Recently, I came across a post in Wipro blogs putting forward the old question of morality of capital punishment - whether or not it should continue in today's world. I'll just put forth here the series of thoughts which that post triggered off in my mind.
Every man has his right to live, his right to his own thoughts - and his rights to act upon them.
Just because I think a path is right, something is ‘just’, does not necessarily make that really right or just. What is really ‘just’? No one knows. Your philosophies and principles should change with time. If they do not, you are not learning – you have closed yourself to the world. (Your rate of change of philosophies can slow down with age, but they should never stop.)
Similarly, just because the majority happens to believe in a certain thing, it doesn’t sanctify that thing as the 'right' one. (One's singular ideals have as much chances of being right as the majority's opposite ideals. So, why should one confrm to majority? For stability/security? But does not world become insecure/imperfect for the one who is forced to conform?)
Every man has right to his opinions and ideas. And to act upon them. If, however, I think he is acting wrongly, I’d act against it - but at the same time, I’d uphold that the other should act only in the way he thinks is right. Similarly, if the majority thinks he is acting wrongly, they have every right to act against him. Result? The stronger in might wins. And that is perfectly logical. And that is the only thing which has always happened. That is what actually has always shaped ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. And I think that this is the only acceptable and logical way one can justify any ‘code’ or ‘law’ in society. That the majority – read ‘stronger’ mass – wants something to happen in a certain way. Not by arguments or opinions or ideas or ideals.
And by this code, in the same way that a man has every right to end another’s life if he thinks that is needed according to his perspective of events and is willing to face oppositions from person(s) thinking otherwise (he has actually done so always, and will do so forever), the government can also administer death if it feels threatened from the individual and deems it a necessity (again, has done so always, and will do so forever). It can administer death for its own defense. It does so in war. It can do so in domestic incidents also. Though I personally don’t like it this way - I like winning over the adversary - that only is true power - yet I’d not say that this is wrong if followed.
Along the same lines, I do not have anything against the terrorist himself who believes in what he does and kills a thousand lives who are innocent in my eyes. However, since I think it is not just that the thousand innocent lives be dead, I’ll do whatever I can to thwart the terrorist’s efforts. But I wont - and cannot - say that he is wrong.
Only when the government - the system - becomes so strong and controlling that it no longer fears individual activists (’Brave New World’?) - only then can it afford to think of abolishing capital punishment altogether. Otherwise, death sentences will be needed and are perfectly justified.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
"Intelligent" Authors?
There are some writings which when reading I feel that the author must have had a razor sharp insight and very developed analytical abilities, along with a courage born of common sense and their confidence arising out of the knowledge of their own rationality and clear thinking abilities.
I think the following authors will be among such an "intelligent" lot of authors. I find them intelligent based on some observations they made through their creations. And all of them have the ability to masterly write out their observations - all of them are master storytellers too.
1. Ayn Rand: Whether or not you agree with her philosophy - she is a master storyteller with very true and intelligent observations - and there is no denial of all that she defines as positive in her novels. All that is very true. Though I don't completely agree with her dealings/opinions of the "altruistic" second-rate citizens, she did dissect the general digressive mentality very acutely and correctly, and I find her portrayal of the positive values irrefutable and true to the very core.
2. Leo Tolstoy: He appears definitely intelligent the way he makes his observations or makes his characters act, or manipulates them. And he is really a master storyteller. But I do hate (or maybe admire) his attitude and guts - it looks like he thinks himself to be a God or something - from the way he plays around and manhandles his characters! Very proud he must have been!
3. Arundhati Roy: She came out with only one book - and that too someone else "found" and published the manuscript for her. And what a book it turned out to be! "The God of Small Things" is strewn with comments and observations that are extremely simple yet hits you directly. And you cannot refute their truth.
4. Anne Frank: Ok, she was too young, but what she wrote in her diary at the age of 13 contained some straight simple truths and observations which elders can easily miss. At rare places, her writings showed characteristics of being 'free from the known'. I cannot help wondering what she might have contributed to the literary world had she gone on to live a longer life.
