Monday, April 21, 2025
We All Have a Limitless Scope for Bettering Ourselves
By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
21 April 2025
Extremely well-read Dr Ghulam has mentioned two more legends of Latin American literature: Juan Rulfo and Roberto Bolano. Though I've not read Rulfo's small, but significant body of work, I've read Bolano, albeit cursorily and in a desultory manner. But two of his most famous observations have stayed with me:
"What is truth? You don't know, neither do I. And for that reason we have nothing to fear from each other" AND "There are people who are capable of spending their whole lives commenting on the lives of others."
In the first quote, Roberto Bolano contemplates the elusive nature of truth, acknowledging that both he and others are uncertain about its essence. By highlighting this shared uncertainty, Bolano suggests that there is no need to fear one another. In a world where differing perspectives and beliefs often lead to conflict and division, Bolano's words remind us of the common ground we stand on as fallible beings seeking a deeper understanding of reality. They encourage us to embrace dialogue and empathy, recognizing that none of us possess an absolute grasp on truth. Instead, it is through the exploration of diverse perspectives and the acceptance of our own limitations that we can navigate the complexities of life with a greater sense of unity and openness. Once you understand the ever-elusive, indefinite and amorphous nature of truth, you stop insisting that only your version is correct and other perspectives are flawed or secondary. There's no ultimate Truth. There're only subjective truths and relative realities. They could be right, albeit in a limited and restricted manner. This widens our horizons further and mellows us. The very thought that we're equally ignorant about certain things is actually very cathartic. It makes us equally intellectual or equally mediocre. That's a very comforting feeling! Dil Bahal To Jayega Iss Khayal Se/ Haal Mil Gaya Tumhara Apne Haal Se.
In the second thought-provoking quote by Roberto Bolano, he illuminates a striking characteristic of human nature - the tendency for some individuals to dedicate their existence to scrutinizing and analysing the lives of others. Bolano's words shed light on the phenomenon of perpetual commentary, a behaviour that stems from a deep-seated curiosity, a desire for connection, or perhaps even a subconscious avoidance of self-reflection. These individuals invest an extraordinary amount of time, energy, and thought into examining the lives, choices, and actions of those around them. By highlighting this aspect of human behaviour, Bolano encourages introspection and invites us to question our own inclinations towards observing and evaluating others instead of focusing on our own personal growth and fulfilment. Most of us have a deep-rooted didactic / pedantic streak. We love to comment upon the lives of others and at times, genuinely want to correct people. While the intention may be good, even 'noble', the other person may not be in need of that unsolicited help. Jalaluddin Rumi rightly says, ' We all have a limitless scope for bettering ourselves. Focus on your own improvement. Others will concentrate on improving their destinies ' (Rumi gave this piece of advice to his friend Shams-e-Tabriz).
----
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/limitless-scope-bettering/d/135242
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
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment