One Wanted, In Short, A Nemesis

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 16 July 2025 Seeing two learned individuals in this forum, intellectually arguing with each other, I'm reminded of a renowned British novelist and art historian Anita Brookner's famous quote, "One wanted, in short, a nemesis." British novelist Anita Brookner was born on July 16 ----- Anita Brookner asserts the desire for a nemesis, suggesting that it is a fundamental aspect of human nature. By seeking a nemesis, one seeks a formidable opponent who challenges them, pushes them to their limits, and exposes their weaknesses. This yearning for a nemesis stems from the innate need to grow and evolve. In the face of adversity, the nemesis compels individuals to work harder, persevere, and emerge stronger. Moreover, a nemesis provides meaning and purpose in one's journey, giving them a sense of direction and motivation. Ultimately, in desiring a nemesis, individuals aim to transcend their limitations, embrace their full potential, and attain personal growth. You always need a potential and cerebral opponent who can challenge your views, ideas and intelligence. "Daanishmand Bhi Shutur-E-Be-Mahaar Ho Jaata Hai/ Sawaal Karne Wala Agar Koi Saamne Nahin Aata Hai" (Even an intelligent person tends to go awry like a camel without its cameleer/ If no one comes forward to question his, outlandish , views). One shines in contrast. Your formidable opponent/adversary or nemesis gives a meaning, purpose and edge to your ideas. French existentialist Jean Paul Sartre admitted that his intellect blossomed in the presence of his younger friend and fellow existentialist, the redoubtable Albert Camus. Camus was Sartre's intellectual nemesis sans an iota of personal rivalry or bitterness. This is yet another admirable aspect to have a nemesis than to have a (rabid) critic because the latter often becomes cantankerous and resorts to ad hominem arguments. A nemesis points out the mistakes without being personal or abusive just the way the venerable Dr Ghulam Mohiyuddin does in this forum. He challenges a gentleman's conceits (far-fetched ideas), albeit in a very dignified manner without ever stooping to ad hominem comments. Zahanat Poori Undel Dee Maine/ Kisi Ne Jab Lalkaara Mujhe (I poured out all my wisdom/ When someone equal, challenged me). A nemesis doesn't always come in the form of an individual or a person. An overwhelming emotion, an impactful episode or an imperious event could also be your nemesis as the Chilean Nobel laureate and the high-priest of love, Pablo Neruda famously said in Spanish, El amor es mi némesis each (Love is my nemesis). Shelley, Keats and Byron could produce the very best in English poetry as each one of them was aware that they had their nemeses. All three Romantics were the coevals. Mughal emperor Akbar the great called Maharana Pratap, his Tana'az (Archaic Persian for a great nemesis) when he got the news that Pratap was no more. Akbar even cried. Central Asian swordsmen used to sharpen their swords by pitting them against equally sharp-edged swords. After all, diamonds cut diamonds. It takes one to know one. ----- 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/wanted-short-nemesis/d/136187 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