...Forward It Pay

Can we still trust that people are inherently good ? We always hear that all the time that they are good by nature. But we also know that people are selfish by nature. The basic human instint is not to help others or things like that but to satisfy their own needs, that's the fact. So, can we still trust others to act in such a manner that is good or should we be suspicious to everyone knowing that in the end self-preservation and self-needs are the ones that will prevail ?

I've just watched "Pay It Forward" for the second time just now and I still love the movie just like the first time I watched it. For those who haven't watched it, the story revolves around a school project by an 11-years old kid called Trevor McKinney. The project is about him helping three people. It must be a big thing and something that they need. Then those three people will then each be asked to help three other people. Simple, right ?

The cynical side of me quickly said that it's a stupid thing. Firstly, you never know that those three will continue the deed. Secondly, why waste time and effort and perhaps money and get nothing in return ? We are, afterall, selfish by nature. Thirdly, the whole idea is completely utopian. Too idealistic. It expects the goodness in people to shine through.

But.

It's all about having faith isn't it ? If we've done our part, it's up to them whether they want to keep it going or not.
And I'm sure somewhere in our lives, someone has done a good deed to us. Why not do the same ? There's actually no reason to do good. None at all. Most of the time, it's not beneficial in all aspects. So why must we act as such ? I don't know. Everyone has their own reason to do it or not to do it.

What's interesting is why the kid did it in the first place. He said that it's not about the grade or anything, he just wanted to see whether the world can really change. Sometimes people are so caught up in their lives, they become afraid of change. They are afraid to change their own lives even when they know that it's bad. They give up. And when they do, everyone else loses.

Can we emulate the movement in real world ? Sometime ago, I heard of a similar movement in reality. I don't know what happened to it but I hope it's still out there somewhere.