I find the writings of the above authors filled with traces of an intelligent sharp and analytical mind at work - they use their analytical/discerning intellect to create much of the effects.
Authors like Maugham, Dickens, Tagore use more of their "feeling" instincts, insights and observations to decipher human nature and reach the human heart. They are proficient in use of perhaps their own empathy and sensitivity in their understanding of human nature to create their masterpieces. Among contemporaries, I feel Amitava Ghosh, Vikram Seth to be in this later league. And I'm actually looking forward to find out if I can place Rushdie among any of these two classes. But I haven't finished any of his stuff - I was only one-third through Midnight's Children when I lost connection with the book!
Before I end, let me mention as a disclaimer that these are very personal views on the matter, could even be a totally fanciful take on the subject, but somehow I do find this to be so at the moment.
I think the following authors will be among such an "intelligent" lot of authors. I find them intelligent based on some observations they made through their creations. And all of them have the ability to masterly write out their observations - all of them are master storytellers too.
1. Ayn Rand: Whether or not you agree with her philosophy - she is a master storyteller with very true and intelligent observations - and there is no denial of all that she defines as positive in her novels. All that is very true. Though I don't completely agree with her dealings/opinions of the "altruistic" second-rate citizens, she did dissect the general digressive mentality very acutely and correctly, and I find her portrayal of the positive values irrefutable and true to the very core.
2. Leo Tolstoy: He appears definitely intelligent the way he makes his observations or makes his characters act, or manipulates them. And he is really a master storyteller. But I do hate (or maybe admire) his attitude and guts - it looks like he thinks himself to be a God or something - from the way he plays around and manhandles his characters! Very proud he must have been!
3. Arundhati Roy: She came out with only one book - and that too someone else "found" and published the manuscript for her. And what a book it turned out to be! "The God of Small Things" is strewn with comments and observations that are extremely simple yet hits you directly. And you cannot refute their truth.
4. Anne Frank: Ok, she was too young, but what she wrote in her diary at the age of 13 contained some straight simple truths and observations which elders can easily miss. At rare places, her writings showed characteristics of being 'free from the known'. I cannot help wondering what she might have contributed to the literary world had she gone on to live a longer life.
I find the writings of the above authors filled with traces of an intelligent sharp and analytical mind at work - they use their analytical/discerning intellect to create much of the effects.
Authors like Maugham, Dickens, Tagore use more of their "feeling" instincts, insights and observations to decipher human nature and reach the human heart. They are proficient in use of perhaps their own empathy and sensitivity in their understanding of human nature to create their masterpieces. Among contemporaries, I feel Amitava Ghosh, Vikram Seth to be in this later league. And I'm actually looking forward to find out if I can place Rushdie among any of these two classes. But I haven't finished any of his stuff - I was only one-third through Midnight's Children when I lost connection with the book!
Before I end, let me mention as a disclaimer that these are very personal views on the matter, could even be a totally fanciful take on the subject, but somehow I do find this to be so at the moment.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Pune: The Next Chapter
Stationed from Pune, this will be my first post. Yes, I have finally got transferred to Pune - something which I had once very dearly wanted - at the time of induction in Wipro about a year back. But on which I was no longer so keen at the immediate moment. And actually, which I would have preferred to postpone for a month right now if I had the choice.
But I am here, and with that, the next chapter - or sub-chapter of my life begins in this new city.
The situation of transfer had come to me with a strange effect - with this opportunity, of something too welcoming some months back, suddenly dropping in front of me when I was no longer that keen on it. And yet - there was this something left from my earlier desires which was apparently still rendering this opportunity in a special light, making it look attractive. Anyways, the situation had required an immediate decision and I had decided to take the plunge. In the past, I have always had wanted to have an experience of Pune, and if it would come this way, so be it. The incentive of a change is always there - something which I really cherish.
