Continuing on the theme of rigidity and inflexibility.
Let us analyse the constant argument between theists and atheists; a person of faith contends that God is undeniable, while an atheist asks for proofs. I think they are both wrong, proof is definitely required but is absence of proof an undeniable fact?
Ask anyone (or yourself) if they are fair, and they will assert they are reasonability personified. It’s equivalent to the questions:
Do you have a sense of humor? Are you willing to embrace change? Should liberty be for all?
I guarantee you that everyone will answer in the affirmative; but let the jokes turn on you and the self professed sense of humor goes for long walk. Ask someone to move out of their comfort zone and the change does not even make it to the piggy bank. Liberty for all of course comes with riders and addendums.
We all seem to be prepossessed and predisposed to take a stand on something without a leg to stand on. Take age old subjects like theism, faith and philosophy. Topical discussion on health care, immigration, environmental changes, family values, education or everything we have a deep deep bias, once we have decided on our inclination then all other perspectives are obliterated.
I feel fortunate to be a bit more open-minded (at least I think and hope I am!), and the older I get, the more I realize how little I know. I wouldn't dare entertain or admit that I know everything on anything, I may have read hundreds of books on military campaigns but will be probably be shot by the end of the day if I go into the field. Reading books on sailing will not teach you to rig up a boat, watching History channel does not make you a historian, reading Ayn Rand does not make you a philosopher (although you are free to grow a goatee and smoke a pipe), and reading Romeo and Juliet definitely does not make you a lover.
Therefore I fail to understand how anyone could be authoritative on anything which has not been proven beyond a doubt. I am bewildered by this black and white vision of the world, when most of the times everything is so grey. Gautama Buddha abandoned his family in search of nirvana. Gandhi was father of a nation with no empathy for his own son. Alaska, Siberia & Sahara are harsh forbidding places yet they have the greatest natural resources and breathtaking beauty. The list goes on and on and on.
Mention one nation, one faith, one human, one era, one theory, one diet or even one child which does not have their Jekyll and Hyde sides and then, I will accept a absolute viewpoint on any topic.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Alone in a crowd
So let’s say someone is very social, a gregarious outgoing person willing to meet and befriend new people all the time, does that also make him/her an open, fair and reasonable person? For the majority that seems to be the view.
I contend otherwise, I myself am not very good at social interaction, and do understand that it’s my own inadequacies that do no let me mix well with people. More often than not it's my inherent introversion, coupled with my laziness, that prohibits me to put in the effort required to maintain relationships. However, sometimes there is a third factor - when I meet someone who by a phrase, thought or action show that they have rigid mindsets that will not allow for any new information, people whose viewpoints are so preset that not even one speck of doubt can enter their minds.
These people are so fixated on their rigid snapshot of the world that wonder, creative impulse, empathy, and a feeling of fairness are impossible for them. I then unconsciously make the decision to keep the relationship at arm's length. I never try to change them; usually it’s a waste of time and effort and can destroy the relationship entirely. I try to remain civil and at peace with that person.
The saddest thing is that a majority of such have sharp minds, although trapped within a false picture of the world which never gets out. When presented with any information that contradicts their views, they just shrug it off. They don't want to know. Some don't want to be confused by the facts because it means they may have to change; maybe their lifestyle, their church, their politics, their morality. They are very exasperating to debate with; not only are they conceited in their certainty that they are right and everyone else is wrong, they are also unable to understand how anyone could really see things in a different way.
I feel they are the ones with true issues of social interactions, in spite of their numerous engagements and large social circle, they are the ones truly reclusive and alienated, walled in by their monolithic thought.
I contend otherwise, I myself am not very good at social interaction, and do understand that it’s my own inadequacies that do no let me mix well with people. More often than not it's my inherent introversion, coupled with my laziness, that prohibits me to put in the effort required to maintain relationships. However, sometimes there is a third factor - when I meet someone who by a phrase, thought or action show that they have rigid mindsets that will not allow for any new information, people whose viewpoints are so preset that not even one speck of doubt can enter their minds.
These people are so fixated on their rigid snapshot of the world that wonder, creative impulse, empathy, and a feeling of fairness are impossible for them. I then unconsciously make the decision to keep the relationship at arm's length. I never try to change them; usually it’s a waste of time and effort and can destroy the relationship entirely. I try to remain civil and at peace with that person.
The saddest thing is that a majority of such have sharp minds, although trapped within a false picture of the world which never gets out. When presented with any information that contradicts their views, they just shrug it off. They don't want to know. Some don't want to be confused by the facts because it means they may have to change; maybe their lifestyle, their church, their politics, their morality. They are very exasperating to debate with; not only are they conceited in their certainty that they are right and everyone else is wrong, they are also unable to understand how anyone could really see things in a different way.
I feel they are the ones with true issues of social interactions, in spite of their numerous engagements and large social circle, they are the ones truly reclusive and alienated, walled in by their monolithic thought.
