Our decision to help is deeply tied to a detachment from “self”

I was binge-surfing (and watching loads of 2014 movie trailers) today when I came across this video.

After watching, I could relate to this myself, both as the one in need and the one who ought to have met the need of an obviously needy person.

I remember instances where I have been stranded but because I was dressed right and spoke decent English, I got help without much hesitation.

On the flip side, I remember clearly an incident in Lagos when I was working at a site and had to get to Computer village in Ikeja to purchase some accessories – you don’t wear a tie and fancy shoe when you are installing outdoor access points.

Unknowingly, I had forgotten my wallet and only figured this out about 2 mins from the last stop. After rummaging through my pocket hoping to find a 50 Naira bill, I looked around at people who I’m sure were aware what was playing out but just looked away, dead ahead. I asked a lady next to me for 50 Naira to pay the conductor, but only got a look of “don’t bother me” from her. Even though I did not ask any other person, probably due to the embarassment, it feels similar to what happened in this video.

I eventually had to explain to the conductor, who could probably relate to this “dirty” guy, and he let me drop off without paying.

That day, I walked from Ikeja back to Opebi.

We should all inculcate the habit of helping, EVERYONE.

LOVE is not “SELF”ish