Why We Must Extirpate Negativity

And why we should do it right now

a woman emits an aura of light that destroys a crowd of dark silhouettes that surround her, dark manga style — by DALL·E

One of my best friends has suffered several blows recently. From accidents that caused physical injuries to legal disputes that impacted the very roof above his head, he has had it rough. I have several other friends who would have succumbed to the rage and despair that his situation should incur. It is not his case: the way he puts it, he does not allow negativity or pity into his life. Looking around, I am aware that I am fortunate enough to count on several people who act similarly. Looking inside, I realise I do the same.

Removing negativity from our lives is one of the first steps we must take to achieve anything. Having someone next to us who emits it almost guarantees we will contract the disease. For some strange reason, humans seem particularly attracted to sorrow. I imagine these ghouls — these vampires of suffering — as zombies who have been infected with the need to feast on any pain, disillusion and despair they can latch their ravenous teeth on. Any discussion of a problem without the inclination to solve it is a symptom that we are here for the pain, not to allay it. If there is any decency left in us, we should excuse ourselves.

Stupidity and ignorance operate similarly. If those we surround ourselves with are foolish, we can count we will be an idiot soon too, if…