Defending Your Beliefs

Statement:

If you disagree with a rule, law, or public policy, it is better to remain silent than to speak out and risk punishment.

All over the world, the authority sets down the laws. As people under the authority's power, we're meant to obey. Yet, we tend to wonder if the authority is always right when they set down those laws. There are instances where the government is corrupt or biased and the laws set down are unjust and affect the lives of many.

If everyone were to remain silent and have their voices stifled by fear of punishment, what kind of place would that be? Everyone should have the right to voice their concerns or complaints to the government and face punishment with their heads up. It takes a lot of bravery to stand up to those who oppress you, both physically and emotionally, but in the end it would be worth it, because you know you didn't act cowardly, but fought valiantly for what you believed in.

Many people speak out against what they think is wrong (e.g. Aung San Suu Kyi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King etc.); these people usually end up in prison or shot. But there isn't an entirely fair reason behind killing/imprisoning those who voice opinions. We all have different opinions, and though the authority might not agree completely with the people's opinion; it's the authority's job to consider the opinions, instead of putting them in jail, or executing them for not agreeing with what the authority thinks. Sadly, this is not considered by all governments or authorities.

We should all have the guts; and it should be acceptable to say what we believe in, and be proud of it. There are others like you, who will agree with what you have to say. You have the power to inspire those people with your words or opinion to make a difference and say what they think is right.

This is why I strongly disagree with the fact that "it's somehow better to remain silent than to speak out and risk punishment". In the end you'll know and feel deep inside your heart a nagging guilt and feeling of betrayal asking you why you didn't defend what you believed in.

Define a "good" Life...

In my perspective I find that a good life is one where you incorporate core values that are important to you: e.g. Charity, Empathy, Respect etc. follow your core values as well as following your dreams. It's by doing this that you can live your life the best possible.

When you live a good life you're not only empathetic but charitable. Empathy is when you can put yourself in the other person’s shoes. That's very important but it isn't quite enough. I mean, sure you understand how he/she feels, but it doesn't mean you're making a difference about it. When you're charitable you are able to give to those in need, as well as understanding how they feel in their current position. Being charitable doesn't mean giving up everything you have; people don't actually expect that much from you. You just have to give what you can.

An example of a person with this empathetic and charitable trait is Mother Teresa. She followed her dreams and is now a well-known nun who for over 45 years helped the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying, while guiding the Missionaries of Charity's expansion. Mother Teresa was charitable and gave up her life to help others in India and later on around the world. She made a difference by following her dreams.

A person close to me (i.e. MY MOM) once said: "A good life is a life lived to the fullest." When you live your life to the fullest, you follow your dreams and you don't look back, so there are no regrets. Just going forward, and making what you can of your life today. You make the most of your life by doing what you want to do with your life.