It’s the last five minutes of 2025, and I’m not here to pretend this year was “a wild ride” like it was a theme park. It was more like a roller coaster designed by someone who hates joy and loves surprise fees.

Still… we made it.

And in recent years, we’ve watched something in high definition: the public flexing of unethical people in powerful positions, or with enough wealth to turn consequences into a subscription they don’t pay for. When that’s what gets spotlighted, I understand why some younger people might assume that’s the blueprint for success. I also understand why exhausted adults, people just trying to stay afloat, might start thinking, “Maybe I should hop on that train too.”

But history is pretty consistent about one thing: when people choose power over humanity long enough, consequences eventually pull up like, “Hey… quick question.”

Call it karma. Call it accountability. Call it the universe running an audit. (And yes, it’s always when you least expect it. Nobody gets a “friendly reminder” email.)

If you remove a few psychological abnormalities from the equation, most of us already know the basics. We understand what we don’t want to experience ourselves. We don’t want to be exploited, dehumanized, dismissed, used, lied to, or treated like we’re disposable. If that’s true, then the simplicity of humanity isn’t complicated at all: people want safety, dignity, fair chances, and a life that isn’t built on constant survival mode.

Wanting more than the next person doesn’t automatically make you a bad person. Ambition isn’t the enemy. But here’s the honest question: Why does equality feel like a threat? Why does the idea of other people having enough make some people feel like they have less?

There’s room in this world for different levels of talent, effort, output, and achievement. That’s reality. But there should also be a baseline where people can live, where basic needs aren’t treated like luxury add-ons. A universe-scale idea of fairness. Enough for those willing to contribute and support humanity. And yes, enough for those who are incapable of thriving on their own, because compassion isn’t a weakness… it’s a measure.

It might seem easy to join Team No Morality. The uniforms are flashy, the speeches are confident, and the slogans are always some version of “look out for yourself.” But do you really want to gamble on the compound payment that comes with that choice? The kind that shows up later, unexpected, multiplied, and perfectly timed for maximum discomfort?

Because it takes strength to be decent when being decent isn’t trending.

It takes resilience to stay humane when the world is begging you to become numb.

And it takes restraint not to respond in kind to people who bait your reactions, just so they can point and say, “See? It’s not just me.”

I’ve believed for a long time that it costs less: in time, energy, and consequences, to do the right thing first. Not the performative “right thing.” Not the camera-ready kindness. The real thing. The kind you do when nobody’s clapping.

So here’s my end-of-year ask. Not another fad resolution. Not “new year, new me” like we’re software updates.

Just something simple that benefits the rest of our lives:

Let’s treat people how we want to be treated.

But more importantly, let’s remember people don’t just hear what we say… they see how we treat them.

And to anyone still in the middle of a trial, a struggle, a season you didn’t ask for: this very moment is still the best moment to be the best version of you. Not perfect. Not unbreakable. Just intentional.

Because the future is being built right now, by what we tolerate, what we repeat, and what we choose.

Happy almost-2026.

Let’s make the next year one where humanity isn’t disadvantaged.

Before the year turns, ask yourself: Who benefits from how I move through the world? If the answer isn’t “people,” there’s still time to adjust. Carry this into 2026 with one decent act on purpose this week, especially when nobody’s watching. And if you know someone who needs that reminder, share this with them.

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