Modesty Is a Strength

There continue to be calls to refrain from being extravagant, which is even prohibited for state officials and civil servants. However, many are unable to heed these calls.

KOMPAS

Rafael Alun, a former tax official, fulfilled an invitation to clarify his assets at the KPK Building on March 1, 2023.

To live excessively but modestly is not easy to do. Thomas Hobbes, a philosopher, saw humans as inherently greedy creatures. It is not strange for humans to desire a life that is abundant, excessive and beautiful. One can get very attached to things once obtained.

There are tempting luxuries from the moment you wake in the morning to falling asleep at night. From mattresses, pillows, bathrooms, clothes, dresses, cosmetics, jewelry, watches, bags, mobile phones, vehicles and office equipment for work until finally returning to your dream home. We want everything to be amazing. Soap operas, films or advertisements all depict luxury that always attract attention.

Also read:

> Flaunting Extravagance

> Supervising the State of Financial Management

Luxury also comes with quality, so there is nothing wrong with enjoying luxury. For some people, purchasing luxury goods is what motivates them to work harder. “I bought this branded bag as a reward for my hard work,” said a female executive. A number of behavioral experts believe that it is difficult for humans to motivate themselves. Incentives can spur people to be more productive, apart from sanctions.

Luxury only becomes an issue when it is obtained by corrupt means. Never forget there was once a minister who, when he was arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) after returning from Honolulu, the United States, was caught carrying a lot of luxury goods. Apparently, these were purchased using bribes from lobster seed export permits. Meanwhile, it was still difficult for the millions of fishermen under his care to buy nutritious food.

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Residential fishing village in Kali Rawa Malang, Cilincing, North Jakarta, Wednesday (16/3/2022). The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) noted that the number of poor people in September 2021 was 26.50 million people, down 1.04 million people from March 2021 data of 27.54 million people.

These kinds of cases are only rapidly increasing. Lately, many officials have been spotlighted by netizens. Luxury is flaunted on social media amid a widening economic gap. Showing off luxury on social media is even more widespread now and has become a habit for many.

Other behavioral experts believe that humans actually have the power of intrinsic motivation, meaning that humans are able to control themselves. Therefore, in this fasting month of Ramadan, we are again reminded of the importance of self-restraint. This month, Hindus celebrated Nyepi, the day of silence.

Also read:

> (Un) lawful Wealth

> Lifestyle of State Officials

The ability to refrain from being extravagant may indeed need to be constantly reminded and taught in this country, including in schools. One of the nation’s founding fathers, Mohammad Hatta, is one example of this.

Also recall the story of Ingvar Kamprad, founder of world furniture company IKEA. Despite being a billionaire, he lives a modest life, using public transportation frequently. When he arrived at an exclusive award ceremony at a luxury hotel in Sweden, he was denied entry by the officers because he got off a public bus, even though he was the recipient of that prestigious award. Those who are truly great are modest.

This article was translated by Kesya Adhalia.