Just what the doctor ordered

I came across this post by Thoughts of a Pessimist.

Written as expected by a true pessimist, it goes something to the effect of – we shouldn’t squander on fireworks while there are people dying of starvation and diseases, and children yearning for an education all because of the lack of funds.

But why not? Watching from the hospital window or their spot on the pavement, the firework displays will spread a much needed smile across their face.

Alright, on a more serious note. Spending a bit on fireworks isn’t all that bad. New Year isn’t a religious celebration, so it isn’t exclusively for the Buddhist, Tamils, Christians, Muslims or Jews. Neither is it restricted to a social class or any particular country.

The whole world celebrates New Year. It brings people together. And isn’t that part of the equation to “make the world a better place” and all that jazz?

Yeah, there are bloody wars going on, people are suffering and dying, but brooding about it and living everyday depressed and solicitous, couldn’t be healthy. You’d have a lot more mentally disturbed people in the world.

On the subject of the psych, the 1st of Jan gives people the sense of a new beginning. A clean slate. A chance to start over. While they may be deluding themselves, it gives them a sense of hope and that’s pretty powerful by itself.

So don’t feel guilty about watching those firework displays. Spending on fireworks is hardly a waste of money ’cause if you look at the bigger picture, one day of celebration across the world that actually unites people, could do more good than harm.