There’s a lesson I’ve held close to my heart for as long as I can remember: “Bhala kisi ka kar na sako toh bura kisi ka na karna.” Simply put, if you can’t do good for someone, at least make sure you don’t cause them harm. It’s such a straightforward principle, yet it’s often forgotten in the chaos of everyday life.
We live in a world where hurt and negativity seem to have become a part of our daily experiences. Whether it’s something happening to us personally or to the people we love, the tendency to feel bitterness or resentment can sneak up on us. But every time I’ve faced something bad, whether it was directed at me or someone dear, I found myself coming back to this one simple truth. It’s what keeps me grounded when things go wrong—when the world feels unfair.
Choosing Restraint Over Revenge
I’ve seen people struggle with their emotions when they’re wronged. It’s natural; we’re wired to react. But in that moment, when everything inside us is screaming for justice or vengeance, is when this principle becomes the most powerful. The ability to refrain from causing harm when you have every reason to do so is a mark of true strength.
So many of us have experienced pain—betrayal, disrespect, failure—and it’s easy to let those negative experiences fuel our actions. But holding onto bitterness doesn’t solve anything. If anything, it only consumes us, making us more like the very things we despise. In those moments, I remind myself, “If I can’t help, at least I won’t hurt.”
A Value That’s Rare, Yet Needed
It’s disheartening to see how few people truly embrace this mindset. Too often, we see those who, unable to do good, resort to causing harm, either out of frustration, jealousy, or spite. They might not even realize they’re doing it, but the effects are visible everywhere—online hate, petty rivalries, backstabbing friendships.
I believe it stems from a place of misunderstanding. Some people equate doing no harm with being passive or weak. They think that inaction is submission. But it’s far from that. Choosing not to hurt others in a moment of power, when you have the ability to do so, takes more strength than anyone can imagine. It’s about knowing you could strike back but choosing peace over chaos. It’s about self-control, emotional intelligence, and understanding that in the grand scheme of things, negativity only breeds more negativity.
Building a Better World, One Choice at a Time
I’m not saying we should sit back and accept wrongdoing or mistreatment. Standing up for yourself is essential. But there’s a fine line between standing up for yourself and causing harm to others out of spite. And this is where the principle kicks in. You don’t have to be a saint or a hero, but you can be a better person by ensuring your actions never intentionally hurt someone else.
Imagine a world where this simple idea became more common—where even if people couldn’t help, they at least refrained from causing harm. Small acts of restraint could create ripples of peace. Maybe we wouldn’t see dramatic changes overnight, but over time, it could make all the difference. After all, kindness doesn’t always come in grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s simply in what you choose not to do.
My Personal Journey
In my own life, this philosophy has kept me grounded. Every time I’ve faced moments where I was wronged or saw injustice around me, I reminded myself of this principle. It’s saved me from many situations where I might have reacted in anger or frustration. It’s helped me build stronger relationships and a more peaceful mind.
It’s not always easy, I admit. But each time I choose this path, it feels like a step towards something better, something more aligned with the person I want to be. And at the end of the day, that’s what matters most—knowing that I am contributing, however small, to a world that is just a little bit kinder.
Conclusion
Life can be unfair. People can be cruel. But we all have a choice in how we respond to the world around us. If you can’t offer a helping hand, that’s okay. Just make sure you’re not the one pushing someone down. It’s a simple principle, one that’s often overlooked but holds immense power.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about what we can’t do; it’s about what we choose not to do—and the peace that choice can bring.
Also read: Embrace Your Authenticity: Never Change for Anyone
