When Zeal Overwhelms

This world is teeming with zealous and overzealous people, people who think that their cause is the only cause that is worth fighting for. But, is that true?

Our zeal should not override our common sense. If you think your cause is "the best cause" then probably, your cause is not worth fighting for. There is nothing called "the best cause."

Zeal affects your vision. Zeal turns you blind. If your cause makes you a blind man then your cause is also not worth fighting for. This world does not need people who are blind by choice.

Zealous people can only go so far because their cause drives them in a direction from where they cannot see what others, not affiliated with their cause, want or see. In a situation like this, even if your cause succeeds, you cannot achieve much. How far can your really go when half of your countrymen are against your cause?

Sometimes, we are so occupied with our cause that we distance ourselves from reality. We launch campaigns and events without considering their immediate and long-term effects. Yes, zeal is necessary to move a cause forward but your zeal should not prevail over everything you possess - your mind must be open enough to consider the perspective of those who do not believe in your cause - they may have a valid point.

We seem to be living in a world of zeal. We are living in a world where everyone thinks that he has his own good reason. Such a thought brings in more intolerance, bloodshed and animosity in a world that is already hostile and volatile.

We want zeal in the actions of our politicians and social change makers but we do not want them to launch actions that solely satisfy their zeal, for zeal is no deity. In truth, zeal is an extreme form of emotion that holds the power to destroy everything, when and if not carefully restrained.

By Wara Karim

Date of publication: December 31, 2013
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