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The Profound My Childhood Lesson
By: John Kazerooni
I was eleven years old, sitting quietly in my literature class, when an unforgettable lesson unfolded. The teacher, a tall, imposing man with a stern demeanor, entered the room with a water-soaked wooden stick in hand—a silent yet potent symbol of authority. His long mustache, which he often chewed on absentmindedly, added to his intimidating presence. As was customary, we stood in respect until his hand signaled us to sit. Without speaking, he walked to the blackboard, picked up a piece of chalk, and began writing with deliberate strokes.
In large, bold letters, he inscribed a verse that would stay with me for a lifetime:
“Bani Adam a’zaye yek peykarand,
Ke dar afarinash ze yek gowharand…”
The poem, attributed to Saadi, a celebrated Persian poet of the 13th century, contained a timeless message. Although our teacher did not offer an explanation of its meaning that day, he made sure we understood its weight through repetition. We were instructed to memorize the lines, recite them repeatedly, and write them down 100 times. The task seemed mechanical and tiresome at the time, yet the verse would gradually reveal its profound truth to me as I grew older.
The essence of the poem, as I came to understand, is deeply philosophical and rooted in humanistic ideals. It speaks of humanity’s shared essence, likening all people to the interconnected parts of a single body. When one part suffers, the rest cannot remain unaffected. The poet extends this metaphor to emphasize the moral responsibility of individuals toward one another: if we remain indifferent to others’ suffering, we are failing in our basic duty as humans.
At eleven, I couldn’t fully grasp the depth of this lesson. I followed the teacher’s instructions out of obligation, not comprehension. But years later, the meaning of those words resonated profoundly with me. I began to see the interconnectedness of humanity everywhere—in the struggles of marginalized communities, in the pain of a grieving friend, and in the systemic challenges that ripple through societies.
This early lesson shaped my worldview. It taught me that empathy is not just a virtue but a responsibility. It reminded me that ignoring the pain of others diminishes our own humanity. It also made me reflect on the foresight of poets like Saadi, whose words, written centuries ago, continue to offer guidance in navigating the complexities of modern life.
As I grew older, I often found myself wondering: Did our teacher truly understand the poem he so rigidly had us memorize? Did he grasp its essence, the empathy and interconnectedness it implores us to embody? Or was it simply another text to him, a lesson to impart without personal reflection? These questions lingered in my mind, adding another layer of complexity to the memory.
I also reflect on a deeper paradox of human behavior. Don’t we, as humans, often recognize and even articulate what is right, yet fail to practice it? We are aware of what constitutes bad behavior, yet we continue to act against our better judgment. Is this a fundamental part of human nature—to pretend we know, but fail to apply? Perhaps it is easier to intellectualize a concept than to embody it, or perhaps we fear the vulnerability that comes with true compassion.
Looking back, I am grateful for that moment in the classroom. It was not just a literature lesson but a moral awakening, a first profound encounter with the idea that our lives are inextricably linked. The teacher’s strict demeanor may have instilled discipline, but it was the words of the poet that left an indelible mark on my soul.
Through this experience, I learned that true humanity lies in our ability to feel for others, to act with compassion, and to recognize that the pain of one is the pain of all. Yet, the challenge remains: to move beyond understanding and into action. It was a lesson that started as a simple exercise in memorization but blossomed into a lifelong challenge to live with integrity and empathy.
Have you encountered people that knowingly do something they know is not correct? Is there a way to educate people in this matter? Is it a poison for society? Is it a social norm? Is this one kind of political character that we have inherited? And how do we, as a global community, move from knowing what is right to consistently applying it in our lives?…
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