By Abdullahi Uthman
A man who refuses to yield will eventually yield to his burial mat. Humility, modesty, and self-effacement are essential personality traits. Humans, reactive organisms, respond to characters thrown at them; hence, an egocentric individual may struggle to earn respect. Respect is reciprocal, they say.
In bygone eras, knowledge and courage defined societal respect, placing such individuals in an esteemed class. However, contemporary society prioritizes wealth, often overlooking the virtues of the affluent.
In this shift, norms and culture are undervalued. Material pursuits, driven by the belief that money and luxury alone can solve problems, have led us astray. Neglecting relationships with God, family, and good people, we chase after worldly affairs, sometimes dismissing those we perceive as having nothing to offer.
Life, akin to a house built by a cobweb, is fragile. It can vanish swiftly. While pursuing life’s necessities, we must not forget the biblical admonition that “man shall not live by bread alone.” Success is sought vigorously but should not overshadow crucial aspects of life.
Excessive ego, pride, arrogance, and overestimation can shatter societal norms. Abandoning these habits is crucial; submit to humility, show reverence to elders, and respect every individual, irrespective of class, wealth, or family background. Chinua Achebe aptly warned, “A man who has never submitted to anything will soon submit to the burial mat.” In essence, pride is a swifter killer than poison.