"عقل سلیم به ما می‌گوید که قدرتی که تلاش کرده ما را تحت سلطه خود درآورد از همه دیگران نامناسب‌تر است که از ما دفاع کند"

The core idea here is pretty straightforward: the very force that's trying to conquer us is the last one we should rely on to protect us. It's like asking the bully who stole your lunch money to also guard your wallet—just absurd, right?

Let's travel back to the late 1700s for some context. This quote is from Thomas Paine's "Common Sense," a pamphlet that lit the fuse of the American Revolution. Paine was saying, "Hey, why on Earth would we expect the British, who are trying to dominate us, to look out for our best interests?" It's like when someone keeps pushing you around, you don't turn to them for help. You stand up for yourself.

Now, think about this in real-life terms. Picture a small tech startup. They're developing this groundbreaking app, but they're being overshadowed and undercut by a massive tech company. The big company is trying to buy them out, not out of goodwill, but to squash the competition. It would be crazy for the startup to then expect this big tech giant to help them succeed. Instead, they need to find allies—investors, mentors, and other small businesses who genuinely want them to thrive. Depending on the big competitor would just spell disaster.

So, how do you use this piece of wisdom in your own life? Whenever you're faced with a challenge, especially one involving power dynamics, think about who's really in your corner. Are you leaning on someone who's actually working against you? Maybe it's a toxic relationship, a manipulative boss, or even a so-called friend who's more frenemies than anything else. It's crucial to seek support from those who genuinely have your back, not those who stand to gain from your downfall.

Imagine you're in a job that you find stifling. Your manager micromanages every task and undermines your ideas. If you keep going to them for career advice or expecting them to suddenly recognize your worth, you're setting yourself up for frustration. Instead, look for a mentor outside your direct line, maybe someone in another department or even outside the company. Someone who can see your potential and help you grow, without any conflicting interests.

Alright, let’s make it more relatable. Picture a kid, Sam, in middle school. Sam's got a classmate, Alex, who's always teasing them and trying to make them look bad in front of others. Now, Sam has this big science project and needs help. Common sense would tell Sam that asking Alex for help is a no-go. Instead, Sam should turn to a friend, a teacher, or maybe a classmate who’s shown kindness before. Depending on Alex would just give Alex more ammunition to make Sam’s life miserable.

So remember, in your own battles, big or small, the key is to recognize who’s really on your side. Don’t waste your energy seeking protection or support from those who benefit from your struggles. Look for genuine allies—those who want to see you succeed just for the sake of it. It’s all about knowing who's truly got your back.

And next time you're in a tough spot, remind yourself of this simple truth: the ones trying to keep you down can't be the ones to lift you up.