Ethics ? My foot !

I suppose Newton gave theory of relative motion. We used to create a lot of buzz over it in our engineering preparations’ days. If I am not wrong (Hail Rubics Rostrum!) this theory concerns about the differences observed when two objects are moving in different frames of references, with different speeds. If you are present in the same frame of reference in which motion is occurring; its calm state for you. It will appear stationary if you are sitting in the backseat of a Honda CIVIC sport blazing through the highway, your eyes closed and soft music entering through your ears to create the euphoria. If you are standing by the roadside waiting for a lift, the same car is a rash speeding object (Of course it won’t stop unless you are a lady!). What is the frame of reference in ethics? Its your emotions and feelings related to a particular case. If the case have happened to you as an unjust treatment, you tend to show the associated revengeful response as a green signal. So you can’t judge the wrong part in it. It’s impossible to gather and get convinced about the inappropriateness of your mis-step. Only, when an unrelated, unbiased, unaffected feeling challenges your conscience, there is a discomfort rising within. You slowly begin to lose your sleep and want to see the light, the solution.

A frame of reference sits in the human mind. We can refer to multiple frame of references too. We have capabilities, but we cherish hiding them under emotions, nonchalance acting as mini-skirts. Some people do realize the right way of doing things, but what if its wrong according to their surroundings. The office they work in, the sabzi mandi they buy groceries, the queue they stand for depositing their bills or for buying rail tickets are some examples. We abhor unjust practices, but what do we really do when it comes to us ? Are we always preferring to go by the rule book, or allowing occasional deviations because “Sab karte hain”. If I give honest opinion, even I am guilty in some cases. Though many times, I resist the temptation. Not having the resilience to stand against the crowd, I become the spectator (if not part) of the game. Few days ago, one of my friends spoke to me. He was pitying for me as I had refused to prompt answers (and ask for similar favors) in quizzes. People had made team and they were collaborating to get good marks. So my efforts were ‘waste’ as per his judgment. Maybe for records I would agree. But the positivity generated by the clearheaded approach will certainly be the torch bearer for future successes. This is what I believe and beliefs are imprinted by experiences.

What about the system ? Honest approach takes years while money infusion is treated as characteristics of ‘smart’ people. They get work done easily, through the back door perhaps. For everything to work normally, it will take time. It will be large enough to breed discomfort to echelons, but quite relaxing for a majority. As India has a vast population but limited resources, everyone dreams to enjoy monetary benefits. To the people, a ‘nazrana’ is a gift for some consideration. A consideration which, for them is trivial. Only a bypass does not amount to crime. Somebody has to come by the way, so why not 'that' gentleman! The ‘nazrana’ may be distributed from ‘bade sahib’ down to the ‘chapraasi’. Everybody has a share, so this is an unofficial conduit to follow for ‘special’ cases. There is no point in denying that which sector is most corrupt. We all are corrupt, happily. The amazing thing is we don’t acknowledge that, or we feel happy about it.

I know there’s no use writing all this stuff. It will not bring any change. But to our moral sense if we can award a honest human; life will be on a smoother ride. Then one can always enjoy listening to the music, relaxing in his home (if not the car!).