In a world that often exploits the kindness of individuals, nice people find themselves at a crossroads between their innate goodness and the harsh realities of a self-serving society. Through the verses of renowned Hindi and Urdu poets, we explore the tumultuous journey of these gentle souls, and challenge the notion that being nice is always the right path.
As the legendary poet Mirza Ghalib aptly stated, “Dard minnat-kash-e-dava na hua, main na achcha hua, na bura hua” (I begged for a cure for my pain, but neither did I become good nor bad). These lines capture the essence of the struggles faced by nice people, who often find themselves caught in a vicious cycle of trying to do good but ending up being hurt in the process.
Nice people, with hearts brimming with compassion, frequently fall victim to the exploitative tendencies of those around them. Their willingness to put others first becomes a vulnerability, inviting opportunistic individuals to take advantage of their gentle nature. Instead of being appreciated, they find themselves walked over and taken for granted.
A verse resonates with the struggles of nice people, “Jab bhi dard ka baadal chhaya, jab bhi sukoon ka jazeerah gaya, hum ne dil ko yeh samjhaya, dil aakhir tu kyun rota hai” (Whenever the cloud of pain overshadowed, whenever the island of peace vanished, we consoled our hearts, why does the heart cry after all). Nice people often question why their hearts continue to feel pain when their intention was to spread joy and love.
The world is a battleground, and nice people often find themselves ill-equipped for the cutthroat nature of survival. Their genuine intentions and willingness to help are seen as signs of weakness, making them easy targets for manipulation and mistreatment. They bear the burden of others’ expectations while receiving little in return.
Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s words resound with the struggles of nice people, “Ye daagh daagh ujala, ye shab-gazida sahar; vo intizar tha jiska, ye vo sahar to nahin” (This stained brightness, this night-bitten dawn; this is not the dawn we were waiting for). Nice people often wait in anticipation for a dawn of justice and fairness, only to be met with disappointment. The world fails to appreciate their sacrifices.
It is time for nice people to shed their inhibitions and embrace their inner self-controlled monster. This monster represents assertiveness, boundaries, and self-preservation. By recognizing their own worth and refusing to be treated as doormats, nice people can reclaim their power and protect themselves from the ruthless world around them.
T.S. Eliot, the renowned English poet, encapsulates this transformation with his words, “Do I dare disturb the universe?” (from the poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”). These lines resonate with the journey of nice people breaking free from societal expectations. They inspire individuals to question the status quo, challenge their own complacency, and embrace their inner strength to assert their own well-being and happiness.
By embracing their self-controlled monster, nice people unleash a powerful force within themselves. It is a transformative journey that allows them to protect their own interests while still nurturing empathy and compassion. They learn to set boundaries, say no when necessary, and prioritize their own happiness without guilt.
In a world that often walks over the kindness of nice people, it is essential to recognize the need for self-preservation. While empathy and compassion should never be abandoned, it is equally important to assert one’s own worth and refuse to be exploited. Nice people can evolve into self-controlled monsters who navigate the world with resilience and strength. As the poet Rumi wisely said, “Do not be satisfied with the stories that come before you. Unfold your own myth.” Nice people, unfold your own myth and become the self-controlled monsters you are destined to be.