Sacrifice

Is it the gratefulness towards life that motivates us to sacrifice or the fear of death? Is it love for which we compromise our wishes or is it the hatred that makes us wonder how can we outshine others by doing things we usually wouldn't? We are humans. In some or the other way, we find our reason, our 'why?'. Be it logical or not, be it right or wrong. History is a proof imperviable to oblivion, be it about terrorists, freedom fighters, artists, scientists, teachers, or even servants, they have their 'whys'. Their unshakable belief is the coal for their adventurous journey of life in a nonchalant manner. 

But why am I writing about this? Why should you take out a few minutes of your time and read it? I am no extraordinary. Just because I have observed the meaning and essence of the haunting thoughts that flow in and out of our souls and have taken some time to find the connection of it between you and me, and I want to share it, talk about it. Is that why? Well, yes, that's why! Others need not agree with my 'why', my reason for publishing stuff. I want to, so I will. The question here is, is this my arrogance or my confidence? This attitude, is this right or rude?

During the 16th century, reformations were about to take a form. It was the war of 'why', the war of unacceptance of beliefs and luxury at the cost of innocent lives and their values. The war is widely known as 'The French Revolution'. The war that splintered Catholic Europe. History tells that after when people like John Calvin, Henry VII questioned the Catholic Church's definition of Christianity, wars triggered, reformations came, changes came. Protestants emerged.

It's our determination and our will power that decides our fate. Pope Gregory (c. 540–604), who was the source of authority and continuity before the renaissance period, wrote about dramatic miracles, potent relics, demons, angels, ghosts, and the approaching end of the world just to keep the power and unwanted arguments against him. He believed his 'why' with a strong obsession that covered his eyes from seeing the sacrifices given by his innocent subjects. Now, was this right or wrong? After when ired revolutionaries, mostly including craftsmen and peasants stormed the Prison of Bastille, democracy was established for the betterment of the commoners. It was Maximilien Robespierre who gave people a reason, a 'why' stronger than their fears and their sacrifices done under the influence and brought the renaissance of the classical period. That was a time of war for freedom, for knowledge and for beliefs where people had to sacrifice their bread for their rights.

Talking about the 21st century, we are freer than our ancestors ever were, free to speak, to vote, to educate ourselves, to love and to live. Still, we are sacrificing. We are sacrificing our friends, for our selfish motives, we are sacrificing the love and care of our parents, for saving some penny, we are sacrificing the smiles of children, for the sake of irrational thinking about orphans and carefree living.

I ask why? People, who sacrifice for the greater good, ask why? Just because of some myths that blur your thinking or just because some unreasonable people who didn't even give you the correct knowledge about right and wrong asks you to do so. 'Why' is what our life is revolved around. With our own set of reasons, we just go out and do whatever we feel is right (like me posting this, like you still reading it, hey! Thanks!). But what is the right answer to the question 'why'? Why wars happen? Why people kill harmless animals? Basic, Why we live? Why do people believe in God? Why water is wet? Why countries are separated from borders? Limitless list of 'whys'.

Think about it!
-Shreya Jain