The Unsung Everyday Heroes
By Shiva
@Shiva49 (26661)
Singapore
February 14, 2016 8:17pm CST
There have been many heroes all through history and also in fairy tales. But there are real life heroes that remain hidden from media though they touch common folks by their kindness and compassion. They hardly bother about rewards or recognition. They feel their actions are normal courtesies extended without the need for fanfare.
I was the beneficiary of an act of kindness that replays in my mind often. I was coming to Singapore from Malaysia by bus. I had booked on one that stopped at the border and had to take another transport to reach home. On the way, at a stop, I saw another bus that was going near my home. I asked the driver and he readily agreed to give us seats. Then I asked him how much I had to pay; he just waved me away. On my insistence that I wanted to pay, he said there were many seats empty and so it was free. I gave up after a while and wondered how ordinary folks can show such goodwill while the rich count every cent and even try to short change others!
The driver was a total stranger and I couldn’t even thank him for his gesture but his act reaffirmed my faith in humanity that is under stress when we read the news headlines. The extremes of behavior are palpable everywhere – those who can give being tightfisted and those who live day-to-day showing magnanimity. And people like me are caught in between to surmise that the love of money is the root of all evil. It is better that we do not cross the line that delineates need from greed.
I am sure this strikes a chord with you to recall similar experiences
23 people like this
23 responses
@vandana7 (100242)
• India
15 Feb 16
Touched...yes, many ...I must have been in 7th or 8th standard. I was carrying a fiver note in my box..back then ink pens were used. I was traveling in bus...and the ink leaked from my pen and the note in compass box got drenched in ink. The bus conductor was angry..and it is logical too...it must be so tiring to have a teenager behaving so stupidly...then somebody from behind gave a fiver...why fiver...he was traveling in bus too..definitely not a rich man..ticket was only 20 np...but he gave fiver..My head was bent down I did not notice who gave it...only brief glimpse of hand...and then the bus conductor returned the money to me, when I turned back to give the money...I couldn't I identify my benefactor, he didn't know me, right? I was confused...next stop I got down...and the help remained in my mind...why did the conductor give me the money...instead of giving to that man.
5 people like this
@Shiva49 (26661)
• Singapore
15 Feb 16
I can recollect few other instances of kindness from total strangers, and they are not the rich but ordinary folks who are honest and greed is not in their vocabulary, They help just because that is the right thing to do.
It is worth recalling The Grameen Bank of Bangla Desh, a Nobel Prize winning organization, that lend to the impoverished without collateral but had almost centum repayment of loans. And I compare that to millions lost when few rich borrow without any intention to repay. One told me it is alright to cheat banks as they have no soul unlike humans! siva
5 people like this
@Shiva49 (26661)
• Singapore
16 Feb 16
@vandana7 Some think it is okay to get out of a tight situation and then it becomes a habit. One may have hundreds of millions, but then want to join the "billionaire club" and then find at the lowest rung of the ladder - end up as alsorans! siva
4 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (46917)
• India
6 Apr 16
@Shiva49 Unfortunately sometimes deeds of a few evil cloud the goodness of the majority. Then some mad men start labeling certain castes, classes or religions as evil for the act of a few and start pitting people against each other.
Surprisingly, people who act as very smart get carried away by these "Mad Men" and they start carrying acts of violence and even arson and looting.
2 people like this
@Missmwngi (12915)
• Nairobi, Kenya
15 Feb 16
I also have such an experience from people actually a family that i had and still have no idea about. Such people makes the world a better place to live in
5 people like this
@Missmwngi (12915)
• Nairobi, Kenya
15 Feb 16
@Shiva49 Sure i always pray for them to be blessed more and more
4 people like this
@innertalks (21904)
• Australia
16 Feb 16
I guess if we are pretty good people ourselves, as you are siva, this happens more and more.
Maybe you attract such goodness to you in a way, but then again, these type of people are kind and good like that too, to mean people too, I suspect. They treat all people well.
It's lucky for you of course, that you were not travelling in Australia. You would have been hit with a hefty fine, no excuses accepted, if you didn't have a ticket on you here.
The inflexibility of these goons (the inspectors), not to listen to stories, or excuses, but just to slap you hard with a fine, is legendary here.
Customer service does not exist on our public transport system here at all.
@innertalks (21904)
• Australia
16 Feb 16
@Shiva49 thanks for the further information siva, that makes it clearer.
