Tips for survival in a hostile society

What else the relevant question may be than the question asked below in the present context?

What is the best way to live in a hostile society?

This question is important to all the people living anywhere in the world. I don't exclude exceptions. However, for most of the people, whether living in South Africa, USA, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq or India, wherever you are living, more or less the situation is same. Its not important that you are living in a developed or developing country. Situation may be a bit less worse in a developed than a developing country. Only the degree of hostility varies depending on the social and economic conditions of the country. Living a campus life is safest.

Geographical and social surroundings: Location of your house?

Most important of all things is to decide where to live. Sometimes you may have choices and sometimes not. Choosing a country or city of residence is governed by your nationality, profession, business concerns and livelihood means. However, one thing that has to be taken care of is your locality or surroundings. Don't hesitate to pay more price for a rented house if it is located in a neighbourhood that is peaceful and inhabited by civilized people. If you are considering to construct one, look for its distance from schools, and other utility services. It always should be closer to a bus stand, railway station or airport. You may ignore several other factors but not the people or society where you are going to stay. Your several generations may have to live in the similar society and there is no reason to believe that your progenies will not be influenced by the society. Most important question in present context is the safety. If you are an outsider (not local) in a city or town, never think of constructing a house in the outskirts of city rather try to select a location inside the city. At present, there may not be a problem but in future you can not exclude the chances of theft, robbery or communal disturbances. One more note of caution: you may have a secular ideology but its always safe to stay where people belonging to same religion, caste or ideology reside.

It will not only save your money but also provide safety. You may be compelled sometimes return your home in odd hours. If you are living in a good society, chances are you can lead a peaceful life and future of your children will be safe. This applies not only to selection of your house or residence but also to selection of school etc. for your kids.

Mix up with your neighbours but also keep a safe distance:

It a very positive trait if you are very much social person but sometimes this intimacy may create problems for you. Hence, always maintain a distance with people and never open yourself fully to the people. Sometimes your reserved nature may help you from getting involved in uninvited problems. Its difficult for people to dare if they are not knowing your means and nature.

Don't be aggressive all the time:

Days are gone when aggression was the key survival strategy. Now situation is different. If you become very aggressive, chances are you will be trapped in a situation that could be extremely dangerous for you. Gandhian way is the best way to survive in a hostile society. Believe in non-violence and practise non-violence -a way to survive in hostile society. However,some of the moralistic values, that were considered good traits for a human being, are of less significance in today's context. Honesty was the best policy few year back but now -a-days being a honest person means you are risking your life. Corruption is on peak everywhere. Its OK if you are honest but be careful that if you are dead honest and this honesty of yours coming in way of your dishonest colleagues or companions they may consider to eliminate you from their way. So be honest but don't try to teach lessons of honesty to dishonest persons. One more point on honesty- being honest, gentle man or good man in present context is understood foolishness. I guess I have to write many things but time limitation is stopping me to write more at this moment. But of course I'll return soon to this hub and add more content as topic is close to my heart.

Believe in yourself:

Time has changed and values have also changed. Be careful in business, don't depend on partners, Even there is need to be careful from your very close friends and close relatives. Be careful in lending a helpful hand. Be careful in business deals. Just remember, money is the root cause of 90% problems. So be careful, price of human life has drastically come down. Killings and murders for a petty amount are very common now-a-days. I'll advise you to be extremely careful even with your family members. If you read newspapers regulaly, you might have seen several news items related to cheatings by family members, relatives and close friends. Be straight forward. Though its not so easy to remain aloof but try to be smart and always read carefully, the clauses of agreements etc.