Let Humanity Awakes From Slumber

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Shaid Majeed Mir                                                            Slumber

Human beings stand on the sentinel of living world. They are multi faceted living organism possessing cognitive ability. This ability makes them capable to distinguish between right and wrong from multiple dimensions.

Apart from this man possesses reason which teaches him to prefer true over false. The dichotomy of later case is guided by empirical methodology. This method in modern terminology is called as scientific method or what is generally referred to as in social science “Behavioural Approach”.

It was Rene Descartes’ who first proposed such a complimentarily between science and social science. Therefore what is present along both dimensions in contemporary world is Rational Deliberation of Issues. But this notion when stretches to an extreme end gives rise to Materialism. This perverted mentality of reason in man deteriorates the normal functional capacity thereby disturbing the complex harmonic balance in society. Since Man possesses Spiritual aspect also therefore the delineation of crisis in either dimension becomes an uphill task.

Is it Spiritual lacuna or Natural evolution? But the consensus has reached on Moral crisis being precursor of rise in Materialism. Really so and if so How are million dollar questions awaiting answers?

Materialism as per Oxford dictionary is a philosophy based on belief that nothing exists beyond physical. It further explains Materialism as “Constant concern over material possessions and wealth; a great or excessive regard for worldly concerns”. Hence to a simple orientation the concept envisages undue amplification in material ambitions of man. This craze is driven by engine of scientific attributes. The materialism teaches man to be pragmatic in economic pursuit from individualistic perspective. It alienates the contribution of society from the personality of man.

Those who follow such school of thought in practice or defend such value provide the rational basis on defence. They measure the worth of each and everything from its contribution towards increase in physical stock of society.

There’s a three dimensional narrative at its base. First of all the scientific revolution itself destroyed its base through supremacy of reason. Since Man being Spiritual is not digestible in scientific terminology therefore all those beliefs based on unqualified attribute are not permissible at all. This orientation led to erosion of belief in wrong deeds followed by wrong results or Karma theory et al. Gandhi criticized science from this angle. Because it leads to what I call “de-spiritualisation of man” it’s not spirit which is humanised but soul which is alienated”. Rosseau also criticised the science and gave back to nature slogan. He further highlighted the “ist material pursuit as first fall of man”.

On the 2nd front rise in individualism through capitalism and liberalism laid the expressway for rise in Materialism. They emboldened an effect in man. This belief endorsed the Thesis of one for one’s own and for nothing else.

Thirdly the demoralisation of life style. The crisis and chaos evolved through selfish and parochial tendencies decreased role for religion in day today life. In fact as per Gandhi the religion is foremost guiding path for man to lead life worthy of living. Machiavelli laid a notorious path through separation of religion and politics. This extreme dichotomy lead to friction between what’s social to what’s individual.

Herein the religious teaching of Quran “Save yourself as well as your near and dear ones from hell “implies that society nurtures the man and shapes his intellect. It checks the undue ambitions of mine and thine saga.

All these dimensions are in full bloom today. The cult of materialism can be seen everywhere. Each and every relation is seen through prism of economic gains.

There’s a sustained fall in spiritual goals of man. Society is guided by mechanical relations having origin in material ambitions. The dichotomy of teacher and student, son and father et all have reached extreme. The rose in commercialization is sync with societal duties even intruding itself in education and religious teaching. The community call is unheard off. The community service is forgotten. The social relations which were earlier guided by Spiritual pursuit is not found anywhere. Someone has really commented” the robots are replacing human task “.

When there’s alienation of spirit from life of man the above comments are usual. Frankenstein syndrome is turning colour to Humanistic paradox with only dimension being Materialism. One dimensional man in a one dimensional world with one dimensional aim.

Summing the moral degradation and disastrous discussion leads one to conclude on “If science is humanised then science is indeed wisdom in itself “.

The belief rests on Spiritual world of human beings. Materialism is natural for human being but world of materialism is obviously the degree of verb unknown in grammar. The need of hour is to include and forcefully implement religious teachings in syllabus of young ones. This will sharpen the intellect of future generation. Moreover the man itself needs to awake from deep slumber and discard the material pursuits. Since soul is immortal while as body of man is mortal. It’s insane to prefer mortal over immortal.  The society guided by such mad craze manifests the deteriorated qualities in their life style. The western countries record highest level of illegitimate marriages and subsequent Childs. The Gun violence is breaking records in America. The difference between man and animal is dystopian talk in western world. The relationship of blood is mystery in world of industrial prowess. Is this the goal of humanity? Isn’t there any difference between man and animal? These results are a sown poisonous toad eroding the base of humanity.

Man is moral and ethical while as materialism is essentially an unethical and immoral. This contradiction is antagonistic which needs to be understood at earliest. Let’s hope the humanity awakes from slumber.

Writer Shahid Majeed Mir hails from Misribehak Machil Kupwara and can be reached at [email protected] 

 

 

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