The Courage to Be Fair

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions", Friedrich Hayek used to say.

Good intentions alone are not enough. The best of intentions, done in the most mistaken of ways, will lead to the worst of conclusions. The gift of clear thought, is not the domain of many, in this world.

It is sometimes apparent in the actions of politicians, fanatics, dictators, racists, patriots, free market capitalists, human rights activists, etc. And sometimes, just with us everyday people.

We define the issues wrongly. We try to do the so-called right things by being charitable, for the efforts of others. We conflict ourselves internally (and sometimes, externally) and we sacrifice our feelings, in the process. Or we marry out of a sense of obligation - to be fair to the other person.

But sometimes, the premise of being fair, by hiding or denying (to others or oneself) the truth, defeats one's intentions of being fair. Especially, where the truth is crucial, to the long-term happiness, of not just one, but many lives.

Many people want to be fair in their lives, but they don't have the remotest idea, of what fairness involves. Pity is not necessarily fairness. Neither is charity or self-sacrifice. None of it means anything, if we conceal or suppress the truth in our hearts and as evidenced in our actions. Fairness cannot be built on a foundation of lies, deceit and betrayal.

But not many have the courage to constantly live in reality and to be fair, in substance. So, they drape themselves in the cosmetic and false sense of fairness - and the sense of self-sacrifice makes them feel, that they've done the right thing. For others, at least. But the garb of martyrdom cannot be built, on falsehood.

A mind that functions without the heart, will never be wise. For wisdom is made up in both parts - in the gift of clear thought and the compassion of the heart, coupled with the integrity to admit one's internal truth and to act on it. To use one without the crucial other - is to make animals out of Man.

If you ask the wrong questions, you will get the wrong answers. And if you care not for guidance and to probe once in a while, whether you're lost and refuse to ask for directions - then all your good intentions, will lead you to hell (and perhaps, your loved ones too) be in this world or the next. A good strong home, can never be built on weak foundations.

For fairness, requires you to have the courage to be truthful, especially when it's the hardest, to do so. Otherwise, the only fairness that you will ever achieve is the false one, in your own delusionary world. Cowardice in life, is a passport to failure.

And inevitably, one day, reality will step in. Welcome to Hell - one that has been built, on your own good intentions and lies.