Line BreakAuthor: Steven Aitchison (442 Articles)
I am the owner of this blog and want to help you as much as I can through with the writing which will help you lead the life you really want. I offer Blog Coaching for bloggers who want to step it up a notch and Life Coaching to help you makes changes in your personal and business life.
Funny thing about the personal development field is that we are all told to believe in ourselves and we can achieve anything in life. However, something I haven’t heard is ‘believing in others’.
According to the news, the world has gone completely mad and everybody is killing each other right left and centre. If all you read was newspapers and all you watched was the news you would be led to believe that the majority of people in the world are evil. Something I realised at an early age is that the bigger the disaster the more the newspapers would sell, the bigger the scandal the more the newspapers would sell, the bigger (insert doom and gloom adjective here) the more newspapers would sell.
I remember as a child watching the local TV station and I happened to be up until the station closed down at 12am or something like that, back when TV channels actually closed for the night, and there would be a little announcement from a pleasant man saying something like : ‘In the interests of safety please remember to switch off your TV and pull the plug out in case of a fire, as fire can kill’, I don’t think I got to sleep that night for fear of there being a fire. That’s what it’s like with the news and newspapers, we are all so scared to leave our houses.
It’s time we started believing in the human race again. We are a good bunch of people really and it’s only the very small minority who are evil, we have to keep reminding ourselves of this fact. How many people have you known in your whole life who have turned out to be a murderer? If you answered 1 to this question, and I am willing to bet most of us will have said ‘zero’, then a quick calculation will have shown you that a tiny tiny percentage of every single person you have known in your life have turned out to be evil monsters. Take this percentage and apply it across the world.
I am not saying trust everyone you meet, but I would say give the benefit of the doubt before judging everyone as being evil monsters. Yes, exercise caution and safety at all times, but in our day to day lives I think we should start believing in others again, start believing in the human race again.
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{ 48 comments… read them below or add one }
You are so right, Steven! There are indeed good people in this world, but we need to know how to distinguish them. Thanks for such a nice thoughts!
Hi Roman, you are so right about learning to distinguish them. My immediate thoughts is trust go back to the old reptilian brain and learn to trust our instincts.
Hey Steven,
We often have this debate on my radio show about how young people are portrayed by the media. Most of the young people I meet are nothing like what you see on TV. The ones I’ve worked with have all been mature and when working with them on a one-on-one basis they’ve really shined. I remember another friend of my mine, she was from Afghanistan and she said the media always showed the bad side…yet she always went back home for a holiday…she loved it there!
Amit Sodha – The Power Of Choice´s last blog ..The 7 Big Illusions In Life
Hi Amit. The younger generation do get a bad rep, which again, is caused by a few wayward youngsters.
Thiiird!
We must think alike Steve, cause today I’ve been watching TV for the first time in about 6 months and I’m seriously starting to believe that people who watch TV on a regular basis have a screw loose. It’s polluting us with negative messages. And I don’t mind that much them being negative, as much as being useless.
Hi Eduard, Tv has it’s place in our society, it’s when we rely on it provide us with true and accurate information that is the problem. We have lost the skill of analysing and deciding for ourselves the true nature of life and the people who are in it.
Don’t believe everything you see, or read. The largest media outlets are own by a handful a very rich and powerful people. I agree that disaster and misfortune sell, that’s why it’s on, but it is important to remember what you said that all people are monsters. I live in New Jersey but it doesn’t mean I’m like the people on the popular MTV show “Jersey Shore”
Marshall the middlecall Millionaire´s last blog ..Get 76 for FREE from Sharebuilder TODAY only!
Hi Marshall, so true. Just like us Scots who are tarred as being miserly, wear kilts and have red hair
Very good, Steven. We would all do well to practice “reverse paranoia.” I choose to believe that everybody is sneaking around my back trying to SUPPORT me. I am always amazed at the simple acts of kindness that show up… and the people willing to go the extra mile that surround me.
Hi Rob. I have met so many people on the net willing to lend a hand without expecting anything in return, all in the act of supporting the fellow man, it’s heartwarming to see.
Steven:
I’ve been reading your blog for some time now and i always wanted to write, your mind is a very ineteresting place and you’ve inspired me to do things i never thought i could do.
For which i thank you.