4 people like this
@Shiva49 (26661)
• Singapore
16 Feb 16
I understand Steve, but this was a private coach that operates between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and other towns inside Malaysia even as far away as south of Thailand.
There is no checking of tickets as only the driver is there most times. Then we have train service too but for that we have to have tickets to show on demand - siva
4 people like this
@artemeis (4194)
• China
16 Feb 16
It is heartwarming to hear and witness such acts of kindness which goes beyond. However, I'm afraid you will not be finding this in my country since we have people including the elderly exploiting people who go beyond their way to help.
Ever since such exploitation has become more frequent a lot of people including myself have become hesitant to help in case we were being "mistaken" for the responsible party, No one is ever ready to respond promptly to an incident and worse have become part time paparazzi instead.
3 people like this
@artemeis (4194)
• China
17 Feb 16
@Shiva49
I think there will be those in the elites that understands the need to be philanthropic when they have in excess to what they have earned for their lifetime and that of their next few generations. But I will always remember those that gave when they have barely enough for themselves like a beggar who gave his mere possession to a lady stranded on the street after she was pickpocketed with literally nothing on her since her mobile phone was inside her purse.
Li Ka Shing or even your great former Prime Minister may be right with whatever they are doing but nothing could ever compare to those who gave away their only possession.
4 people like this
@Shiva49 (26661)
• Singapore
16 Feb 16
I think in all societies there would be those who help. I didn't want to mention earlier, but the driver who was the hero was a Malaysian Chinese. He said - just keep the money and enjoy! I would have saved about 30 USD and at least two hours of time.
I was once walking on the road in India and one poor man hit his head on a low tree branch with blood oozing out of the wound. I gave him money and told him to rush to a clinic but he would not accept the cash!
As you know in Asia many want to leave the hoards for generations to come. I follow Lee Kuan Yew in this regard "I am responsible for my children and they are responsible for theirs". I also read about a very rich businessman in your country whose only son is not interested in taking over his huge empire!
I only hope the rich everywhere help others in need than leave everything to their children. I was happy to read Li Ka-shing when he said he will leave one third of his billions to society - siva
4 people like this
@Shiva49 (26661)
• Singapore
17 Feb 16
@artemeis I recall the words of a very wealthy man when asked to donate " How much can I give, I have already given enough" The real test is to give till it hurts the pocket!
I recall when there was heavy rain in Kashmir and my relatives were caught in the floods. They were stranded for days and the poorest shared whatever food they had with them - they knew they were used to the hunger while others may not be able to take the pangs! siva
4 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (37350)
• Toccoa, Georgia
17 Feb 16
Yes, I remember, one day many years ago, running out of gas and my car was stuck in the middle of the road. A kind older man , helped me push it to the side and he drove me and my kids back to our house. He was like a guardian angel the way he acted.
3 people like this
@iamshane487 (1139)
• Manila, Philippines
17 Feb 16
I've never been to a ride like that but there are many drivers in my country that is similar to the stranger you met. It was a wonderful stranger!
3 people like this
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
17 Feb 16
In 1947 Tennessee Williams wrote a play called "A Streetcar Named Desire" in which a very famous line was born--"I have always depended upon the kindness of strangers," and I truly believe those strangers are unsung heroes and there have been many in my life.
3 people like this
@Shiva49 (26661)
• Singapore
17 Feb 16
Thanks, I have found strangers respond spontaneously. I recall when I tried to avoid one at the railway station as I was in a hurry. She sells few items of everyday use but it is more of seeking alms. Then I retraced my steps to hand over a sum as donation. I thought these acts cannot be postponed!
My personal take is: God is in His creations - that is everywhere. As He lives within us too, He appears in different forms to lend a hand when in need - siva
2 people like this
@Ladypeace (2028)
• Singapore
18 Feb 16
A simple act of kindness sometimes unwittingly goes a long way in touching the lives of others, inspiring them to do the same. Regardless of who we are or what we have, we're human after all. That's what connects us.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26661)
• Singapore
18 Feb 16
@Ladypeace Sure we need the motivation that life is always worth living as there are many who go out of the way to help others. They are the real heroes in our midst and they just do what need be done.
I know some taxi drivers not collecting fares from those who do not have enough to pay but need transport - siva
2 people like this
@Ladypeace (2028)
• Singapore
18 Feb 16
@Shiva49 The world needs more amazing people like that.
1 person likes this