Friday, December 4, 2009
In Support of Mankind
Something written eons ago, much more cynical now and I snigger at some of the naivety below. Even then I guess, on the whole still agree with my original concept, with the amendment that I think the "success" is more due to human selfishness, more about Man practising existentialism than altruism. Anyway here is the essay, your thoughts?
I admire Me, me as a representation of the human race. Since many generations it has been the flavor that all ills of society are laid on human innate self-centered, narcissistic, acquisitive nature. Sanctimonious people having read the current articles on environmental changes and historical revisionism rail against the mess we have made of this world, but I beg to differ. I continue to think that blaming mankind is a very narrow and negative attitude. I honestly believe that over the centuries we have done and are doing a better job then anyone has a right to expect.
From the very beginning of our existence we found ourselves alone and vulnerable in a vast universe and not only alone but the only creature to realize it's loneliness. Our early ancestors were not very impressive creatures compared to the other living beings. We had no huge claws and teeth, no wings, no scaly armor, no great strength and swiftness. But we had something more valuable, adaptability, the capability to adjust to changing conditions. We were flexible and experimental and so instead of despairing we turned our attention to make something useful out of our novel situation.
We discovered fire to give light and protection. We found a God to guide us, to provide us with both a sense of direction and a human ideal to live by.
We probed and experimented with everything we thought worthwhile. We did at times falter but tried again and again till we overcame each hurdle that came toward us. We were like blind men in a maze and we had to choose a way forward. We often made mistakes but learned from each wrong path and generally found the right track.
We made revolutionary discoveries. We discovered that kindness and gentleness were better than cruelty and brutality. We found that honesty and trust are the best qualities that can be desired. We found a code of conduct for ourselves and conceived an ideal of justice for all men. Isn't it still news when we commit a crime or kill someone? Ordinarily, courtesy and goodness are taken for granted, therefore never reported, for people are naturally born to graciousness. They are common and seldom noticed.
Alone among all living things we saw beauty in nature. We cherished it and tried to emulate it, thus creating masterpieces in arts and literature. Knowing that we have to be self sufficient to stay alive, we worked with ability beyond imagination. We changed earth from molten lava and great jungles to a vast source of food for ourselves. We take heat and energy from earth and sun and cultivate it year after year. We have taken giant strides in all branches of sciences. We created a governing system to facilitate living together in millions. Every morning we get up to the necessity of a day's work and we go about it with an efficiency that is amazing.
Whatever impossible and insurmountable obstacle man has come across, he has always worked at it, and in due time surpassed it. To quote Bernard Edmonds:
“To dream anything that you want to dream,
That is the beauty of the human mind.
To do anything that you want to do,
That is the strength of the human will.”
I think man has managed to dream and then follow through on his dreams; he is the child of the universe who has inherited eternity. I think he is magnificent and I’m his devoted, unashamed advocate and proud to be one of him.
I admire Me, me as a representation of the human race. Since many generations it has been the flavor that all ills of society are laid on human innate self-centered, narcissistic, acquisitive nature. Sanctimonious people having read the current articles on environmental changes and historical revisionism rail against the mess we have made of this world, but I beg to differ. I continue to think that blaming mankind is a very narrow and negative attitude. I honestly believe that over the centuries we have done and are doing a better job then anyone has a right to expect.
From the very beginning of our existence we found ourselves alone and vulnerable in a vast universe and not only alone but the only creature to realize it's loneliness. Our early ancestors were not very impressive creatures compared to the other living beings. We had no huge claws and teeth, no wings, no scaly armor, no great strength and swiftness. But we had something more valuable, adaptability, the capability to adjust to changing conditions. We were flexible and experimental and so instead of despairing we turned our attention to make something useful out of our novel situation.
We discovered fire to give light and protection. We found a God to guide us, to provide us with both a sense of direction and a human ideal to live by.
We probed and experimented with everything we thought worthwhile. We did at times falter but tried again and again till we overcame each hurdle that came toward us. We were like blind men in a maze and we had to choose a way forward. We often made mistakes but learned from each wrong path and generally found the right track.
We made revolutionary discoveries. We discovered that kindness and gentleness were better than cruelty and brutality. We found that honesty and trust are the best qualities that can be desired. We found a code of conduct for ourselves and conceived an ideal of justice for all men. Isn't it still news when we commit a crime or kill someone? Ordinarily, courtesy and goodness are taken for granted, therefore never reported, for people are naturally born to graciousness. They are common and seldom noticed.
Alone among all living things we saw beauty in nature. We cherished it and tried to emulate it, thus creating masterpieces in arts and literature. Knowing that we have to be self sufficient to stay alive, we worked with ability beyond imagination. We changed earth from molten lava and great jungles to a vast source of food for ourselves. We take heat and energy from earth and sun and cultivate it year after year. We have taken giant strides in all branches of sciences. We created a governing system to facilitate living together in millions. Every morning we get up to the necessity of a day's work and we go about it with an efficiency that is amazing.
Whatever impossible and insurmountable obstacle man has come across, he has always worked at it, and in due time surpassed it. To quote Bernard Edmonds:
“To dream anything that you want to dream,
That is the beauty of the human mind.
