A definition
helps us understand something. It draws certain boundaries and builds a
discipline we are not expected to overrule. It says, “That is it; nothing more
and nothing less.” But, it does not contain us. In fact, it challenges us to trespass
the limits and explore more if we can. By redefining something we do not dishonor
the earlier definition; we only improve the knowledge content according to
space, time and circumstances or our own understanding.
Arriving at one’s own definitions is a humble way of acquiring
the knowledge that exists. It is honouring the tradition of exploration and
knowing more. In other words, it is one way of educating us. Looking at some definition
superficially, even memorizing it, does not contribute to our education. If we
view a definition casually, we may commit an error of overlooking it at crucial
junctures.
Many affinities with modernity often make us bypass the
valuable knowledge that exists in plenty. Flirtatious love for shortcuts is a
contagious disease of modern times. We do not want to go through the process of
knowing, applying, reviewing, revising and knowing more. Whatever we apply,
review or revise, we do it with undiluted selfish motive of achieving more; not
for achieving something better than earlier. There is something rather cunning
about how we handle knowledge today. We don’t take pains for understanding
various definitions and redefining them even if there is a pressing need. We
bypass existing definitions and frame ‘loose definitions’ that can be suited to
what we have in mind, truth or untruth.
There is nothing like ‘traditional knowledge’ or ‘modern
knowledge’. It is only the tradition of acquiring knowledge of the truth, which
is the knowledge that benefits all without discrimination.
PROMOD KUMAR SHARMA
[The writer of this blog is also the author of “Mahatma A
Scientist of the Intuitively Obvious” and “In Search of Our Wonderful Words”.]
0 comments:
Post a Comment