Enakshi tells us that the primitive mind responds to fear, violently and impulsively, as the world battles with pandemic and economic losses. An exclusive for Different Truths.

Oscar Wilde has rightly said that we are each our own devil and we make this world our hell. The human brain is like the two sides of the same coin — it has a good side and it has a bad side. Depending upon the circumstances, the brain projects the side, which helps the man in fighting fear. The paradox, however, is that when fear engulfs our body, we are forced to access our primitive brain — the one that was trained to fight the danger by being violent and impulsive. Sadly, when fear leaves, we realise that the situation could have been dealt with empathy, compassion and patience by using the higher brain.

The human brain is like the two sides of the same coin –– it has a good side and it has a bad side. Depending upon the circumstances, the brain projects the side, which helps the man in fighting fear. The paradox, however, is that when fear engulfs our body, we are forced to access our primitive brain –– the one that was trained to fight the danger by being violent and impulsive.

The true example of using our primitive brain as the first response is being demonstrated at the moment as the world is battling with pandemic and economic losses. This is the time when people should see eye to eye with others. Rather than that, they have become pig-headed and a slippery customer. They are hoarding, threatening, stealing and depriving the needy of the basic resources. In a way, they are paving a path for their journey to hell.

I read somewhere that people are like stained glass windows. As long as there is sunlight, they shine and the spots aren’t seen but when the darkness descends, their real but flawed personality is revealed. Only if there is light from within, they can shine. In these trying times, when darkness has enveloped the world like an itchy shawl, people are struggling to keep a sane mind and are failing to light the light within. All humane qualities have disappeared. What is remaining is the desire to be the one who makes through this pandemic — alive.

While my husband and I are taking all the necessary precautions to combat Covid-19, we cannot help but be disappointed by the noise of the traffic outside. People are still not able to fathom that our country has climbed up the ladder and this time, it’s not the race to come first. Unaware, careless and carefree, when people are pointed out by the authorities to stay indoors and not step out unless important, they resort to violent means.

While my husband and I are taking all the necessary precautions to combat Covid-19, we cannot help but be disappointed by the noise of the traffic outside. People are still not able to fathom that our country has climbed up the ladder and this time, it’s not the race to come first. Unaware, careless and carefree, when people are pointed out by the authorities to stay indoors and not step out unless important, they resort to violent means. Hurling abuses and making hollow threats has become the norm. Bullying the well-wishers is the new way to break the rules. Just another day when I had gone out to buy the vegetables, I came across a gentleman who kept touching the vegetables, picking them up, analysing them for flaws and then eventually, putting them back in the basket. He took too long to choose. Even the vendor asked him not to touch. ‘How can I buy without making sure?’ was his reply. He did not wear a mask nor gloves. He stood so close to the vendor. Even the rope couldn’t help in keeping him away.

Looking at his atrocious behaviour and the misery of the vendor, we decided to head back home lest we get infected because of someone else’s carelessness. But I kept thinking about the vendor. Not only him but other vendors too! All of them are putting their life at stake on a daily basis so that they can fill the stomachs of their family members.  It pains my heart to think about the risks and the aftermath of the infection. The least we can do is to take precautions and stop being a fool. We cannot fight Covid-19 with our attitude and ego. But we can put up a strong front by following certain rules, thinking logically and empathetically and by being considerate towards our fellow humans.

It pains my heart to think about the risks and the aftermath of the infection. The least we can do is to take precautions and stop being a fool. We cannot fight Covid-19 with our attitude and ego. But we can put up a strong front by following certain rules, thinking logically and empathetically and by being considerate towards our fellow humans.

Hell doesn’t necessarily symbolise a concocted place that one can go to in their afterlife. Hell is what you create for yourself because of your actions. Hell is what the world looks like now. With almost no pangs of conscience left, man is treading on a path that will eventually lead to his destruction.

Photo from the Internet