Anything that has outlived its utility has no use for either itself or others..

I had circulated a writeup about the advantages of a soldier honourably lying down his life in a combat and people leaving honourably while running around with their throttles fully on.An elderly friend sent a rejoinder that all soldiers do not die in war and everyone has the right to live comfortably even when he is retired.

I am a retired person, inactive for eight years now.. I would love to assert my right to such a comfortable life

But my logical mind rebels.. Life cannot be that rosy. It is better to die in harness.

My reply

You must understand one thing.

Anything that has outlived its utility has no use for either itself or others..

Like a worn out car, blunt knife or broken sword.. Of course, there is always a state of friction or disagreement between a living being's instinct for survival and its efficiency and utility..

Rights, entitlements ... all these are what others allow you.

You do not possess such things unless others allow you.. Any benefit is simply like that.

Fundamental Rights, and declaration of human rights are all platitudes and can happen only through majority consent.

Of course, you must know the social contract theory..

Somehow, everyone is aware that he would become useless and he cannot die at will too.

He may have to survive his last days, when he is utterly useless he has to survive by asserting his own assumed rights.

Therefore, as a matter of abundant caution he condescends to allow these rights to old and useless people even when he is young and operational..

It is only an adjustment..

As old men you and I can talk and shout about our rights..

However, such rights would be allowed only if the younger and stronger people allow it..

I was just presenting an idea as propounded by Bheeshma, and was analysing it not from my personal angle..

A retired soldier, or any retired living being is of no use to others. Perhaps such people are no use even for themselves..

So making noise asserting the rights might make you feel comfortable. But nothing more than that.

For a soldier, the best time to die is when he is active. For a professional or a worker too it is best for him and others if he dies when he is in harness. .