Since the moment we first became aware of ourselves (millenials or Gen Z)–whether it was 2017, 2018 or even earlier–the world and sapiens in it feels devilish. First came the bombardment of Covid-19, then followed a cascade of wars (still going on)–Russia vs Ukraine, Gaza-Israel, India vs Pakistan, Israel vs Iran–each one reminds us that despite our mighty technological progress, we resort to force to resolve disputes.
What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or in the holy name of liberty or democracy?
Mahatma Gandhi
In this aspect, Philosopher Thomas Hobbes pessimism feels like a prophecy. He described human nature ass fundamentally self-interested, declaring 'fear' the leading cause and life in a state of constant insecurity would be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.”
We guard our weapons of mass destruction out of fear without realising these weapons as the real threat. We tell ourselves that by stockpiling annihilation, we guarantee survival, much like Frankenstein. In both cases, creation springs from human ambition: Frankenstein stitched flesh to spark a miracle, while scientists harnessed atom’s fury to secure “peace through strength.”
Yet if we look deeper into the monster aka human nature, we see a pattern of negligence and moral deception. But wait! Monster? Oh yes, we humans and our love to play blame games. Just as Victor abandoned his creation at the first sign of imperfection, so do we. The real monster is not the creature or the bomb, but the hands that fashioned them and the hands performing the hideous act.
Immanuel Kant said that reason itself is our guide:
“Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law.”
If every state unilaterally announce it’s disarmament (feels like a utopia), trusting others to do the same, our global community could break free from the heinous cycle of suspicion. True security is not in the stockpiles but in the moral integrity of our choices. So, let the devil out and face it.
"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate."
In the end, life is precious more than anything. Humans can live in harmony, in peace, in solidarity but, we all know it is against the human nature. Though, after all this optimistic thinking and writing, I must say, War is inevitable. History has proven it and present is doing the same. Still, let’s hope–no other option left–for a world where all this optimism will sound real and not some bookish ideas.
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Thanks for reading, do mention your thoughts in the comment section. I\You\We don't have to be right to express ourselves because Dostoevsky said, "It's by talking nonsense that one gets to the truth! I talk nonsense therefore I'm human."
Peace 🕊️
