it's a dog...

...eat dog world.

this mind pondered how drastically life has evolved. it doesn't matter what story you spin, everyone's heard it. everybody knows it. there is no more barrier between you and the world. everything seems to be overexposed. but it is not, that the world is exposed to you. it is you that is exposed to the world. if it's the former, than you should be a fairly wise person.

when back in the day, a person stepping out of the house meant discovering the world. however today. the world; even that which you choose not to associate yourself with, has infiltrated your home. you now, have to protect your kids from elements that are accessible via the internet, television, etc.

you are thrust into a world where predators of all types are just waiting to pounce.

because of this, people are rarely surprised, amazed, impressed, or enlightened anymore. people in general, and myself included are becoming less and less sympathetic to others' predicament. people have less time to be compassionate, to be altruistic.

stop complaining! stop whinging and whining!
everyone's got their own sob story. just put your head down and get the job done!

and that job is to survive. you shall be left behind if you're not chasing for something. the gap between those who are hard and those who are soft is greater now. and it only seems to be getting wider. being street smart nowadays is not measured only just by how you get yourself out of trouble. today, it requires you to have sharpened predatory instincts and skills. the more ruthless you are, the more success you'll achieve. it is measure by the number that you've taken down, on your way up.

deny this as a truth at your own peril. there are lives that seemed content to just lay back. but as a phrase goes, "they have taken themselves out of the game". everywhere you turn, there is always something to darken the day. when before, you can at least smile and move on. now, you put on a smug face and move on.

it doesn't matter whether you're leading a life for yourself or for the future of your descendants. you have to be chasing. otherwise, you are a victim. admittedly, there are still advocates of noble causes. but them too, are slowly becoming extinct.

you must take the hit. you must just be smart enough to cover your face and balls while the world gives you a beating. just make sure that you can still breathe at the end of it until the next beating comes. speaking literally and metaphorically, of course.

perhaps, this perspective may be viewed as pessimistic or cynical. but a deep underlying conviction believes that it is actually taking a realistic view of the surroundings. yet, to survive and thrive, one must continue to be positive and creative. creativity and ruthlessness is the name of the game now.

victory in any battle regardless of size, counts. the war, which has begun may not know the meaning of "an end". hence, neither should we hope to seek for one. it is only likely to degenerate and deteriorate.

"a person stands even taller when he/she is kneeling down to help". how does one be that person? perhaps, there is no more room for the principled. may god bless the souls that try.