“So, I understand then that an altruistic act can be a source of peace, serenity, and satisfaction for the person who undertakes it. I think an equally important aspect is to see how such an act makes the other person – the beneficiary – feel too,” I said.
“Yes. That is quite right. I think both aspects are very important. How do you think the other person feels?” He asked.
I thought for a while and then said, “I think it makes one feel supported and cared for.”
He was focused on a picture of his family on the wall, when he said, “Don’t you think it makes you feel connected and in a close relationship that goes beyond all boundaries, barriers, and borders? It reminds you of being a part of the human family, that goes beyond all social as well as all superficial divisions.
“You see, whenever I think of that incident outside ‘Spinneys,’ I am intrigued by the thought that we were completely unaware of each other’s nationalities, religious ascriptions, socio-cultural backgrounds, or even each other’s existence in the world. It was purely a human connection – a relationship born out of our common humanity and an understanding and awareness of our human needs, desires, and aspirations.”
January 6, 2020
(Dubai, UAE)