On the subject, i’ll say, my country (Mexico) is going through rough times, people don’t trust the authorities, the authorities don’t trust people and evryone is suspicious of the next guy. Non the less, i have found plenty of people willing to oversee all that and lend a hand, an ear, a shoulder or a back, i’m lucky to count many friends, some new, some i’ve had for decades. And as i ride in the local train to get to work, every part of my body touching sombody i don’t know, i relax and choose to trust them as they trust me… and through the window i see a sign that says “Life is good” and i couldn’t agree more.
Hi Citlali, what a wonderful comment!
You painted a beautiful picture that portrayed exactly what I was trying to say, thank you.
This was excellent blog post, thanks! I agree fully with this.
I personally don’t read newspapers anymore that often than before nor watch news from websites. Very rarely I watch news because I have noticed that news are almost always telling bad stuff, and hearing all the days about negative sides of the life is not good for your personality in long run I think. It might be one reason that nowadays we have just too much cynic peoples out there if I can guess. Or maybe not.
But why to spend whole life hearing every day about bad things what happens around the world, why just don’t use that time to read some good news and happy things, because it is much easier to believe in others when you hear more about good things in life. Life is a miracle and other peoples are too and we should give that value for them.
But as you said: “I think we should start believing in others again, start believing in the human race again.”. I agree.
Hi Aleksi. I am with you, I haven’t bought a newspaper in over 10 years and feel much more positive about the world. when I have skimmed through the local papers I feel sickened by the stories, literally sickened. I know this kind of stuff goes on every day, but like you, i don’t need to be reminded every day about it. Life is a miracle and we tend to forget that.
Hi Steven,
I’m smiling because this topic is very dear to me and my latest post is right along the same lines as this post. We have to learn to think beyond the me-me-me mentality.
Thanks,
Belinda
Hi Belinda, great minds think a like
I think more and more readers on the internet are starting to realise the power of helping others.
I rarely watch the news anymore; when I was growing up in the sixties, we watched the local news, then Walter Conkrite or one of his contemporaries. Now we are free to choose to watch news 24/7! Since I was a little girl, I’ve always seen the glass half full. I don’t want to spend my emotional energy suspicious, distrusting, and overly cautious around people. I recently read an article about Napoleon Hill and how he said he gave out encouragement and support knowing that not all his good wishes would be reciprocated. However, he knew he was building it up in his own heart and that what we give out comes back to us. A perfect example of how The Law of Attraction works in a positive way. I avoid so-called reality shows because they show human beings with no control over their reactions and continuing the “blame game” and the cycle continues. How about a reality show with people showing their intelligence and how they learned to love? Love and Light and continue your mission….
Hi Lauren, you’ve made a great point about news stories sapping our emotional energy. Love the story about Napoleon Hill. Thanks for your input, it’s always great to hear your feedback.
I love this post! I think our minds were in similar places this week. It’s so easy to get stuck on the bad if you spend too much time listening to mainstream news. Even discussing what’s in the news with friends can be depressing. I have a friend who is certain that I should be preparing for an extinction level event with the next 2 years. Personally, I believe in the ingenuity, creativity, and general good nature of human beings. I also believe in the survival skills of Mother Earth. No, I’m not fooling myself into believing that the world is perfect. I simply refuse to focus too much attention on the negatives.
Nea | Self Improvement Saga´s last blog ..Self Improvement Techniques to Reshape Your World
Hi Nea, that’s just it, a lot of people are focussing on the bad. yes, bad things are happening but no point in dwelling on them if we are not going to change them. I think it’s best to focus on the good.
Hi Steven,
I want to first mention that I came across your blog a couple weeks ago, and your site has been a big inspiration to me to create a blog of my own. As I prepare for the launch of my site I want to say thank you as well for your Guide to Getting Subscribers ebook – it was a big help!
Your post today was simple and to the point, but powerful. As I read, I couldn’t help but think about the occasional encounters I have had with homeless individuals on the streets of the big cities. You are absolutely right that your own personal safety should be a priority, but we shouldn’t be so timid or callous that we completely ignore and disregard these people who oftentimes are simply decent people just down on their luck. We should remember that just because a homeless person doesn’t look like us or talk like us doesn’t mean they are any less of a human being. I don’t always have the spare change that they request of me, but I at least acknowledge that they are there and have emotions, and I take a couple minutes to speak with them and treat them with respect. Too many people pass up these opportunities and shun the homeless person, when a couple minutes of your attention is at least a kind enough gesture that could brighten their day.
