Mr. Herman patted his knee. "Wow, this conversation is heavy. I'm just a taxi driver, but I feel like I just attended a philosophy seminar."
Everyone laughed, while Marlon sat back more relaxed. The discussion hadn't provided any definite answers, but at least he felt his questions were starting to find direction.
The world is indeed not as simple as black and white. Every value held by people may just be the result of a long history of change and external influence.
And their task was not simply to accept everything blindly—but to understand, examine, and seek the real truth.
Marlon leaned back on the sofa, his expression showing deep unease. He looked at his friends seated around the living room, then took a deep breath before speaking.
Marlon exhaled slowly, staring at his cooling cup of tea. "Have you ever realized how the shift in societal values has made things worse? Back then, even though the term 'religious tolerance' wasn't widely used, we actually lived it. Now, the term is often echoed, but the practice is fading."
Riri nodded in agreement. "You're right, Marlon. In the past, even without labels, we lived side by side in harmony. Nowadays, many talk about tolerance, but reality shows the opposite."
Mr. Herman leaned back into the sofa. "Maybe it's because those values were deeply embedded in our culture back then, without the need for labels or formal terms. Now, a lot of things have become mere formalities, lacking real meaning."
Marlon continued, "If we trace it further back, maybe this problem started way back with our nation's founders. I once heard that Bung Hatta said corruption had already become a culture in this country."
Romo, who had been silent, finally spoke. "Yes, Bung Hatta did express his disappointment over the rampant corruption in Indonesia. He even returned the remaining funds from a business trip to the state treasury—a rare act that showed immense integrity."
Marlon nodded. "Exactly. If corruption was already ingrained since the early days of independence, it's no wonder practices like corruption, collusion, and nepotism still thrive today."
Riri added, "Maybe this is why progress has been so hard. The noble values we once upheld have been eroded by unethical practices."
Mr. Herman sighed. "So, what can we do? Just surrender to the situation?"
Marlon looked at his friends with conviction. "No, sir. We have to start with ourselves. We need to replant the values of honesty, integrity, and responsibility in our daily lives. Even small steps, if taken together, can bring about significant change."
Romo smiled and said, "I agree, Marlon. Big changes always start with small steps. We must become role models for the next generation—showing that noble values still exist and must be upheld."
That night's discussion gave them all a sense of clarity. Despite the immense challenges, they realized that change must begin within themselves and their immediate surroundings. With a spirit of unity and commitment to uphold noble values, they hoped to contribute to building a better Indonesia.
Marlon looked at Romo seriously, his eyes full of unsettling questions. He set his cup of tea on the table and leaned back into the sofa, trying to steady his voice—calm but firm.
"Romo... do you think this is fate?"
Romo, sipping his tea, raised an eyebrow. "Fate in what sense?"
Marlon took a slow breath. "Fate that humans were never meant to be completely honest? I'm starting to believe that humans aren't designed to always tell the truth, but are social beings who have to adapt. And in the end, that adaptation makes us what we are—not always honest, but always trying to survive."
Riri, who had been listening, jumped in. "You mean, humans can't be fully honest because of social pressure?"
Marlon nodded. "Exactly. I remember something my philosophy lecturer once said: 'Politeness eliminates honesty and truth.'"
Mr. Herman chuckled. "That's the kind of quote that could offend a lot of people."
Marlon smiled faintly. "But if you think about it, it makes sense. We're taught to always be polite, to speak gently, to avoid hurting others. But doesn't that mean we're sacrificing honesty? How often do we hold back from saying something true just because we're afraid of being seen as rude or inappropriate?"
Romo looked at Marlon intently, then asked, "So, you think politeness is in conflict with honesty?"
Marlon paused before answering. "Not always. But it can be a tool of control. If we're always told to be polite and follow a code of ethics defined by society or certain groups, isn't that a way to preserve the status quo? Those in power would certainly benefit if people below them always behaved politely, obediently, and never questioned anything."
Riri nodded. "So this isn't just about how we interact with others—but also about who sets the rules, and why those rules exist?"
Mr. Herman smiled while folding his arms. "Interesting thought. If you think about it, we've always been taught to respect our elders, to be polite to superiors, never argue, always obey the system. But who created all those rules? Maybe the people who made them were just trying to stay in power—so no one would challenge or question them."
Marlon nodded. "That's what I'm getting at. Politeness and ethics definitely help maintain social harmony, but on the other hand, they can also be used to silence those trying to speak the truth. It's a kind of invisible social control."
Romo took a deep breath and asked, "So, do you think we'd be better off without politeness and ethics?"
Marlon shook his head. "Not exactly. I just want to understand the boundaries. How far do we go in balancing truth and politeness? Is there a point where we have to sacrifice one for the other?"
Riri added, "Or maybe we've just been taught to be 'good' based on standards set by others—not because it's actually right, but because it's convenient for them?"
Mr. Herman chuckled while shaking his head. "Hahaha, if you guys said stuff like this in front of politicians or religious leaders, you might get exiled."
Romo smiled slightly. "Maybe it's not about exile—but whether we're ready to face the consequences or not. The world isn't just black and white, and many of the values we hold today may already have been shaped by certain interests."
Marlon sighed. "That's what makes it so confusing. We're told to be honest, but also to spare people's feelings. We're asked to be polite, but also to fight injustice. We're told to be critical, but when we're too critical, we're labeled as disruptive."
Riri leaned her head against the sofa. "So, what's the conclusion?"
Romo looked at each of them, then said calmly, "Maybe it's not about choosing between honesty or politeness. But rather about knowing when to be honest, and when to preserve harmony. The world is grey—and our task isn't to pick sides, but to find balance."
Marlon fell into deep thought, while Mr. Herman smiled in satisfaction.