The Silent Majority: The Contractor
Where will the observation begin? No one knows, but it is inevitable. Some learn and take precautions, while others continue to fall into the pit of astonishment. The core issue here is the disparagement of others’ work, a trait that dominates those with a “single-minded” mindset, particularly when someone takes over a task that was left unfinished.
Those who possess self-confidence and believe in the truth that sustenance is pre-allocated do not busy themselves belittling others’ work to highlight their own. Instead, they let the quality of their work speak for itself. Even if they are compelled to explain its merits, they strive to avoid disparaging others, for they are noble in character before they are accomplished in their deeds.
Some elaboration might enrich this topic. There are works that operate in closed circles, which we only enter out of necessity, such as home maintenance projects that require a contractor to handle a range of tasks, with all negotiations taking place between the contractor and the homeowner. We often notice that the new contractor strives to detail the flaws of his predecessor, despite having no prior knowledge or “conflict” with him. He does not need to do this, as he has already achieved his daily goal and secured new work.
Some shop owners, each of whom receives their own share of sustenance, do not cease repeating that what they offer is the best. The old customer hears detailed disparagement of neighboring shops. Even the owner of an isolated grocery store criticizes the merchandise of the larger supermarket, as if he could obtain more than his pre-allocated share.
As for works whose battles unfold under the spotlight and before many followers on social media, these belong to journalists, intellectuals, and writers. For instance, among journalists, the competition revolves around two axes: the rivalry between program hosts on competing channels, and the competition among guests on those programs. Here, the absurdity of the scene becomes evident, hiding behind it accumulated feelings of superiority complexes and jealousy.
I can understand the struggle among program hosts, despite their differences, as they face daily pressures from senior management, which calculates their viewership ratings, the weight of their guests, and the volume of reactions on social media. However, what I cannot tolerate is the attempts by some guests—analysts and commentators—to monopolize their appearances and smear the reputations of their colleagues, even though they know that events never end, programs are numerous, and broadcast hours are endless.
In conclusion, in the world of the “contractor” and its offshoots, no one wants to accept that there is nothing wider than the sky, that sustenance is apportioned, and that no one will reap anything other than what has been decreed for them. If they acted as Al-Hasan al-Basri did, their hearts would find peace. He said: “I knew that my sustenance would not be taken by anyone else, so my heart found peace.”
