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Whenever the decline, decay, or disorder of a society is discussed, the easiest escape route is to lay the entire blame on the common people. It is very easy to claim that people do not abide by the law, do not care about cleanliness, or have become morally bankrupt. However, if one rises above emotions and prejudice to delve deep into social realities and human psychology, one realizes that the average human being is not inherently inclined toward evil; rather, the real issue lies in the system and circumstances in which they live.

The history of human intellect and evolution clearly manifests the truth that ethics, books, philosophies, and high ideals hold meaning only for those whose basic needs are met. A person whose entire energy is consumed solely in search of the next meal, who does not know how their children's medical care will be financed tomorrow, or who fears that someone powerful will usurp their rights—expecting them to ponder moral principles day and night is an impossible and unrealistic expectation.

The pangs of hunger and the fear of survival strip a person of their capacity to think and their patience first. When individuals perceive their own existence and that of their family as being under threat, their primary priority ceases to be respect for the law or grace in behavior; it becomes purely self-preservation and securing a livelihood by any means necessary. In such a predicament, lecturing them on high morals sounds like nothing more than futile words.

In regions and countries across the world where we witness discipline, adherence to law, and a peaceful society today, the citizens were not born with a different biology or an angelic nature. Their greatest success was that their rulers and insightful institutions first established a system where the basic needs of every citizen were guaranteed. When the state provides an individual with food, shelter, healthcare, and justice, the human mind naturally settles into a state of tranquility. That is precisely when people begin to obey laws, maintain cleanliness, and respect the rights of others.

Conversely, where a system becomes corrupt, unjust, and insensitive, expecting refined behavior from the public is tantamount to self-deception. When an ordinary person observes that the law applies only to the weak while the powerful escape every crime unscathed, they lose faith in the state and the system. They then begin fighting for survival on their own terms, and in that process, fall into the very wrong habits that deteriorate the entire environment.

Another major misconception is believing that the mere arrival of modern technology, mobile phones, high-speed internet, or television facilities will automatically reform nations. Technology is merely a tool; it cannot independently alter human intentions or consciousness. In an environment where the system suffers from decay and there is no provision for basic education and upbringing, even the most advanced technology will serve only as cheap entertainment, rumors, and a waste of time.

Therefore, real reform lies not in berating the public, but in rectifying the system. Blaming the masses and expecting grand morality from them is an attempt to turn a blind eye to the core issue. Until an environment and system are established where justice, equality, and the provision of basic human needs are guaranteed, achieving sustainable change in societal behavior will remain an unfulfillable dream.

If we truly wish to see a peaceful and civilized world, we must move beyond slogans and lip service to build a robust and just system that provides human beings with their fundamental rights and protection. Talking about ethics without reforming the system is nothing more than swinging swords in the air.

Shahid Shakil

2026-08-05