does it have to be trampling upon others?Does it have to be ignoring the basic values that make human beings different from other creatures?
This person you mentioned seems to be driven by the fire to achieve. That is fine as long as achievements are not at a price - a price that others are made to pay.
escapism is a defensive trait, its okay to indulge in a bit of it in idle hours..but a reality check is the key to survival and also in being comfortable in one's own skin.
@amalg999
Lowering ones gaze and displaying piety frequenting places of worship is also an escapism, a foolhardy way . is it not?
People find escapism to be the most convinient path...they dont realise that when they choose to escape they fall in the trap!
I agree. Maybe I should have been more elaborate. Thinking to achieve is fine, not at the cost of organization's or others interest. Your achievements or goals tend to remain in line with the place you work. Otherwise it seems so obvious that no matter what, trample others and keep climbing!!
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