The Wisdom of Naomi Nagata

I don’t know if this dialogue was written by James S.A. Corey, Mark Fergus, Ty Franck, or David Abraham, but it is some of the best for a novel and/or TV episode, and the best ending thereof as well as in general prescription for a philosophy of life, that I have ever seen.  Naomi’s final line reminded me of my favorite quote from one of my favorite scifi novels.

* * * * *

Jim:  “I hope I did the right thing.”

Naomi:  “You did.

“You followed your conscience in the hope that others would follow theirs.

“You didn’t do it for a reward or a pat on the head.

“The universe never tells us if we did right or wrong.

“It’s more important to try to help people than to know that you did.

“More important that someone else’s life gets better than for you to feel good about yourself.

“You never know the effect you might have on someone,  not really.

“Maybe one cruel thing you said haunts them forever.

“Maybe one moment of kindness give them comfort or courage.

“Maybe you said the one thing they needed to hear.

“It doesn’t matter if you ever know.

“You just have to try.”

Jim:  “You are very wise.”

Naomi:  “I’ve lived a hard life.”

(“To be afraid is to be alone, but only then does one attain self-discovery.  Pain defines and exact the price of wisdom.” – from The Masters of Solitude by Marvin Kaye & Parke Godwin)

* * * * *

So, per the wise Naomi Nagata:

Follow your conscience in the hope that others will follow theirs, but don’t do it for a reward or a pat on the head.  The universe will never tell you if you did right or wrong.

It’s more important to try to help people than to know that you did.  More important that someone else’s life gets better than for you to feel good about yourself.

You never know the effect you have on someone,  not really.  Maybe one cruel thing you said haunts them forever.  Maybe one moment of kindness gives them comfort or courage.  Maybe you said the one thing they needed to hear.  It doesn’t matter if you ever know.  You just have to try.