BETWEEN A GREATER AND LESSER EVIL

Pragmatism

FORGIVENESS does not mean retreating or adopting a passive attitude. It is simply doing what is possible and ignoring what is impossible. In such situations, people generally see what is right and what is wrong. But this kind of thinking is not workable. You have to see things in terms of their result. If the result of your initiative is likely to be good, that is a good thing, but if the result is likely to be bad, better not embark upon it.

In this life the choice is not always between right and wrong. The choice is rather between the lesser evil and the greater evil. In every situation things must be examined objectively. Try to discover which option is the better one for you—better, not in terms of good and bad, but in terms of lesser and greater evil. When the option is between these two opposites, no wise person will opt for a course of action that will lead to the latter. Opting for the lesser evil is not simply avoidance. It has two very clear benefits: firstly, it saves you from further loss and secondly, you are able to economize on your time and able to achieve your objectives by re-planning your activities.

No situation is favourable in an absolute sense. It can only be so in a limited sense. And a situation being unfavourable only means that one way is closed to you while, at the same time , there are other ways open to you. You can carry on your journey simply by changing your direction. When you face such a situation, do not delay but re-assess your plans and establish your priorities along new lines. Always remember that although others can create hurdles in your life, no one has the power to decide your destiny. Your destiny is in your own hands and by a re-examination of the situation, you can reformulate your plans and attain your objectives by following an alternative path. If you have to face some loss, take it as being temporary. No loss is so drastic as to be permanent.

Life is full of changes. At every moment there are changes in life. Loss and gain are also subject to change. Situations, whether positive or negative, are temporary in nature. So, when you face some unwanted situation, do not despair. Just have faith that, sooner or later, the problem will be resolved. An unfavourable situation, no matter what, is nothing but a new challenge. Try to meet that challenge and very soon you will find that it was truly a blessing in disguise for you. It was meant to provide you with a stepping stone to better things.