A common phrase that is known by most people, however, do we understand what it means or do we take it as it is literally.
Each day as I feed my idleness with social media, I never fail to catch a glimpse of a lady with voluminous hair praising rice water for its magic abilities on hair growth neither do I fail to come across a fitness trainer, fitter than a fiddle, advocating for the importance of exercise. I shouldn't forget to mention the way models leave us in awe with their finely molded bodies which they claim are achieved through dieting.
We try to encourage one another to lead healthy lifestyles, free from processed foods, animal products, and counterfeit goods but is that all that this phrase is about?
I only see a few who give book reviews on the books they have read. I see few who recommend others to watch a documentary that woke them. Moreover, I know those who indulge in titbits and are gossiped about. I know those who acknowledge stealing and are thieves. I know women who were circumcised and are leading their daughters to the slaughterhouse.
In other words, the things we consume represent a large portion of our character. Human beings besides munching on food also consume products from the media and culture. The media in particular has a great influence on what people perceive to be good or bad. Continuous exposure to action movies to a young child might make the child develop aggressive and violent behaviors in adulthood. A miscreant may watch Lupin to sharpen their robbery skills. An environmental activist may watch Down to Earth by Zac Efron to familiarize themselves with matters of climate change in the world. It is all about what benefit we get from what we consume. You are what you consume.
Accepting corruption in society makes you unscrupulous. Acknowledging the importance of hard work and discipline makes you diligent. The principles you apply to guide your daily life mold your character progressively. Most researchers suggest that following a similar pattern of activities makes you grow accustomed to those events. They become the adrenaline that pumps your energy every day. A drug addict who is deeply dependent on a puff every two hours would find it hard to perform regular duties without taking the stimulant. A leader who is used to winning elections by offering election officials brown envelopes may find it close to impossible to participate in a fair and carefully controlled electoral process.
So how do we watch what we 'eat'?
the world has enough for everyone's needs, but not everyone's greed, Mahatma Gandhi
Concerning these wise words, the human being has proved to be the most incredible creature to ever walk the earth and this can be attributed to the vast developments in technology, a plethora of inventions, and discoveries. It is however sadly stated by environmentalists that we are doing more harm than good to the earth because of greed.
With an increase in population and migration, governments are striving to meet the needs of each individual. Sheets of paper produced each day costs the earth eighty thousand to one hundred and sixty thousand trees in a single day. Industries that sprout up contribute to 50 percent of the air pollution in the world. The human being aims to stretch out its wings and possess more without hesitation and consideration of what negative implications may arise.
Overindulgence is poison but moderation is our redemption.
Did you know you can get sick from consuming too many potatoes at once? Nevertheless, we need to take care of our internal environments as we take care of our external environments. The phrase by Mahatma Gandhi can guide us to be responsible consumers.
It is impossible to satisfy the greed of each individual. As human beings are social beings, they should live harmoniously keeping in mind that they did not create the earth but they found themselves in it. Therefore, they should purpose to make it better rather than doing the opposite.
Throw in an orange in your diet occasionally. Read a book that is popular with your peers. Correct people who look for shortcuts to solve problems. Support local businesses in your town. Involve your mind in activities that will sharpen your creativity and innovation because these are skills that are applied in everyday life and different situations.
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