Coming to my experience of this new city, I'm liking the environment here. The climate is pleasant - maybe just 2-3 degrees above Bangalore - but still pleasant. The landscape is often undulating - with some actual tiny hills present inside the city limits. In fact, the place where I am staying at Baner is just beside such a tiny hill. The scenery looks great. From my Wipro office at Hinjewadi also, one is greeted with a sight of hill ranges surrounding about half of the 360 degree view. From the 5th floor of my tower where I work, one can get a nice unobstructed view of the surroundings. I take occasional breaks walking out in the open terrace in my floor and refilling myself with a breath of the vastness and serenity.
There is something about the hills (or seas also) that attracts me so. The vastness, the challenge, the magnanimosity? The calmness, the serenity, the stillness, but filled with the potential of an unmatched force? The seemingly unexplored domains calling to be conquered? Vibes of a 'larger than life' feeling? Probably. But the bottom line is that I do enjoy this.
The only thing which is actually troubling me in Pune is the public transport from my place to office. The available modes of public transport from here are scarce and not that appealing. I'm planning to take a bike soon. Once you have a vehicle, travelling in Pune is a breeze - the roads are nice amidst abundance of vegetation on the sides.
Anyways, apart from the transport thing, it has been a good experience so far. I have put up in a good spacious 3BHK flat here having all facilities (including wifi broadband), shared with 5 other persons - a high spirited 'bindas' bunch. It is a nice and comfortable place with maids to take care of the household work and cooking. I'm looking forward to a comfortable stay here. And I have also been told that in the monsoons, places in Pune become all the more beautiful and enjoyable. I'm really looking forward to that.
I'm looking forward to find out what things Pune has in store for me.
But I am here, and with that, the next chapter - or sub-chapter of my life begins in this new city.
The situation of transfer had come to me with a strange effect - with this opportunity, of something too welcoming some months back, suddenly dropping in front of me when I was no longer that keen on it. And yet - there was this something left from my earlier desires which was apparently still rendering this opportunity in a special light, making it look attractive. Anyways, the situation had required an immediate decision and I had decided to take the plunge. In the past, I have always had wanted to have an experience of Pune, and if it would come this way, so be it. The incentive of a change is always there - something which I really cherish.
Coming to my experience of this new city, I'm liking the environment here. The climate is pleasant - maybe just 2-3 degrees above Bangalore - but still pleasant. The landscape is often undulating - with some actual tiny hills present inside the city limits. In fact, the place where I am staying at Baner is just beside such a tiny hill. The scenery looks great. From my Wipro office at Hinjewadi also, one is greeted with a sight of hill ranges surrounding about half of the 360 degree view. From the 5th floor of my tower where I work, one can get a nice unobstructed view of the surroundings. I take occasional breaks walking out in the open terrace in my floor and refilling myself with a breath of the vastness and serenity.
There is something about the hills (or seas also) that attracts me so. The vastness, the challenge, the magnanimosity? The calmness, the serenity, the stillness, but filled with the potential of an unmatched force? The seemingly unexplored domains calling to be conquered? Vibes of a 'larger than life' feeling? Probably. But the bottom line is that I do enjoy this.
The only thing which is actually troubling me in Pune is the public transport from my place to office. The available modes of public transport from here are scarce and not that appealing. I'm planning to take a bike soon. Once you have a vehicle, travelling in Pune is a breeze - the roads are nice amidst abundance of vegetation on the sides.
Anyways, apart from the transport thing, it has been a good experience so far. I have put up in a good spacious 3BHK flat here having all facilities (including wifi broadband), shared with 5 other persons - a high spirited 'bindas' bunch. It is a nice and comfortable place with maids to take care of the household work and cooking. I'm looking forward to a comfortable stay here. And I have also been told that in the monsoons, places in Pune become all the more beautiful and enjoyable. I'm really looking forward to that.
I'm looking forward to find out what things Pune has in store for me.
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