To Be Born Is To Be Chosen

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 18 August 2025 V S Naipaul may have been a lifelong controversial writer famous (or infamous?) for his many outspoken and volatile statements, one will not disagree with him that, The only lies for which we are truly punished are those we tell ourselves AND To be born is to be chosen. Nobel laureate V S Naipaul was born on August 17 ----- Vs Naipaul's first quote, "The only lies for which we are truly punished are those we tell ourselves," underscores the profound impact of of self-deception on our lives. It unveils the idea that our harshest chastisement results not from the lies we may convey to others, but rather from the falsehoods we perpetuate within ourselves. Naipaul suggests that deceiving ourselves leads to a self-inflicted punishment, as these lies erode the foundation of our core values and beliefs. By distorting the truth, we construct a facade that shields us temporarily from facing reality but ultimately exacts a heavy price on our psyche and well-being. This quote serves as a powerful reminder to strive for honesty and self-awareness, for it is in these virtues that we find genuine liberation and personal growth. Naipaul's quote is reminiscent of Benjamin Franklin's famous aphorism, " Who has deceived thee as often as thyself." Self-deception is a common human tendency and we often mislead ourselves more than others do. To quote Urdu poet Idris Devasi, "Khud Ko Jitni Baar Jul Diye Maine/ Mil Ke Utni Baar Nahin Diye Duniya N " (I've deceived myself so many times that the world put together didn't deceive me so often). We may dupe and deceive the world and get away with it. But when we deceive ourselves, somewhere it pricks our conscience and keeps gnawing at it. "Uss Raat Chain Ki Neend Soya Nahin Main/ Jis Din Khud Ko Dhokha Diya Maine" (I couldn't sleep peacefully whenever I deceived myself). It's perhaps the most difficult task to face oneself in the Stygian darkness of self's solitude. In his second profound statement, "To be born is to be chosen," Vs Naipaul encapsulates the belief in the significance and purpose behind every individual's existence. This quote suggests that the act of being born is not a random event but rather a deliberate choice made by a higher power or a greater force. It implies that each person is gifted with a unique opportunity to live a life of purposeand contribute to the world in their own distinct way. By emphasizing that birth itself involves a selection process, Naipaul underscores a sense of responsibility and agency that accompanies one's existence. This quote encourages us to recognize the inherent value in our own lives, to make the most of the opportunities presented to us, and to embrace the notion that our presence in the world serves a meaningful purpose. Even if one doesn't believe in a higher power, one cannot deny the fact that every life has a purpose. Once the Buddha was sitting with his disciples. They saw a man was being taken to the scaffold to be executed. " What was the purpose of this wretched man's life," asked Anand, Buddha's favourite disciple and his distant cousin. " Anand, don't call any person 'atra' (Pali for a wretched or good-for-nothing person). Even this man's life had a purpose. Seeing his sad end, one will understand that bad deeds lead to a bad end. His life is a lesson for not emulating him. He too had a role in the Universe." Yes, everyone has a definite role in the Universe. You may lambast yourself for your existence, but you were not created for a lark. Though you may be an exiguous verse, you've a place in the grand design of the Universe. "Yoon Hi Nahin Banaya Gaya Hai Mujh Ko / Ilm Hai Mujhe Meri Qeemat-e-Hasti Ka " (Not for nothing was I created / I know the value of my existence). Nothing in this Universe is accidental or at random. Whatever comes into being has a purpose, though it may not always be clear at first blush. So, rejoice in your existence and presence in this world. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/born-chosen/d/136517 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism