Goodness is a Sickness: Explained

I wrote this blog: https://sohailzindani.medium.com/7-thoughts-that-guide-me-almost-always-b951639ff6c1

Apart from massive appreciation and some amazing stories that my readers shared, there was a concern. People asked for clarity on point number 5, “Goodness is a Sickness”.

I normally don’t write an explanatory note — but because was so overwhelming, I feel compelled to do so…

Let’s understand it.

We need to understand “Good” and how we become Good.

Good exist only in comparison. The idea of Good cannot exist without perception of Bad. When you compare yourself with others and label others as bad — then and only then good exist.

For you to be very good in your own view, others have to be very bad.

For you to be a good Pakistani, you have to see a lot of bad Pakistanis.

A good Muslim is somehow finding bad Muslims.

Your goodness doesn’t liberate you. It frustrates you… That is why I call it sickness.

Today, my happiness is not for something personal. I am happy because I have more than you. Isn’t it sickness?

What’s the alternate.

Do your job. Do what you are trained for. Do no harm to others. Don’t cheat. But don’t try to be good.

Be human. Humanity comes from inclusion. Goodness comes from exclusion. You become good when you have excluded everyone else.

Have you seen [or been there yourself] when someone thinks that they are good and even then they don’t have a lifestyle and wealth as their neighbors who are bad people. Have you?

Well — the answer is simple. You are good and stupid — both.

So be a human.

And a message for Muslims, with reference to this holy month:

To be a Muslim, do what a Muslim must do. Don’t aim to be good Muslim by identifying bad ones. You are fasting today. This is not goodness. This is a duty. Don’t find bad Muslims who are not fasting.

I conclude…

Good and Bad, right and wrong… this is all our personal nonsense.

Life is amazing. Creation is abundant.

If you think electricity is a good thing, try sticking your finger in a an electric switch.

Electricity is neither good nor bad. It’s what you make out of it.

Make life a beautiful piece of art.

All the best.