On Being Human
Pehle acha insaan bano. This is a statement reiterated in our spiritual poems, often revealed as a trait of all successful men.Those who take the time to be good humans first, get their way in life's pursuits.But this practice is not to be taken lightly, since it is in no way, easy. To be human is to tolerate your fellow-beings,among other hardships. Yes, I use 'tolerate' instead of, say, 'love' because love is not in the equation anymore for a majority of us , is it? Love for gadgets, maybe, but not towards the person sitting next to you. It has become increasingly difficult to put up with the human race.If only you would take a moment to lift your eyes from the all-too-consuming screen, look at your neighbour in the eye, and ask them what their day has been like, or offer a helping hand,if required. It does not matter if you're at home, on a train, or on a footpath. Use your eyes and SEE. I could go on regarding the loss of human values and such, like I was your grandmother, but I shall stop for now. Read the essay, On Saying Please, by A.G. Gardiner, will you?
We talk about national integrity, infrastructure development and technological innovation. Sure enough, there are the few who actually stand and fight for noble causes, but the black hands of corruption taint their efforts sooner or later. Environmental activists are waging a constant war against the authorities who shun them permits required to carry out protection measures. Any hopes of religious harmony kindled by seekers of peace are dashed by repressive governing systems.For men, when united, will be a force to reckon with. As for infrastructure and technology, there is no 'sustainable' development. Overgrown plots, which could be transformed into a playground for kids, or a leisure park, are instead replaced by skyscrapers. More often than not, building plans are approved without demanding a rainwater harvesting tank, compost pits or the planting of trees. If we continue to be ignorant of global warming, and stay ignorant in our glass mansions, nature will hit back, and there will be no helping humanity. We will melt into oblivion as a pack of idiots who misused the resources provided them, and disappeared after making much "sound and fury".It will be as if such a species had never existed, which is probably for the best.
All that technology has done is make India's future assets into couch-potatoes.A distracted younger generation, who do not know their priorities, spells trouble for the future. "Unnatural deeds do breed unnatural troubles"(Macbeth,Act V,Scene I).The mutilation of the Tejas Express is but one of many examples which prove our civilization is not even capable of preserving public resources. Why race toward more suave ways of living when the nouveau riche keep finding ways to smirk at the deprived and the uninformed? Granted, the national anthem has only lengthened the movie-watching experience at multiplexes which rely heavily on commercialism. But what of the viewers who refuse to stand up and honour their nation for a few seconds? Standing ovations, 'likes' and 'shares' are not enough. It is not for nothing that Aldous Huxley envisioned a Brave New World. Already, we are facing the consequences of our selfishness. The air, water and food we consume are poisoned. Moreover, the minds of people have been poisoned. What hope is there, then? You tell me.
We talk about national integrity, infrastructure development and technological innovation. Sure enough, there are the few who actually stand and fight for noble causes, but the black hands of corruption taint their efforts sooner or later. Environmental activists are waging a constant war against the authorities who shun them permits required to carry out protection measures. Any hopes of religious harmony kindled by seekers of peace are dashed by repressive governing systems.For men, when united, will be a force to reckon with. As for infrastructure and technology, there is no 'sustainable' development. Overgrown plots, which could be transformed into a playground for kids, or a leisure park, are instead replaced by skyscrapers. More often than not, building plans are approved without demanding a rainwater harvesting tank, compost pits or the planting of trees. If we continue to be ignorant of global warming, and stay ignorant in our glass mansions, nature will hit back, and there will be no helping humanity. We will melt into oblivion as a pack of idiots who misused the resources provided them, and disappeared after making much "sound and fury".It will be as if such a species had never existed, which is probably for the best.
All that technology has done is make India's future assets into couch-potatoes.A distracted younger generation, who do not know their priorities, spells trouble for the future. "Unnatural deeds do breed unnatural troubles"(Macbeth,Act V,Scene I).The mutilation of the Tejas Express is but one of many examples which prove our civilization is not even capable of preserving public resources. Why race toward more suave ways of living when the nouveau riche keep finding ways to smirk at the deprived and the uninformed? Granted, the national anthem has only lengthened the movie-watching experience at multiplexes which rely heavily on commercialism. But what of the viewers who refuse to stand up and honour their nation for a few seconds? Standing ovations, 'likes' and 'shares' are not enough. It is not for nothing that Aldous Huxley envisioned a Brave New World. Already, we are facing the consequences of our selfishness. The air, water and food we consume are poisoned. Moreover, the minds of people have been poisoned. What hope is there, then? You tell me.
Thanks Aiswarya!
ReplyDeleteYou're most welcome,sir! As a fellow blogger,your comment means a lot to me.If it is not too much to ask,could you go through my writing?Your criticism is welcome.
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