When we feel entitled and hard done by, like our country owes us, like it's 'going to the dogs', we should recognize that this our primitive brain at work. One way to restore perspective is to think about the other side of the coin. John F Kennedy's historic words, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country” is not just call to nationalism, it's also a call to rationalism.
Arguing that you ought to receive before you give is another such fallacious argument - 'let the Government build better roads, then I'll pay my taxes in full/then I'll get involved'. And so, here is a little introduction to the fundamental duties listed in the Indian constitution. It doesn't matter what country you're from, the themes are pretty universal. They're not meant to be ideals; rather, they lay out a path for collaboration. Because in a country of 1.3 billion people, those of us who are privileged, who have enough, owe a duty to lend a helping hand.
Do share ideas of how we can all get more involved, what you're doing towards this. Your comments will be inspiration for all of us.
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