We've often been at the receiving end of some popular statements; possibly also coming from some popular persons. In our own right, we might have been at the frontend of some of such statements as well; that we've used them to our taste and will. Perhaps, we grew up hearing such statements repeatedly uttered without any reservations or confrontations, and through time we've come to adopt them.
Sadly, this is the case with many of such popular statements we consciously hear or utter, using them as references to back our points in a discourse. However, if only we would dig down, we'll find some surprisingly untrue and false. This will be when we decide to go deep into some of these statements and find the truth or falsehood in them.
The fact that a popular statement has gone round and gained grounds doesn't make it a factual one. Popularity doesn't equate factuality. Understanding this has led me to challenge some statements that have been uttered repeatedly, making them seem much like a norm and even facts. This holds a lot of grip when influential and high rated people use it at their several discretion. It's like having a celebrity wearing a new style of fashion and you can be sure in the next two weeks that'll be the talk of the fashion world, several fashionistas and the streets as well.
Some good indepth analysis and personal confrontation of the statements have given light to several of them. May I also mention that, while we may not agree with some popular statements, some could hold universal, factual acceptance that cannot be impeded based on some personal relational ideology. I've found some so, others I've found berating— hilarious too.
One statement that berates me much as so, is this popular one which says; "heaven helps those who help themselves." To be honest, in the long distant past, I've been a good vocalist for this statement. Not only because it seems fitting and has gained some major traction, much more because I've heard many persons close to me and influential persons as well make us of it on different discourses. I didn't have it in me to consider its validity then. The world was using it fine, it seems something good to roll with. I guess someone even used it when conversing with me last week.
Later on in time, I find myself disagreeing with the statement. Much more because I find persons majorly using it for negative ideologies. They utter it when they want to explore and plunder a situation. Now the most annoying part for me is when this statement is audaciously synchronized or linked with the scriptures—and of course it is in most cases. Trying to give their ill motives a religious/moral acceptance and balance, they use it to encourage and defend themselves. And I've heard that a lot. But then, through my little efforts and knowledge of the scriptures, I haven't find that statement appearing anywhere in it.
Heaven doesn't help those who help themselves, heaven helps those who need heaven's help. I think looking at it even from this basic rational perspective, it doesn't add up. If you could help yourself, why clamor for heaven's help in the situation as well. It only proves more to the fact that the underlings to the utterance of such statement is one with ulterior and ill motives, trying hard to find a moral agreement and backing, as much as a religious one as well. And this speaks volumes to how much disturbing and disagreeable that statement can be.
That has been one statement I can never agree with and will always stand to disapprove it. The situation mostly surrounding its use has made it more an unlikely term to come to agreement with. Of course, many other popular statements are there, that could be investigated; and we'll find a position to stand with.
This is my entry for the Hive Reachout weekly prompt, week 42.
Images are mine.