In recent months, I've found my life lacking direction. I have a job I enjoy, and have family and friends I deeply care about and enjoy spending time with. There had to be more than life than work and enjoying free time. It was only recently I got back in contact with an old friend of mine, who is one of the most talented software engineers I've known. He invited me to join him at a soup kitchen every Tuesday night. "I'd like to do that, but I don't have time", I responded. At some point I realised that I hadn't engaged in any volunteering for many years, and felt I had to do something to give back to society. I've been helped by many selfless individuals through my life, without whom I may not be the person I am today. It was time for me to repay that kindness.
So, one Tuesday, I woke up at 6am for work, allowing me to leave early and go to the soup kitchen. The volunteers present were some elderly churchgoers, some UCLAN students who kindly cooked, and my friend's friends. Throughout the evening, I found a new joy in performing mundane tasks. Washing up, previously a dreaded chore left until no more plates were clean, was now enjoyable, simply due to the fact I knew it was for a greater good. It was truly moving to see desperate humans, forgotten and neglected by society, arrive without pride and politely ask for warmth and food. One phrase I heard repeatedly was "thank you". Suffice to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and have continued going.
On the other hand, I recently travelled to London to see a good friend of mine I first met in China. This was also a moving experience, but for different reasons. Visiting Westminster was a surreal moment. I thought about all of the decisions made here, beneficial or not, that touched the world. However, I found the rest of London a little underwhelming. Although grandiose and full of pomp and pageantry, I found a certain soul lacking from the city, and I think I know why.
My experience in London epitomises the direction of much of the world. People seemingly don't consider each other as much anymore (something we are likely all guilty of). I found it deeply saddening to see such extreme wealth whilst homeless were on the streets, and ordinary families struggling. To see pints (a staple of many a Brit's social life) costing £10+, a significant portion of which is dead money in the form of rent. To realise that the ordinary people who built the city had been forced out of the city, unable to pay the necessary costs to line the pockets of those more fortunate. If, as a society, we prioritise the self over the happiness of families and individuals, then what is the moral basis for our society?
This leads me back to my earlier point about helping the homeless. Some had remarked that these efforts were futile, as the homeless had made their own bad decisions (such as drug addiction), leading to their current predicament. Is this not too simplistic an assessment? As humans, we are largely products of our environment and lived experiences. If, through neglect, abuse, or otherwise, one's formative years are spent in dubious environments, this is more likely the path that will be followed. Likewise, in law, it is recognised that certain vulnerable groups have limited agency to make decisions, such as the young and mentally ill. Thinking logically, what state of mind must someone be in to choose a life of drug addiction and instability, with all the pernicious effects that follow? To me at least, it is clear that a reductive blame game is not only fruitless but unfair, and we have a responsibility as a society to aid those in need, including the homeless.
Be the change you wish to see in the world - Mahatma Gandhi
Now, some may feel these are the writings of a die hard socialist. In fact, one of the great ideals of capitalism is that those who work hard and contribute can gain, and wider society feels the effects of these advancements. In my view, we are moving away from that model into a more fuedalistic society (a remark even made by Michael Gove regarding the housing system), given the diminished ability of people to change their situation in life. However, this is likely a (much larger) topic for another day.
Although this piece may feel slightly negative, my point is simply to encourage us not to forget our humanity. The majority of us are only a few months of unemployment away from homelessness ourselves. People globally are struggling economically and mentally. Rather than fighting each other for a slice of the pie, let's aid each other instead. I know that at times, I haven't considered others enough. However, volunteering for the homeless has greatly helped me spiritually and mentally. With this in mind, the next time you pass a homeless person, someone crying, or someone who's clearly not having the best day, stop and help them. That warm fuzzy feeling in your heart will be infinitely more worthwhile than the few moments of your time used.