You and I are part of a generation that has constantly been told to Behave! Elders are wise and they know how the world works — So young people like us need to listen and follow the guidelines. This is what has been repeatedly pushed through our ears all these years.
Maybe this is the truth — humans need taming. The world has been this way since ancient times and probably this is the only way forward. The whole idea of mannerism and schooling has been around since time immemorial — so would it be absurd to postulate that every one of us inherits some kind of rebelliousness? That, it is in our instincts to eat the forbidden fruit? That immorality is appealing and lawlessness thrilling? Is this the reason we all need straightening up?
Well if this doesn’t resonate — congratulations, you are truly blessed. But if all this seems familiar, start faking it like me. Pretend to be moral even if your instincts want the opposite. Act like a gentleman and keep doing it.
I’m a fan of the Batman series and in Batman Begins, Bruce Wayne nails it by saying:
“It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.”
Imprison your Rogue Instincts
Not letting this demon out is a challenge in itself, at least for me. There are some days I just don’t want to be nice. My gut wants to slap every other provocative person. Criticize and pinpoint anything I don’t believe in. Laugh and make fun of people. Somedays, behaving, and being decent seems too much.
But the judge inside me — has sentenced my instincts for life. It is hard to incarcerate a part of you, jail your instincts forever but most of the time I try to keep them locked up.
Everyone has his own demons — that need to be caged. A tendency to cheat, fraud someone or do illegal stuff can be one. Don’t wait until this demon of yours turns into a monster you cannot control.
Of course, instincts come with pleasure and a weird sense of satisfaction. Doing something out of the norm seems unique and thrilling. Immortality is appealing and sins do feel good. That’s what makes us do them, otherwise, this world would have been a wonderland.
A scene from — Breaking Bad — were Walt and Skyler are seen in a parking lot inside a car is worth mentioning:
Skyler asks, “Where did that come from? And why was it so damn good”?
Walt replies, ” Because it was illegal”
But remember, we are not animals but humans. As a human being it’s not always about what I want, it’s about what we want as a society. We as social beings care about each other and this is where morality plays its role. The human race has created a system that grants freedom to an individual as well as to a society and both of these freedoms are never allowed to interfere. Your rogue individual instincts should not violate the morals set by the people in general. Also a society should not tell you how to live your individual life. It is a delicate balance between rights and duties. This is why you need to keep yourself in check and restrict your immoral cravings. So if you have a beast inside, that likes mischief and wants to get entertained at the cost of others, start whipping till it gets on its knees.
Final thought
Defining rogue behavior is a matter of perspective. Imprisoning an instinct can very likely be a curtailment of freedom for you. I have identified my impulses and so should you. The essence of this write up is to behave even though we don’t want to. To think beyond yourself and sacrifice your desires for the greater good. Your instincts are wild and if you can’t accept morality, well then fake it till you die.
Samiullah is a Medical student