The True Nature of Quotas (2)

 Previously, I posited that the imposition of unreasonable quotas stems from the arrogant belief that humans can control future outcomes—a mindset that effectively places the individual in the position of God.

What happens when a human, lacking the capacity for such a role, presumes to occupy the place of God?

Arrogance and ruthlessness come to the fore.

When unreasonable quotas are forced upon others, the resulting pressure often leads to dishonesty—superficial adjustments made merely to hit the numbers—which causes internal distortions to accumulate. Meanwhile, the broader society suffers mounting damage. Then, at the very pinnacle of triumph—just as those in charge are intoxicated by the "victory" of having met their goals—these accumulated distortions reach a breaking point, and the collapse begins.

The moment of ruin has arrived.

This bears a striking resemblance to something I wrote previously-Evil is not worth it , and The reason why God lifts up the evil one in order to punish it. It is now clear: the way in which a system of quotas leads to ruin is identical to the way in which evil itself meets its end. In short:

Quotas are evil.

Much like the Ten Commandments—which include "Thou shalt not kill" and "Thou shalt not steal"—perhaps we should add an eleventh commandment:

"Thou shalt not impose quotas."

To deny God’s sovereignty and arrogantly assume that humans can control the future and its outcomes is a grave overreach. Inevitably, one pays the price for such arrogance: unforeseen complications arise, leading to a cycle of dishonesty, trickery, and lies—until, eventually, the truth is exposed, and everything collapses.

If, instead, humans were to embrace humility—acknowledging that whenever we speak of the future and its outcomes, we ought to add the phrase "Insha'Allah" (if God wills it)—then the arrogant, overstepping act of imposing unreasonable numerical targets upon others would become, for anyone who believes in God, something far too audacious and fearful to ever contemplate. Even if you are not a Muslim, the Confucian teaching of "do your utmost and leave the rest to Heaven" is more than sufficient.

To cultivate humility, one must acknowledge the existence of a power that transcends humanity—this is what faith, or religion, truly is. If it is indeed impossible to be humble without faith, then one remains trapped in an endless "hell of quotas" until such faith is attained.

By "faith," I do not necessarily mean becoming a formal adherent of any specific religion. It is simply about possessing—as we all have, inherently and from birth—a heart that openly acknowledges and holds in awe an overwhelming power beyond ourselves—whether you call it God, the Buddha, or Heaven.

Furthermore, there is no need to feel lost or despair simply because the future—and the outcomes that unfold within it—rests upon the will of God or the decree of Heaven. While we cannot directly discern this divine will or the decree of Heaven, that does not mean everything is arbitrary or chaotic. God is love itself—merciful and all-encompassing—and the Buddha is the embodiment of mercy ; the decree of Heaven, too, must surely align with justice. Therefore, the more our chosen goals contribute to the happiness of others, the more they align with the divine will, and the greater the likelihood that they will be realized.

Ultimately, if our goals are rooted in love, compassion, and justice, then the phrase "Insha'Allah" (if God wills it) truly reflects the divine intent. Even if the path is winding or fraught with difficulty, such goals will, in the end, come to fruition.

And so, for my part, all I can do—however modest my efforts may be—is to "do my utmost."

I will not impose quotas on others, and if someone tries to impose them on me, I will decline. If they persist, I will simply walk away.

That is how I intend to live—for as long as I am able to live that way. 

Guided by love and mercy

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