Our education system must move beyond rote learning and encourage students to be compassionate and think critically. —ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
LIFE is both a gift and a challenge, shaped by opportunities and obstacles. Yet, the lure of life often traps us in an illusion, compelling us to cling to it even at the cost of others or ourselves.
This illusion, fueled by the immediacy of “current pain,” blinds us to life’s impermanence. How often do we pause to reflect on these realities and question the nature of life and its fleeting illusions?
Teenage years are rarely spent pondering life’s deeper truths. It is a time of exploration and ambition, with life’s complexities feeling distant. Even in adulthood, few pause to reflect on existence.
For most, these questions only surface later in life, often when the burden of longevity or ageing becomes unavoidable. It is in the twilight of our years that we are reminded of our dispensability, our helplessness, and perhaps most painfully, our irrelevance in a world that continues to move forward without us.
At this stage, the illusions we held onto for so long begin to dissolve. We come to see that much of what we pursued, feared, or clung to was transient, lacking the substance we once believed it had.
If only we had realised this earlier. If only we had been taught and had practiced compassion from a young age, perhaps we could have lived with less burden. Compassion is not just an abstract virtue; it is a practical approach to life. When we practice compassion, we shift our focus from ourselves to others, breaking free from the illusions of self-centeredness that trap us in cycles of pain and attachment.
Compassion allows us to understand that life’s challenges are not unique to us; they are shared by everyone. It fosters a sense of connection and solidarity, reducing the isolation that amplifies our suffering. More importantly, it teaches us to let go – of grudges, material obsessions, and the relentless pursuit of validation. Had we been guided to embrace compassion from our youth, the burdens of living might not have felt so overwhelming.
However, this ideal raises an uncomfortable truth: how could we have known the importance of compassion and reflection when we were never taught to think critically or empathetically?
For many of us, the education we received focused on rote learning and adherence to authority. Schools emphasised conformity over creativity, discipline over dialogue, and competition over collaboration.
This system often left little room for nurturing the qualities that make life meaningful. Compassion, empathy, and independent thinking were not prioritised, leaving many to navigate life without these essential tools. Instead of being encouraged to question, reflect and understand, we were conditioned to follow predefined paths and measure success by material achievements.
The result is a society that struggles with the very illusions it perpetuates. We see people chasing wealth, power and status, only to find that these pursuits often leave them feeling empty. We witness conflicts fueled by misunderstandings and a lack of empathy. And we watch as individuals succumb to stress, anxiety, and despair, unable to cope with the pressures of life because they were never taught how to approach life thoughtfully or compassionately.
It is not too late to change. The recognition of these flaws in our upbringing and societal values is the first step toward creating a better future. We must start by rethinking our approach to education and personal development.
Schools should integrate compassion into their curricula, not as an abstract moral value but as a practical skill. Activities that promote empathy, kindness, and understanding can help children develop a more balanced perspective on life.
Education systems must move beyond rote memorisation and encourage students to think critically about the world around them. They should be taught to question assumptions, analyse situations, and seek deeper truths.
Both in schools and at home, we need to create spaces for reflection. Journaling, discussions and mindfulness practices can help individuals develop a habit of introspection, enabling them to navigate life with greater clarity.
Society as a whole must shift its values to emphasise balance over excess. Success should not be defined solely by material wealth or professional achievements but by one’s ability to live a fulfilling, compassionate and thoughtful life.
As individuals, we are responsible for our growth. While the lack of proper guidance in our youth may not be our fault, it is up to us to address these gaps in adulthood. We must make a conscious effort to cultivate compassion and develop our capacity for critical thinking.
This journey will not be easy, as it requires unlearning long-held beliefs and habits. However, the rewards are immeasurable. By embracing compassion, we lighten our burdens and build stronger connections with others. By thinking critically, we free ourselves from the illusions that hold us captive and gain a clearer understanding of what truly matters.
In this regard, I am grateful that our current Prime Minister has incorporated thinking and compassion into his six core values of the Madani policy. It is a promising step toward fostering a society that values empathy and thoughtful action.
However, I hope these values are not merely aspirational but are manifested in tangible actions by various government agencies. Policies and initiatives that reflect these principles can create an environment where future generations are better equipped to navigate life with wisdom and kindness.
Life will always present challenges and temptations, but we can choose how we respond to them. By embracing compassion and reflection, we not only transform our own lives but also contribute to a world that is more just, understanding, and humane. Let us begin this transformation today.Senior lawyer Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos is the founder of Rapera, a movement which encourages thinking and compassion among Malaysians. The views expressed here are entirely his own.
