ARK

I have a problem.

...or so my friends tell me.

In 2007, Tom Shadyac released a sequel to his film Bruce Almighty, titled Evan Almighty.

Starring Morgan Freeman as God, the story revolves around a contemporary adaptation of Noah's Ark.

Towards the end of the film, Freeman reveals the secret to paradise as changing the world, one Act of Random Kindness (ARK) at a time.

Even before the film released, I found myself in certain situations when without need, or any thought of self-gain, I did some random things which brought a smile to someone else's face.

I know, I know... that statement can bring about two reactions:

a) I'm blowing my own trumpet. No, not really. I don't ask for acknowledgement or thank-yous. Its quite satisfying, that feeling of seeing someone happy, and knowing its because of your actions. Sometimes, this selflessness thing does have something to it.

b) It sounds like something out of a religious text.

Do unto others as you would want them to do to you.

Doosron ka bhala karo, bhagwaan tumhara bhala karega.

Fais aux autres ce que vous voudriez qu'ils fassent pour vous.

Those who know me know that I'm anything but religious... but hey, sometimes those texts get something right. They were made on basic moral values and etiquette before the great rigidity and fan following set in!

Anyway, I find that sometimes being nice to people brings out the best in both parties. The proverbial exceptions to this rule are, of course, existent. Its not always pleasant to be nice to people. And its times like those when people who care about me get frustrated and call me insane. But most of the time, guys, its well worth the effort.

Wherever I go, I see people complaining about the declining human race.

And yeah, the world is a place where naivety cannot find tolerance.

And yeah, we made it that way.

But we can change this world.

...One act of random kindness at a time.