bhaskar saikia

We grow up hearing the golden rule: play fair, be kind, follow the rules, and life will reward you. But the truth we discover as we step into the world is often harsher—life is not fair.

Some are born into comfort while others start in struggle. Some talents are recognized instantly, while others remain hidden in shadows for years. Effort does not always guarantee reward, and luck can tilt the balance in ways we can neither predict nor control.

So the real question is: if life isn’t fair, why are you trying to play it fair?

The Myth of Fairness

Fairness is a human construct. We design systems, rules, and morals in the hope of creating balance. But life itself—nature, fate, randomness—does not follow our rules. A storm doesn’t strike fairly. Illness doesn’t choose fairly. Success and failure often don’t distribute fairly either.

When you cling too tightly to the idea of fairness, you end up frustrated, resentful, or even paralyzed by comparison.

What You Can Do Instead

If you stop expecting life to be fair, you begin to reclaim your power. You start seeing opportunities where others see injustices. Instead of complaining about uneven ground, you learn to run with uneven steps.

1. Focus on what you control. You can’t control the hand you’re dealt, but you can control how you play your cards.
2. Turn unfairness into advantage. Sometimes being the underdog gives you resilience, creativity, and grit that comfort never teaches.
3. Don’t wait for perfect rules. If you’re waiting for a fair chance, you might wait forever. Start where you are, with what you have.

Playing Smart vs. Playing Fair

This doesn’t mean you abandon integrity. Fairness in how you treat people still matters—it shapes your character, your relationships, your peace of mind. But when it comes to navigating life itself, learn to play smart, not just fair.

Be strategic. Adapt fast. Accept that others may have a head start, but that doesn’t make the race impossible for you.

A Shift in Perspective

The sooner you stop asking, “Why is life unfair?” and start asking, “How can I move forward despite this?”, the lighter you feel. You realize that the goal is not to balance the scales of the universe—it’s to carve your own path with the weight you’re given.

Because in the end, life may not be fair. But it is yours. And that’s reason enough to play boldly, even if the rules were never written in your favor.