Mediocre Perspectives

It is not often that two blockbuster superhero movies release in a span of two months. DC and Marvel fan fights on social media sites are not uncommon. Both host a range of super humans in different universes. But the beauty of DC’s Dawn of Justice and Marvel’s Civil war lies in the fact that they dealt with the same concept – The tyranny of unaccountable power. Compared to the previous movies in the DC series the Dawn of Justice had many pitfalls. Though a positive revenue generator it was not good enough to enthuse the fan base for the upcoming series on the Justice League . Nevertheless, it opened up a philosophical dimension on the concept of ‘Super’ man. To quote Batman from the movie, “He has the power to wipe out the entire human race. Even if there is a one percent chance that he is not on our side we must take it as an absolute certainty”. The movie dealt with a reasonable question: Shouldn’t such a powerful man be accountable to law? The movie had its moments, es...

Throughout our life, we spend most of the time trying to predict what is in store for us tomorrow. We use every means possible to do that, sometimes very irrational methods as ‘Astrology’. But it is the desire of every living organism – to make life predictable – and we have to admit that compared to other species we have succeeded on many accounts due to our advancements in science and technology. Today, though a considerable section of humans doesn't have a roof to sleep, there is also a section of the population who can safely claim that they will wake up in the same place where they slept last night unharmed. But away from the basic necessities we have gone a step higher. With the increase in life expectancy, we have begun to plan for many things in life – our educational institution, marriage, insurance and even our tombs. It won’t be surprising if in the nearest future if we happen to design humans (forget medical ethics – they are dead). This has falsely made us st...

There is a good chance that this day could be celebrated as something important either globally or in some place on earth for honouring a person or a deed. We, humans, celebrate a lot of days, now and then. Irrespective of what we celebrate the objective has always been similar, “Remembrance”. Most decolonised nations celebrate their Independence days to recall the brave deeds of their freedom fighters to remind the new generation of citizens that the luxury which they enjoy was earned from blood and sweat. Diabetes and cancer days have become relevant lately owing to increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases due to changing lifestyle patterns. Days are celebrated to thank the earth, to talk much and act less on the environment and spare thought for ‘water’ one of the highly exploited resource on our planet. And ironically, the world celebrates the Valentine’s Day for remembrance of love. Most couples forget the meaning of ‘love’ few years into marriage and the Valent...

Realising existence is possibly the greatest revelation of human thinking. Well, I am not questioning the ability of other living organisms to understand their existence but the magnanimity of the human mind in enquiring its purpose before which all the other species fade into the shadows. The purpose of life is a big question mark which has enthralled not just philosophers, but every human who has ever lived. Each individual encounters, at least, one point in his lifetime where he a question mark hovers over his head tilling his mind for answers. But the purpose of this post is to deal with a different question – does ‘life’ make sense? – In this context, the word ‘sense’ means whether the life which we live has any ‘meaning’.  I am less than a speckle of dust on a wonderful green-blue planet. The earth is a dwarf when it stands before the sun. When we raise the ante and take it to the level of the universe the sun is lesser than the lesser speckle of dust. When I think ...

Basis for the system Sir Ken Robinson in one of his many TED talks points out two important facts about the education system. The system sprouted in response to serving the needs of the industrial revolution and no matter the method of teaching throughout the world science stands first and arts fall last in any institution. It is ironical that the system has not undergone many transformations though few centuries have passed since the steam engine became the order of the day. Thus, the system was designed for people who are to work in the industry and in a general population only a small percentage have that natural aptitude. Why it exists? The reason for the biased system’s existence in our society is its ‘convenience’. The system works well in creating a citizen who will accept life in its terms and doesn’t involve himself in questioning its relevance. A student undergoes 12 plus years of schooling. During his schooling, he is taught and questioned from only what is pri...

Come March every year, the society is obsessed with the most important exercise for millions of children in India - the Board Exams. It is often touted by many as the life changing moment for all those adolescents who take up this exercise. Six years ago, I was one in the herd goat-grunting for performing well in my board exams. Reality stands galaxies apart from what was said about board exams when I was in school. They were called as the golden key which would unlock all the fortunate doors of life. It took two years later for me to realize that it was the dumbest thing that I have ever believed. The reason lies in the Indian education system - possibly one of the worst in the world.( I say this with conviction because I am a victim) The system neither cares whether a student who scores well in Physics knows about its application in his daily chores, doesn't mind whether a Chemistry topper was ever conscious in his laboratory, nor does it care whether a Biology nerd knows to...

I don’t exactly remember why I stopped believing in the concept of god. But I do remember that it was after my tenth standard when I was 15 and half years old. I live in a religious family as most families in this world are irrespective of where you live. My mother reminds me that as a kid, I refused to eat even a mouthful until they were accompanied by fancied stories from the Hindu mythology. Until I became an atheist, I could vividly recall that I never went to school without a short prayer and the ‘tilak’ on my forehead. But in spite of all this, I came out of the concept and I certainly believe that it is one of the important decisions which changed my perception. Stepping out of the realm invoked reason and inculcated the spirit of questioning. Questioning unlocked many portals which remained invisible. Rationalism stems from many foundations but Atheism is the strongest of all. It is the root of all questions which demand ‘evidence’ and proof. The seed of reason which ...