When you attend the funeral of a rich and powerful person, you will understand the vanity of life. No matter the cost of the casket, in spite of the high and mighty in attendance or the quality of the cuisine and bar, in spite of your status, rich or poor, the destination is the same, six feet under the earth to become food for worms. As the words dust to dust, ashes to ashes is pronounced the final curtain falls signaling the end of your mortal being, leaving behind all the appurtenances of status, wealth and power as you begin your journey to the afterlife to give account of your sojourn here on earth.
I have seen things in my more than five decades here on earth to understand that arrogance and pride is for ignorant and shallow people. I have witnessed men who as a result of poverty went to school on empty stomach with no shoes, yet they rose out of poverty to rule over men born into generational wealth. I have seen men born into enormous wealth turn beggars, their only affinity to wealth being a nostalgic memory of an affluent life that was once their reality.
I have seen leaders become followers and followers become leaders. I have witnessed the fall of great men of power and means and have seen men of meagre resources rise to acquire fame, power and wealth. I have seen the young and vibrant slump and die and have also seen the frail and sickly defy death until a ripe old age. Yet pride and arrogance which are traits callously exhibited by the foolish and ignorant perseveres in our society.
No one knows tomorrow and tomorrow is not assured. Everything in life is transient including life itself, the only thing that outlives you is your benevolence, kindness and compassion towards your fellow men, therefore help as many people as you can, but be careful when rendering the help, maintain a demeanor of kindness, respect, and politeness towards people, regardless of their dependency on you.
Those in need of your help can be extremely patient and tolerant, even in the face of severe humiliation, disrespect, and disregard. However, dehumanizing and disrespecting individuals during the helping process can lead to animosity, rather than gratitude, as the recipients tend to remember the humiliation more than the assistance provided. Having said this, go ahead and help without expecting gratitude, your legacy will endure forever and posterity will be kind to you – Sir Stanley Ekezie

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