To do anything that you want to do,
That is the strength of the human will.”
I think man has managed to dream and then follow through on his dreams; he is the child of the universe who has inherited eternity. I think he is magnificent and I’m his devoted, unashamed advocate and proud to be one of him.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Why do I Blog - "Cogito, ergo sum"
Years ago when kids my age wanted to be cool, be a rock star, or an Olympian, an astronaut, or even just save the world, I wanted an additional ability - to write.
Many moons have passed by since then. Many of my starry dreams has been lost but somehow the slow ember of wanting to write has remained.
Like many of us I read voraciously everything I could lay my hands on, from Homer to O Henry, from Shakespeare to Steinbeck, I have walked the sled dogs with Jack London, picked oranges in Salinas, lived in old English Victorian houses with Jane Austen characters, I have starved with Oliver Twist, smoked pipe with Sherlock Holmes and felt the chill in my spine at nights on Daphne du Maurier's Cornish moors.
I lived and breathed with the characters, I was a musketeer, I rang the bells of Notre Dame, rioted in the streets of Paris, marched with Cromwell and sailed the seas with Walter Raleigh, I have exchanged beads with native American Indians, been burnt at the stake in Salem, felt the angst with Dostoevsky, walked the plank on Long John Silver's boat, lived on the island with Robinson Crusoe, jubilated at the fall of Sauron, wept at the death of Caesar and exulted while marching under Arc de triomphe, saw the rise and fall of the Roman empire, and was horrified at the cruelty of man while seeing the katana being used at Nanking or while hiding with Anne Frank.
In a way all those masterpieces were both my salvation and demise, no doubt I have been blessed to be able to read such works but gradually also realized I need a lot more talent, skill and discipline to be able to attempt to write like these maestros.
Everything I write becomes a hack’s work. When I sketch a character, Somerset Maugham shows through. When my character rides a horse I know Lochinvar has ridden better. When I write about something as prosaic as the weather, I see Melville’s stormy seas, and it has never bought out the misery of Jack London's cold merciless Northwest.
Now though a realization came to me. It’s not a competition. We should write to express ourselves. We learn a thousand fold more by externalizing and then by introspecting on the response. There is a great joy in being “able to speak your mind” and that brings me to the title of this post and René Descartes "Cogito, ergo sum" - I think, therefore I am.
This saying has been a cornerstone of philosophy and I agree that our very existence is dependent on our ability to think and reflect. To paraphrase Descartes "I am thinking, therefore I exist", but thinking without sharing is useless, it’s akin to the tree falling in the forest. As Herman Melville said, "We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads."
So I have started this blog. I will write what I think and maybe that will make someone else think. If I can make even one person think then I have made that person exist. What Man can ask for more.
Many moons have passed by since then. Many of my starry dreams has been lost but somehow the slow ember of wanting to write has remained.
Like many of us I read voraciously everything I could lay my hands on, from Homer to O Henry, from Shakespeare to Steinbeck, I have walked the sled dogs with Jack London, picked oranges in Salinas, lived in old English Victorian houses with Jane Austen characters, I have starved with Oliver Twist, smoked pipe with Sherlock Holmes and felt the chill in my spine at nights on Daphne du Maurier's Cornish moors.
I lived and breathed with the characters, I was a musketeer, I rang the bells of Notre Dame, rioted in the streets of Paris, marched with Cromwell and sailed the seas with Walter Raleigh, I have exchanged beads with native American Indians, been burnt at the stake in Salem, felt the angst with Dostoevsky, walked the plank on Long John Silver's boat, lived on the island with Robinson Crusoe, jubilated at the fall of Sauron, wept at the death of Caesar and exulted while marching under Arc de triomphe, saw the rise and fall of the Roman empire, and was horrified at the cruelty of man while seeing the katana being used at Nanking or while hiding with Anne Frank.
In a way all those masterpieces were both my salvation and demise, no doubt I have been blessed to be able to read such works but gradually also realized I need a lot more talent, skill and discipline to be able to attempt to write like these maestros.
Everything I write becomes a hack’s work. When I sketch a character, Somerset Maugham shows through. When my character rides a horse I know Lochinvar has ridden better. When I write about something as prosaic as the weather, I see Melville’s stormy seas, and it has never bought out the misery of Jack London's cold merciless Northwest.
Now though a realization came to me. It’s not a competition. We should write to express ourselves. We learn a thousand fold more by externalizing and then by introspecting on the response. There is a great joy in being “able to speak your mind” and that brings me to the title of this post and René Descartes "Cogito, ergo sum" - I think, therefore I am.
This saying has been a cornerstone of philosophy and I agree that our very existence is dependent on our ability to think and reflect. To paraphrase Descartes "I am thinking, therefore I exist", but thinking without sharing is useless, it’s akin to the tree falling in the forest. As Herman Melville said, "We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads."
So I have started this blog. I will write what I think and maybe that will make someone else think. If I can make even one person think then I have made that person exist. What Man can ask for more.
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