Hi Joel, thank you so much for your feedback on the blog, I really appreciate it.
I worked with the homeless for 3 years and their desire and resolve to live a better life is amazing. There are of course others who want to live off the state but a lot of homeless people want to help themselves.
Hi Steven,
Couldn’t agree more and I blame a great deal of it on the media. People often cite “fear of crime” as one of their reasons for emigrating and, in most cases, it is just that – fear of crime not actual experience of it. I read somewhere that the murder rate in London is actually down to the same level it was in 1948 BUT there is more of a “climate of fear” than ever (I actually read this in a newspaper so I suppose I will have to take it with a pinch of salt eh?).
In 2007 I was at work (in Australia) watching the TV news in the canteen and there was a story about a child who had been stabbed in London. The reporter had unearthed someone who had patented his own Kevlar bullet-proof sweatshirt for kids. He looked into the camera and solemnly said that EVERY child in London should be wearing these protective clothes. The mood in the canteen was that London (and the UK as a whole) must be one enormous violent hell-hole…
Two days later I was actually in London on holiday, walking around some beautiful parts of the city in the summer sun with the birds tweeting in the oak trees by the park. What a contrast.
No-one is saying that bad things don’t happen but the media REALLY needs to get some perspective on things as they are a fairly toxic influence on our lives.
Gareth
If we all could take this philosophy into everyday life, there would be so much more synergy and collective benefit. Looking at the world and others around us as positive and mutual collaborators is so much more healthy than taking a cynical perspective. I really think that much of this potential starts from within. Thanks!
What a wonderfully refreshing view of the world.
I no longer watch the news on television as the same stories are sensationalized every night, and like your television story, it started to affect how I slept and thought of the world.
People are inherently good, and this is the view I like to have of my world.
Lovely reminder!
Thanks Nahl
Great Post. I think believing in the human race takes more than hope. For hope is an irrational feeling, place solemnly next to being a innocent bi standard to the life you live. Waiting under the clutches of evil as the super hero comes to save the day. The likely hood of this is happening is practically mind wooing, you may need a pill to bring you back to reality.
The fact is, we are all capable of doing more than just hoping. We have the ability make things happen. Of course television s proclaims disasters and terrorist acts of conformity in he middle easT.” Our new enemy”…Smh ( shake my head) But this is what they want you to believe and propaganda packs a whopping cash cow at the end of the farm. If you realize that sex, drug and rock and roll sells.
The advice I give you guys is to Be a reader, opposite of the newspaper. Be a learner of the most challenging novels. Be a doer with the curiosity of a toddler. And change the way you see this world, for hope cannot stop the blood shed. But action and one act of kindness can change the world forever.
Just Ask: MLK, Mother Teresa And Nelson Mandela.
Hi Jonathan, thanks for adding to the conversation and the main post, you have made some excellent points.
Thanks for reminding us to be human Steven. It’s a very ‘dark’ world that takes over when we no longer believe in the goodness of human beings… yes we get hurt sometimes by people we trust, but that’s part of life and we can’t keep avoiding people because of one bad experience.
We just need to choose to look at the good out there, and like you said, don’t forget that the stuff we hear about in the papers are just a small fraction of the rotten apples.
Hi Anita, that’s just it: choosing how we look at the world. Thanks for your comment, much appreciated.
Good post Steven, these type of thoughts should be expanded on and that’s how they spread. It would be great if you followed up with further ideas – I’m sure after writing you were still thinking about the subject and what else could be said and done about it. So I’m sure there’s more there!
I remember that little bloke who used to remind us that we could all die in our beds if we didn’t unplug the TV – then he’d ruin Christmas Night by telling us that the xmas lights could explode if left on too long.
Careful how you go though, remember that once there was this bloke and he told everybody to be nice to each other, so a bunch of other blokes nailed him to a tree.
Great post ain, thanks a mil, Sean
Sean Durham´s last blog ..How to Use Mirroring and Anchoring in 3 Easy Steps
Thanks for your comments Sean and I’m glad I’m not the only one who remembers that little voice
I LOVE this! Finding something good in people & opening your heart is a GIFT!
My life here in Italy has taught me SO much about this very thing!
http://www.tomorrowinitaly.com
Thank you for this post!
