I come from the poorest province in South Africa. You are faced with poverty every day – starving animals, people in dire need, 60% – 80% unemployment. The scope of the problems can be overwhelming and paralyse you if you want to help. Where do I start? I can’t help everyone! How do I choose? And if I choose A, then I am letting everyone else down!
I know many people would say ‘what about all those you cannot save?’ By choosing these people, you are ignoring others!’ but I realised long ago that I cannot save everyone. Instead I concentrate on those I can save, and hope that those around me also do what they can. If I ever become despondent and depressed about how little I am able to help, I always think of the starfish story. It also helps cope with the constant whataboutism you come across when trying to help.
This is so true. We know we cannot help everyone (unless we have an insane amount of money like Elon Musk) but if we all do nothing then no one gets the help they need. I have always felt that it is better to help someone than help no one because we are all hurtling through space together on this very fragile rock we call Earth.