The triangle one-o-one.

Today, I came across news about the starving children and adults in Syria, which brought back memories of the haunting image of a toddler lying lifeless on a Turkish beach. The grim reality of war grows ever more repulsive as the fifth year draws to a close. I won’t delve into the numbers of deaths, but I feel compelled to convey the gravity of the situation to ordinary individuals who bear the brunt of war’s devastation.

A few years ago, someone forwarded me an email with a story credited to an unknown author. It recounted a professor’s demonstration to teach his students about life, using a jar as a metaphor.

He began by filling the jar with rocks until no more could fit, then asked his students if the jar was full. They agreed, seeing no space for more rocks. But the professor continued, adding gravel, which filled the gaps between the rocks. Again, he asked if the jar was full, and again the students assented. Undeterred, the professor poured in sand, which seeped into the spaces between the rocks and gravel. Finally, he poured water into the jar, filling even the smallest gaps.

He concluded by likening the jar to life itself. The rocks represented the most important things in life—ourselves, our families, our health, our passions. If we fill our lives with trivialities (the gravel, sand, and water) before attending to the truly important matters, there won’t be room for them later.

Today’s news made me reflect on the importance of prioritizing our essential needs in life, much like the rocks in the jar. Here’s a proposed sequence, as envisioned by a CEO:

1. Self: You are the foundation. Your well-being and happiness are paramount. Without you, nothing else matters. Remember your mortality.
2. Family: Your immediate family and close friends are your support network. They’ve been with you through thick and thin and will stand by you when you need them most.
3. Work: Financial stability is crucial. Your job provides the means to meet your basic needs and pursue your goals.
4. Community: Social connections enrich our lives. Participating in community activities and networks provides a sense of belonging and support.
5. Country: A functioning society requires justice, security, and infrastructure. However, humanity as a whole should take precedence over national interests.
6. God and Religion: Personal ethics, spirituality, and faith play vital roles in many people’s lives. They provide guidance, comfort, and a sense of purpose. However, they should complement, not overshadow, the other aspects of life.

Placing God at the forefront of your life can be spiritually unhealthy, as it may indicate a lack of belief in your own worth and agency. Striking a balance between faith and personal responsibility is key.

If you prioritize God over your basic needs or family, you’re defying the natural order and abdicating your own responsibilities. Even religious figures like Buddha learned this lesson through hardship. Only by tending to our physical and emotional well-being can we transcend immediate concerns and pursue higher ideals.

The choices we make are often influenced by our sense of belonging—to family, community, nation, or religion. However, blindly following group norms can lead to unhappiness and inner conflict. It’s crucial to become the CEO of your own life, making informed decisions based on your values and aspirations.

Injustice pervades our world, perpetuated by those who exploit the politics of belonging. It’s time to empower organizations like the United Nations to uphold human rights and hold perpetrators of crimes against humanity accountable. No individual or group should be above the law.

Religious leaders should serve as guides, offering holistic support to those in need. Relying solely on ancient texts for guidance is akin to prescribing a one-size-fits-all solution to complex spiritual and psychological problems. Both medicine and religion should evolve with our understanding of human nature and well-being.

We must strive to overcome our animalistic instincts and embrace our potential for growth and enlightenment. Young people, in particular, should be encouraged to question authority and think critically about the world around them. Our collective strength lies in our commitment to individual rights and freedoms.

As CEOs of our lives, let’s prioritize self-awareness, empathy, and justice. By challenging the status quo and championing human dignity, we can build a more equitable and compassionate world for all.