Picture a poignant scene where family members gather around a deceased loved one, expressing grief and remorse. They are also proud of providing the deceased with a befitting burial. However, the deceased, in a poignant irony, laments: "If you had spent so much on me when I was alive, I'd live longer, happier, and healthier." This irony underscores the misplaced priorities and societal expectations that often guide our actions.

The powerful and ironic statement from the deceased is not a rare occurrence. It reflects a reality that we often overlook in our various societies — our tendency to prioritize appearances and societal expectations over genuine care and support when it's most needed.

Humans often focus on superficial or less essential aspects, neglecting life's essence or the most critical elements and moments. This wrong choice frequently leads to the phrase "medicine after death," which refers to efforts made too late to benefit the intended recipient.

Scale of Preference: The Importance of Making the Right Choice.

The concept of a scale of preference is not just a theoretical idea. It's a crucial tool in decision-making, both on personal and societal levels. It helps us arrange our needs and wants in order of importance, ensuring that we address the most pressing needs first. In the context of the illustration, the family's choice to invest in a lavish funeral rather than in the well-being of their loved one while alive highlights a distorted scale of preference. This concept is a practical roadmap that guides us in making decisions, ensuring that we focus on what's truly important and not just what seems urgent or appealing. It's a tool that can help us avoid the 'medicine after death' trap by prioritizing the most critical needs first.

However, the distorted scale of preference is not limited to individuals; on a broader level, societies often face similar dilemmas. Have you ever imagined the reason behind persistent hardship, economic malaise and underdevelopment in certain societies – some of them affluent enough to cater for citizens and provide much-needed amenities?  Think of governments which may allocate significant portions of the budget to defence or luxury white elephant projects while public health, education, and social services remain underfunded. This misallocation can result in deteriorating living conditions and missed opportunities for improvement. A well-considered scale of preference should prioritise human development and welfare, ensuring that resources are directed towards sustainable growth and well-being.

From the political point of view, many countries are experiencing a critical level of bad leadership, which has relegated the lives of citizens to an abysmal level and neglected basic social amenities and responsibilities, which otherwise would have transformed human lives. Despite the apparent failure of the government, most of them still get elected by simply buying the minds and future of the electorate with temporary palliative - care that only relieves symptoms without dealing with the condition's cause. Truly, palliative can only offer temporal relief, but the main economic strangulation, social inequality, joblessness, and lack of access to primary health care, education, and sanitation remain a mirage. Unfortunately, many masses fall into the palliative trap at the expense of choosing for their bright futures.

Misplaced Priority.

That brings one to the concept of misplaced priority, which occurs when individuals or entities make a wrong choice and judgement, which may involve allocating resources or attention to less critical areas at the expense of more crucial ones. This phenomenon is not limited to personal relationships but extends to various aspects of life, including business, governance, and societal norms. Accepting palliative, some as insignificant as a bag of rice, at the expense of demanding accountability, the rule of law, and good governance may alienate immediate suffering and, in the long run, may prove enslavement.

For example, parents may prioritise chasing after money at the expense of giving their children quality parental care. In most cases, these parents delegate the vital task of training their children to their nannies instead of spending quality time with their children. Ultimately, they may find that their children lack emotional connection or guidance, leading to long-term consequences. Similarly, businesses prioritising short-term profits over employee welfare and product quality may suffer from high turnover rates and a damaged reputation.

At the state level, misplaced priorities can manifest in policies favouring the elite or specific interest groups over the general population. This choice can lead to social inequality, unrest, and a lack of trust in public institutions. The cartoon reminds us that while focusing on outward appearances and societal expectations is easy, the value lies in the choices that genuinely benefit us and those around us.

 Consequences: Personal, Interpersonal, and State Levels.

The consequences of chasing after the shadow and engaging in medicine after death are manifold and can be profoundly impactful. On a personal level, individuals may experience regret, guilt, and a sense of loss for not having made better choices while there was still time. The emotional burden of having neglected a loved one's needs can be heavy, affecting one's mental health and well-being. We can all relate to this emotional toll, as we've all experienced the weight of regret at some point in our lives. This weight of regret is a powerful reminder of the need for change and the importance of making thoughtful and compassionate choices.

Interpersonally, these choices can strain relationships. Misplaced priorities may lead to resentment and estrangement among family members, friends, or colleagues. The aftermath of realising that more could have been done to support a loved one can create rifts that are difficult to mend.

At the state level, the consequences are even more far-reaching. Misallocating resources can lead to inadequate healthcare systems, poor infrastructure, and a lack of social services, affecting the overall quality of life and impeding a nation's progress. Moreover, when citizens perceive that their leaders need to prioritise their needs, it can lead to a loss of confidence in governance and potential civil unrest. This potential for unrest is a stark reminder of the urgency of making the right choices at the state level. It's a call to action for societal change, urging us to prioritize the well-being of the living over superficial appearances or societal expectations.

Conclusively, the illustration 'The Torch' is a powerful reminder of the importance of making thoughtful and compassionate choices. In this context, 'The Torch' symbolises the responsibility we all carry to make decisions that prioritise the well-being of the living over superficial appearances or societal expectations. It urges us to consider our priorities and the impact of our choices on ourselves and others. This responsibility is crucial, whether personal, interpersonal, or state. In doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of chasing after the shadow and administering medicine after death, ensuring a more balanced and fulfilling life for all. This emphasis on prioritising the well-being of the living is a source of inspiration for us all, highlighting the need for reflection and conscious decision-making.