Righteous Choices: Navigating the Complexities of Doing Right vs Being Right
It was a hot summer afternoon on a dusty field, where I found myself umpiring a local cricket match. A particular instance from that day has been etched in my mind, an instance that became a catalyst for my understanding of the phrase: "Doing the right thing is more important than being right".
The ball whizzed by, and there was an appeal from the bowler. "Out!", he shouted. I wasn't a hundred percent sure if the batsman was out or not. I had a decision to make, and the weight of being 'right' loomed heavy. That's when I decided to check with the other umpire. A wave of laughter broke through the tense atmosphere as the umpire commented, "It doesn't matter, it's your call."
This particular anecdote may seem trivial, but it carries an essential life lesson – the importance of doing what's right over simply being right.
To shed light on this theme, a relevant quote from the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Indian philosophical text, serves as a guidepost. The Gita says, "It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection." In simpler terms, it emphasizes the importance of following your own path, making decisions based on your core values, even if they may seem imperfect or wrong to others. This is the essence of 'doing the right thing.'
The urge to be 'right' often comes from a place of ego. It's about proving one's superiority, displaying knowledge, or gaining validation. 'Being right' is about precision, correctness, and unarguability. But life isn't a mathematical equation, always waiting for an exact solution. Life is a series of events with numerous variables, each requiring us to make decisions based on what we believe is right.
Contrarily, 'doing the right thing' comes from a place of empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility. It's not about winning or being superior; it's about contributing positively to the situation at hand.
A practical example would be a disagreement at the workplace. Being 'right' could mean asserting your viewpoint rigidly without considering others', simply because you're confident about your stance. However, 'doing the right thing' would involve listening to others' perspectives, fostering a respectful discussion, and, if necessary, compromising for the betterment of the team and project. This approach may not stroke your ego or establish you as 'right,' but it definitely leads to a healthier work environment and stronger relationships.
In the realm of leadership, too, this concept holds true. Leaders are often faced with the challenge of making difficult decisions. The easy way out might be to choose what's 'right' according to data or popular opinion. However, great leaders often focus on 'doing the right thing.' They consider the bigger picture and long-term impact, upholding ethics and social responsibility, even when the immediate benefits may not be apparent.
In the sports world, athletes often encounter such dilemmas. For instance, in football, a player may pretend to be fouled to gain a penalty. While it may be a strategy to 'win,' it isn't 'right' in terms of fair play and sportsmanship.
Now, circling back to my experience on the cricket field, it might seem like I was only focusing on being 'right.' However, in hindsight, I realize my attempt to confer with the other umpire was a reflection of my subconscious attempt to 'do the right thing.' Even if it was met with laughter and confusion, I knew that my intent was not merely about making the right call but ensuring fairness in the game.
'Doing the right thing' can often be challenging, even frightening. It may not fetch immediate applause, and it may even lead to criticism or ridicule. Yet, it brings an inner peace and satisfaction that 'being right' often fails to deliver. So, the next time you find yourself in a dilemma, take a moment, put aside the need to be 'right,' and ask yourself – What is the 'right thing' to do here? That might just make all the difference.
At the end of the day, being 'right' might win you a game, a debate, or an argument. But 'doing the right thing,' that's what wins respect, peace, and, above all, your self-worth. As I discovered on the cricket field, it's not just about the game in your hands, it's also about the lessons you learn and the person you become. And sometimes, doing the right thing may mean not being right, and that's perfectly alright.
Doing the right thing is, indeed, more important than being right, a tenet that can guide us through the countless decisions we make in our lives, helping us lead more genuine and fulfilling lives.