I Think; Therefore I'm Dangerous

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 25 April 2025 The quote "I think; therefore I'm dangerous" from A History of Western Philosophy captures the essence of the immense power that lies within human beings. René Descartes famously declared, "Cogito, ergo sum," or " I think, therefore I am," affirming the fundamental existence of the self through our ability to think and be conscious of our own thoughts. However, this quote takes it a step further by highlighting the inherent danger that comes with this awareness. The human capacity for thought enables us to question, analyse, and challenge existing norms, systems, and ideologies. This capacity pushes us to unearth uncomfortable truths, question authority, and break free from oppressive chains. When individuals possess the courage to think critically and challenge the status quo, they become dangerous forces that can inspire change, disrupt existing power structures, and propel society towards progress and liberation. Thus, this quote serves as a reminder of the tremendous transformative potential that lies within our thoughts, making us agents of both destruction and creation. Societal acknowledgement eludes a person who defies its ossified ways and questions their veracity as well as validity. A person, who swims against the tide, is a threat to society. So, eliminate him. But who swims with the tide is always welcome, because there is no fear. Docile is imbecile! We sing paeans to those who deify but denigrate those who deny and defy. The whole world is a big calcified mass of living zombies. We must pay heed to Allama Iqbal's poetic advice, "Khuda Tujhe Kisi Toofan Se Aashna Kar De / Ke Tere Bahar Ki Maujon Mein Iztiraab Nahin" (May god make you face some tempest / Because the sea of your existence has no ripples of agitation). Only those who dare defy the decrees of their times, are remembered by the succeeding times and eventually celebrated as Heroes. Ahmad Faraz penned, 'Aaj Hum Daar Pe Khenche Gaye Jin Baaton Pe, Kya Ajab Kal Woh Zamane Ko Nisabon Mein Milein' (The things I'm being excoriated for today, you might get to see tomorrow in the text books). Ergo, think differently and think in a unique way because all men are created unequal. Despite the notion of equality often upheld in philosophical and political discourse, humans are inherently different in various aspects. The age-old, conventional belief that all individuals possess equal abilities, opportunities, and outcomes from birth is erroneous. This is a calculated attempt to prove that we all think alike which's a false and sinister societal narrative. Those who think differently are opposed and criticised as anomalies and aberrations. What happened to the Persian mystic and poet Mansur-Al-Hallaj? He dared to think differently and became a threat to religion and society. His skin was peeled off. Sufis think differently from the orthodox Islam. So, they're often ostracized from the fold of traditional faith. There're inherent variations in talents, skills, intellect, and circumstances among individuals. Acknowledge the complexity and diversity of the human condition. Instead of eliminating, encourage those who can dare think and think differently at that. We don't need conformists and dead souls. We need rebels whose souls are alive. Life without agitation is lifeless vegetation. ---- 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/think-dangerous/d/135299 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