Do we always need
definitions and debates for everything in every situation?
1.
Very nice madam I agree with some of your observations.
Of course as a linguist I insist on definitions and unless defined clearly we
may not have clarity about what we are addressing. By nature I like to
assimilate whatever little I read, observe, listen and learn and like to share
with anyone when given an opportunity to do so. Mostly I do not initiate
discussions because unfortunately nowadays everything can lead to a controversy
ensued by an unending concomitant factors like debates, protests, rallies,
demands , arguments [ which makes me remember very often one of my favorite
author’s work POINT COUNTER POINT –by Huxley]
2.
Defining is a definite step and a must when
there is confusion, either intentional or unintentional inaction but not in
crisis or while addressing a calamity. Very often this step tends to become a
stop. Besides at times, in certain issues when the subject matter, especially
in specific contexts demand actions more than definitions. For example when a
thirsty man knocks at the door we do not start to find out the definition of
either thirst or water or a thirsty soul but we prioritize giving water. That
is almost the situation of poverty[ I mean lack of basic material needs] a
crisis of which all of us are aware and are also equally aware what must be
done to change the situation at least gradually , marginally if not adequately
or fully.
3.
Utopias always obstruct the view of the
obvious.
4.
Results are nearer to reality than
conjectures, hypotheses, presumptions etc. So economic development improves the
condition of poor is a time tested result.
5.
Semantics of any word is again to be applied
or understood with regard to contextual relevance. I am giving certain links in
order not to unnecessarily repeat them.
6.
I was extremely pleased when MODI said at UN
‘first we must define what ‘terrorism’ is? If we cannot define how can we fight
it?”
7.
All words especially abstract ones acquire too
many connotations
and the onus is on the
user to use appropriate sieves and filter.
8.
In many cases I do not want to name any
professional but because of playing on
semantics and interpreting words justice is delayed and lot of time,money and energy is wasted.
9.
Most unfortunate spread of this trend is
happening through mass opinion molders through media.
10. Everything has its own dharma [for people who
may not be comfortable with this terminology] internal dynamics, inevitable
structure, inherent patterns etc based on certain inherent characteristics/attributes
and acting according to situational or contextual relevance. Unfortunately our
understanding of them is limited.
11. Similarly there are certain universal principles
one of which is all our actions fall within these three categories what we want
to do, what we can do and what we are destined to do. At different times and
different situations one or more of these will predominate.
12. But at no cost must at least we stop
attempting to do what we can do as social creatures.
13. We are fortunately living in an age well equipped
with various advantages like data, technology, information dissemination at
great speed etc and we must use these to attempt to provide maximum happiness
to maximum number.
18. I would like to be led by compassion filled action rather than crores
of theories
19. And ensure to maintain a sense of balance and
magnanimity to acknowledge any good work that anyone does
20. Ultimately
just a week back I tweeted the following to the well known writer Pritish Nandy
for his tweet
"Our national weaknesses: - deifying or denying; showing unloving
criticism & uncritical love and emotionalizing everything”.
Debates and reactions do not get things done
they just spill and spit more ideas, words and emotions, some of which are
good, useful and entertaining sometimes but not always.
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