Critical Thinking or Convenient Scepticism? A Rejoinder to "The Fallibility of Beliefs and the Imperative for Compassionate Action"

By Naseer Ahmed, New Age Islam 28October 2024 The article, The Fallibility of Beliefs and the Imperative for Compassionate Action, showcases the risks of superficial critical thinking. It misconstrues Bertrand Russell's caution about dying for beliefs as a universal distrust of belief itself. Yet in attempting to champion critical thinking, it fails to apply it, overlooking the essential distinction between holding values and committing violence in their name—a confusion that undermines its point. The real concern today isn’t that people are willing to die for their beliefs; rather, it’s the staggering number willing to compromise values for personal gain. Had there been more willing to defend their convictions against injustice, we might not be watching—via live streams—the tragic loss of life in Gaza. This genocide persists not because of unshakeable beliefs but because of relentless compromises, bought loyalties, and the overwhelming power of lobbies securing the world’s silence. Historically, genuine conviction has often led to principled, peaceful resistance against oppression, as seen with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Both were acutely aware of the threats to their lives, yet neither wavered in their beliefs. Their courage exemplified true conviction, proving that holding deep beliefs does not mean imposing them through violence. Instead, they pursued justice, equity, and dignity, ultimately paying the price for their principles. This is the difference between dying for beliefs and killing with beliefs—a nuance lost in the article’s broad brush. Moreover, not all beliefs lead to division or violence. Many promote empathy, understanding, compassion, and justice. To view all convictions as equally dangerous is a cynical approach that disregards the countless sacrifices made by those who upheld their beliefs without succumbing to hatred. Perhaps it is not "dying for beliefs" that should be questioned but living for them—that is, acting with integrity and defending justice, even at personal risk. This choice of conscience over compromise has been the bedrock of real social progress, while indifference and "convenient scepticism" have enabled atrocities. In sum, the article fails the very test of critical thinking it champions, ignoring the beneficial role of deeply held values in promoting peaceful social change. True critical thinking involves differentiating between zealotry and conviction. Beliefs that support justice, empathy, and compassion are not just valid—they are vital. The world would benefit not from fewer believers but from more individuals willing to uphold convictions that serve humanity. With apologies to Sir Walter Scott Breathes there the man, with heart so faint, Who holds no truth without restraint, Who’d rather waver, step aside, Than trust a cause for which he’d die. He drifts through life with placid care, Afraid of passions bold and rare, For fear he errs, he shirks the fight, Content to dwell in cautious light. If such there breathe, go, mark him well; For him no stirring raptures swell. High though his titles, known his name, Measured his thoughts in cautious frame, Despite his mind, his wit, his lore, He’ll live as one who stands ashore— Unmoved by tides that sweep and rise, Content with distant, safe surmise. Yet think of those who faced their fate, With hearts unbowed, convictions great. Gandhi, with peace, the tyrant braved, And Martin Luther's voice, enslaved, Rang out for justice, love, and right— Both champions bold in darkest night. They knew the risks, the price to pay, Yet stepped forth on that fateful day. For truths they held as life’s own breath, They walked with courage unto death. And so they pass, revered, renowned, By love uplifted, honour crowned— To dust return, but not unsung, In memory bright, forever young. ----- A frequent contributor to NewAgeIslam.com, Naseer Ahmed is an Engineering graduate from IIT Kanpur and is an independent IT consultant after having served in both the Public and Private sector in responsible positions for over three decades. He has spent years studying Quran in-depth and made seminal contributions to its interpretation. ---------------- URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/convenient-scepticism-rejoinder-compassionate/d/133566 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