Rose tinted spectacles

I am beginning to feel part of a minority that does not view this world through a more idealistic pair of lenses. When I was a kid I thought it was just the adults around me. I thought mistrust of other humans was a function of poor financial conditions where wrongly placed trust could cause your kids their education or food. In a  slightly more financially well-off society I still see this phenomenon. It is to be noted that even in the case of poor the skepticism does not stop at matters financial although thats what theyr lives mostly revolve around.
In our relatively affluent society, shouldn't we at least look at problems in the first glance with an ideal model in mind. I find people assume worse things about intentions of other people. Is this skepticism inherited from our parents generation ? Is this skepticism needed for survival in this jungle of human society ?



I for some reason feel like a winner with an ideal-world view. The reason being that it makes me feel good about the world. I admire the attitude that people like Shashi Tharoor have (or atleast display) when he talks about the role of the UN, even though he realizes that practically he cannot still help the Burmese. I see Amartya Sen trying to explain problems or solutions within a similar frame of reference. I am not saying that the world is a happy place today. I am very well aware of the demons disguised as humans that roam the hallways of the political capitals, or the corporate board-rooms. I am also aware of the base devils in human form, who rape, plunder and scar our future generations.  What I am talking about is the average Joe and Jane. They might try to cut corners in a competitive atmosphere, but to believe that Jane is always plotting against you is harmful to both you and the environment that you and Jane work in.

I think its just a meme that few have spread (successfully I might add) that is causing us to distrust each other more than our actions merit. I somehow still believe in the fact that humans in civil settings cause each other more harm because they are scared of each other.  Scared of the unknown. If you act selflessly and in a way as to win the other person's trust, they will act in a more friendly manner towards you too. If we always think of an evil game that the 'other' person is going to play, then they too can sense your attitude and will be drawn into playing the game by the very same rules.

So in conclusion I think its not wise to wear our rose-tinted spectacles outside home. But its also important to take off our thorn-lined glasses when we are outside home. Take a chace, trust thy neighbor !!