Ritual: Year-end Reflections

At this time of year I spend many moments reflecting on the events of the past year, the people that have touched me, the things I have discovered, my triumphs and defeats. Its also a time when I like to reassess the course of my life and reevaluate my short term goals.

This was a particularly illuminating year for me. I like to think that as every year passes I gain a deeper understanding of myself and others. Sadly, a phenomena I constantly encounter is the inherently selfish nature of my fellow human. It is difficult for me to presume that we act primarily and always with our own interests in mind even when the circumstances dictate that we do otherwise. My family and friends always chastise me for this naivete. They tell me to get over it already and finally realize that in this society there is far less altruism and cooperation than rampant competition which can sometimes socially and psychologically wreck its victims. Despite ample evidence to the contrary I believe that most of us still care about our behavior as it affects others and attempt to live in a compassionate and ethical way.

This year I have seen both extremes and I am gratified that there are just as many altruists as there are egoists. In a city like NY we are constantly confronted with both types. I'm involved in the nonprofit world and I see many people who donate vasts amounts of their wealth and time to the causes they believe in. Unfortunately the number of individuals in this category is quite small. But I also know that many of us do small acts of goodness everyday, privately and anonymously.

As the year closes I want to continue to believe in the dignity and benevolence of my fellow human. And in my daily acts and my personal aspirations I want to exemplify these characteristics as well.