"二つのことを習慣にしなさい: 助けること; もしくは少なくとも害を与えないこと"

Helping others and doing no harm are two principles that can guide you through life. Think about it—if everyone aimed to help when they could, or at the very least, avoided causing harm, the world would be a much better place. It's a simple yet profound idea: contribute positively and avoid negativity.

This idea isn't new. It echoes the Hippocratic Oath, which isn't just for doctors but can be universally applied. The notion of making these practices habits is powerful. Habits shape our daily lives, and if kindness and harmlessness are at your core, your actions will reflect that.

Let’s dig into an example. Picture Sarah, an office manager overwhelmed with work. Her colleague, Mark, notices she’s swamped. He could ignore her struggles—it's not his job, after all—but instead, he offers to help with a part of her workload he's familiar with. Sarah, relieved, gets through her tasks without burning out. Mark’s small act of kindness didn’t just assist Sarah; it created a positive ripple effect. She’s more likely to help others and has a renewed sense of teamwork. Now think, what would have happened if Mark had just ignored her or, worse, added to her stress by offloading his work onto her? The outcome would be entirely different.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start small. Pay attention to the people around you. Notice when someone seems stressed or in need. Offer help, even if it’s just a kind word or a supportive gesture. And when faced with a decision, ask yourself, “Will this harm anyone?” If the answer is yes, rethink your approach.

Now, let's bring this to a more personal level with a relatable scenario. Imagine you’re at a grocery store, and you see an elderly person struggling to reach an item on a high shelf. You’ve got two choices: keep walking, pretending not to notice, or stop and help them. By choosing to help, you’re not only making their day a bit easier but also reinforcing the idea that we’re all in this together.

I remember a time when I was overwhelmed at work. Deadlines were looming, and the pressure was intense. A colleague, sensing my stress, offered to handle one of my simpler tasks. That small act of kindness didn’t just help me meet my deadline; it showed me the importance of teamwork and support. It’s something I’ve carried with me since. Whenever I see someone in need, I remember how much that little bit of help meant to me.

Imagine the collective impact if we all did this. Not every act of help has to be grand. They can be as simple as holding a door, listening to a friend, or even just not making someone’s day harder. When you make helping and not harming a habit, it changes how you interact with the world.

In essence, it’s about becoming more aware and intentional with your actions. Help when you can, and if you can’t help, at least don’t add to someone’s troubles. It’s a principle that can transform your interactions and, over time, create a more compassionate and supportive community around you.