New Thoughts Are Always Unsettling To One's Old Beliefs

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 11 September 2025 September 11 is the 140th birth anniversary of D H Lawrence who's considered one of the most important and influential modernist writers of the 20th century. D H Lawrence will always be remembered for jolting our collective (sexual) morality and prudery with his books like 'Lady Chatterley's lover' (1928), 'The Rainbow ' (1915) and ' Women In Love ' (1920). 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' was proscribed even in his own country, England, and the US. Today, it's a masterpiece in world literature. Its adulterous theme was taboo until a century ago. Now it's on the syllabus of a few premier universities in the world without any expurgation or bowdlerization. This shows the dynamic nature of morality and also underlines its flexibility as per the existing ethos of age and era. At the same time, it also proves that morality is man-made which changes according to the changing times and climes. Had morality been divine, it'd have been static and unchangeable. While stoning to death and lashings are prescribed as scriptural punishments in cases of adultery, the modern moral sensibilities of a civilized world refuse to endorse such antediluvian religious idiocy. In other words, morality is forever in a state of flux. It's not embossed on the granite of times. New morality is always resented and resisted. D H Lawrence rightly stated that, " New thoughts are always unsettling to one's old beliefs." There's an inevitable conflict that arises when new ideas challenge our long-held convictions. Anything powerfully new and novel is vehemently opposed in the beginning. Throughout our lives, we develop beliefs and opinions that shape our understanding of the world. However, when confronted with fresh perspectives or alternative ideologies, our sense of certainty becomes unsettled. In this process, we are faced with a choice: either reject these new thoughts and remain steadfast in our old beliefs, or embrace the discomfort and allow ourselves to grow and evolve. While this journey of questioning one's beliefs can be challenging and even disorienting, it is essential for personal growth and intellectual progress. Only by daring to explore new possibilities and challenging the status quo, can we truly expand our horizons and discover deeper truths about ourselves and the world in which we live. Remember, new always jolts us out of our comfort zone. But we must be ready and open to accepting all that's new and revolutionary. Though new could be painful, it's ever needful. All we really need is to believe in the possibility of something (different). In a world full of uncertainties and obstacles, it is easy to succumb to doubt and give up on our dreams. However, we must set aside our anxieties, fears, and doubts, and instead focus on the potential and infinite possibilities that lie before us. By embracing the idea that something is within our reach, we open ourselves to a world of opportunities and growth. This serves as a powerful reminder to approach life with optimism and faith, as with the belief in what is possible, we can conquer seemingly insurmountable challenges and achieve extraordinary feats. ----- 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/thoughts-unsettling-beliefs/d/136791 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