An Ode to a simple “Hello”
How often do we encounter people who have done nothing to us, and yet we find it difficult to simply say hello?
To give someone a smile, to show appreciation for what they have created – all of this truly costs nothing. And yet, especially in the age of monetizing human qualities, it seems to be getting increasingly difficult.
In this poem, performed with bass, I explore exactly this: the lost art of appreciation.
Why Is It So Hard?
Today, we often say hello because we want to increase our reach, especially in the digital world. A hello from the heart seems to be fading more and more into the background. We are nice to someone because we hope to gain an advantage from it.
But giving someone a “hello” online is the same “hello” that I give to someone I meet on the street and don’t know. We say “hello” out of humanity.
The Wisdom of the I Ching
In the I Ching, Hexagram 42, “Increase,” it says:
“Decrease of the upper, increase of the lower.”
When the powerful share with the lower, it strengthens the whole. This ancient wisdom shows that true greatness lies in meeting the lower halfway. Status shouldn’t stop us from remaining human.
What Does It Really Cost?
It costs nothing to tell someone:
- “Hey, I like what you’re doing.”
- “You did that really well.”
- “I’m excited to see what comes of it.”
And yet many people are afraid – out of fear of rejection, out of exaggerated pride, or because they believe that status is more important than humanity.
The Complete Poem
It costs nothing,
to give a smile,
to a person who is in need.
It costs nothing,
to say “Hello,”
without contorting yourself,
even though status praises otherwise.
It costs nothing,
to give a compliment,
when you really like something.
It costs nothing,
to give closeness,
when you really only want to do good
and hold on to humanity.
It costs nothing,
to tell someone
how beautiful or good the works are,
that come from the heart, flowing,
for true love is truly blind.
💭 Let’s Talk
- Do you say “hello” to people you don’t know?
- Do you have the courage to give someone an honest compliment?
- What holds you back from showing more appreciation?
Share your thoughts in the comments – I’d love to hear from you.
📖 Read More
This reflection is part of a comprehensive essay about humanity, status, and the culture of encounter.
In the full article, you’ll discover:
- Why kindness has become a calculation
- Differences between city and country in greeting culture
- What the I Ching teaches about meeting others halfway
- Why we are social beings and need validation
- How to overcome the fear of recognition
👉 Read the full essay on Substack
🎵 About This Series
This poem is part of my “Heart Poetry for a Little More Humanity” series, where I combine poetry, music, and philosophical reflections.
This week I’m dedicating myself completely to the topic of gratitude, humanity, and frequencies and how it all plays together.
Stay tuned – more posts are coming in English, German, and Turkish.
What do you think about this poem? Leave me a comment! 💬