Hi Maria, thanks for your comments on this, much appreciated.
“It’s time we started believing in the human race again.”
Easier said than done. I think we need to believe and trust, but we shouldn’t simply give those things away. In other words, not believing and not trusting is where we do not want to be, however, giving away our trust and belief once it is earned is in order.
Colleen´s last blog ..Tri Cities Washington New Listings Within The Past 24 Hours July 30- 2010
Hi Colleen, completely agree with you, trusting our instincts is something we rely on when it comes to trusting and it’s always best to listen to our instincts. I don’t think anyone would advocate blind trust in everyone.
I choose to trust and believe in people until proved otherwise. I’m pleasantly surprised more than I’m let down. The world is largely populated by good, honest, caring people. But, they don’t make good press, so we don’t tend to hear about them. Thanks for reminding us all to have faith in our own kind first. Human Kind – I choose to believe that’s our name for a reason.
Claire – Gratitude Connection´s last blog ..Today Im grateful for
HI Claire, beautifully said, thank you.
Hi Steven,
My nephew murdered someone. He did his time and hasn’t been in trouble since. Weird I know.
I don’t watch the news or read the newspaper. I admit to reading headlines occasionally when I stand in line at Starbucks.
I absolutely love Rob Whites idea about believing people are going around supporting him behind his back. That guy is amazing!
Hi Tess, I knew there would be someone. Rob is amazing, he’s going to go far in this field.
I’ve seen a great change in the media in my lifetime. It’s gone from print to 24 hour TV and instant web tweets.
I feel the media has to now almost create news to fill all the time and forms of transmitting. Open media leads to a more open society but part of me will always wish to return to a newspaper and the evening news.
Hi Kris, thanks for your points on this, I appreciate your comment.
hello steve,
how are you?
i couldnt agree more with you: it’s time we start believing in the human race.
it was refreshing to read this and thanks for sharing.
enjoy the rest of the weekend.
ayo´s last blog ..Why The Journey IS The Destination
Hey Ayo, good to see you again. It’s a bit hectic just now mate but getting there. I hope you are doing well and the blog is going good. Thanks for your comments, always welcomed.
SO true, that teeny tiny minority have a huge impact on the vast majority…….but I think the media has to take a fair bit of responsibility.
I have given up reading newspapers, or watching the news, occasionally I’ll have a quick glace at the BBC website to see what is happening in the world, but the press (and I think the British are particularly bad for this) seem to write about terrible tradgedies and sob stories, or which celeb has been caught with their pants around their ankles. Who bloody cares! Where are the uplifting stories about people who have achieved something great or made a difference to someones life? When the papers start including them, I’ll start reading again:)
Kate
Kate´s last blog ..The Quick Confidence Guide – A Review
Great choices Kate. I’ve heard that 95% of the news we hear is unnecessary, and the remaining 5% is important enough to pick up through daily conversation on the streets.
Colleen´s last blog ..Barnard Griffin Winery’s 5 for 5 at 5-00pm
How not to believe in yourself.
Here’s a trick you can use to believe in others….without giving up belief in yourself. It’s as simple as making pecan pie with raisins and possum hocks. Ready? First I want you to imagine you are your very own left hand. Take a pen and draw some eyes and lips on the thing if you have to. C’mon now, don’t give me a hard time. Just give it a shot. Done? Alright, now sketch a little picture of a stranger on your right hand. Okay, there’s you (Mrs. left hand) and some other dude (Mr. right) staring at each other. Still with me? Good. So now you and that stranger are like Siamese twins. You’re actually part of each other. In fact, if you take a moment, you’ll realize you and they ARE each other. Why? You’re just different parts of the same thing. Different parts of ONE whole. Think that over for a bit. Now I want you to imagine the world around you is like your right hand…. hand you are like the left one. You and the world are different parts of ONE whole. So what you say? So this. If you believe in yourself, you’ll AUTOMATICALLY believe in others. How come? They ARE you. That’s called “wholeness” and you can train yourself to see the world this way. And here’s something else to think about. If you DO see the world this way you’ll get a stupendous bonus. Like what? How about love, happiness, fulfilling work, peace of mind, and self-esteem the size of the known Universe. I know, I know. I haven’t told you how to do that. But that’s another story for another time. Ciao Steve. John Duffield
John Duffield´s last blog ..Being Yourself is Your Purpose on Earth
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