Some reflections about today’s lesson

We were asked to be the judge in a scenario, which put me in a dilemma. A druggist in town discovered a kind of drug which could save a woman suffering a lethal disease. However, the price he charged was far beyond what the husband could afford. Having failed in negotiating with the druggist, the husband was left no choice but broke in the drug store to steal the drug for his wife.

I felt torn by conflicting emotions when I was forced to judge this man’s behavior. From the perspective of human, it would be just like slapping the face of the god of mercy if I pick on a desperate husband trying his best to save his wife even with risk of being arrested. However, letting this kind of behavior alone would also be seen as trampling on our modern civilization which is built upon laws.

Taking an inappropriate example, cornered dogs bite even if they are good ones. Most people will show sympathy for people in that situation, but it does not necessarily mean that they will agree on their behavior. Laws are ruthless rules that people agree on. Once violated, you pay for it. It is its strict implementation that keeps the order of the society. We must show our constant respect for rules because criminals will always find an excuse if specials are accepted.

In the greedy druggist’s shoes, it is understandable that he wants to make profits from his discovery which could have cost blood, sweat and tears. Nevertheless, I should blame the legislators that they actually forgot to make a law supervising pricing. If only there were any law prohibiting overpricing, the tragedy could have been avoided. If only the druggist did a little kindness to the man to accept installment, the tragedy could also have been avoided.

Anyway, this is just the world we live in, where things do not do ideally, where nobleness and evil mingle, where life goes on and on nonstop.