Do not compare Recently a study was done into the workings of the mind of the man who was declared the happiest person in the world. In his own words, the secret to being happy is quite simple – do not compare.According to him, comparing and comparison, is the single biggest cause of unhappiness in our modern society.
The fact that we are always measuring and comparing ourselves to something and someone else, leads to a mental state of permanent unhappiness.
For us as a nation, there are also important lessons and indicators in this, pointing the way forward.
At a time like the present one, through what we are collectively experiencing, it is not only important to take stock and focus on what really matters, but also about what can be learned from this dire situation we are finding ourselves in.
If the philosophy of the happiest man in the world is applied to this, it seems that it is really rather simple.
Stop, for instance comparing the car that you drive, the house that you live in or the clothes that you wear, to those of others.
In present day Namibia, it only leads to resentment, unhappiness and in no small part, fuels the rampant corruption that is bleeding this country dry and already has it on its knees.
Why else would people just mindlessly rape and consume funds illegally, that are supposed to be used for the common good of all?
Our current situation also points out an important other factor, material goods, no matter in how large quantities acquired, cannot fill or substitute true happiness. The only people benefitting from this, in the end, will be those who artificially create a need, through very clever marketing.
Unfortunately, Namibians bought into this, in a very big way and the need created for the latest, flashiest, most recent must have, has influenced our national psychic in such a way, that we are evidently, unable to discern between what is ethically and morally correct and what is not, in our insatiable quest to get hold of more.