Free thinking – versus the voice of the authoritarian
The other day, while rewatching ‘Dead Poets Society’, I found myself mulling over a thought. Although this film makes its case through poetry and love to put across its point, the idea clearly extends far beyond that — into nearly every corner of our lives. Independent thought has always unsettled those who hold power. The more a person thinks for himself, the more likely he is to stray from the path laid out for him and wander into uncharted territory.
The authoritarian school of thought has never feared anything more than a free thinker. Acting out of obligation because we “should,” conforming because it’s “right,” speaking carefully because it’s “polite” – these have always been quiet battlegrounds.
Disciplining as a tool
Let us, however, not make discipline a villain in this piece. Discipline is something the millennials grew up with, and it was one of the most valuable tools which prepared them for life. Many of us emulate our parents’ style of disciplining and it has often resulted in channelising energies in the right direction. Parents wanting their children to be well established is great, instilling values like discipline, loyalty, obedience and responsibility is much needed…at least in today’s world.
Unbridled Disciplining however, can often do more harm than good. An attempt to curb all free thought and independent ideas so that any seeds of rebellion can be crushed at an early stage. But then who takes a call on when the appropriate crosses into the zone of excessive? Who holds the reins? And what of the dreamer, the free thinker who was set for greatness but too much of realism caught up with him.
How does the monkey feel if he is measured on his ability to swim? Or an elephant on his ability to fly?
Putting People in a Box
“Last three generations in our family have produced doctors. “
“Oh, you must pursue science, I mean whatever will you do with only languages and history? Where is the future in those subjects?”
‘Singing is for leisure, have you seen the struggle artists go through? Why don’t you think of more practical options.”
“Is this the way to behave? Why are you being one of those feminist types?”
Surely all of us have heard some variations of the above statements in our life? And equally likely that some of us are guilty of using similar logic ourselves. And I believe we meant no harm, neither did the generations before us. But why have we always defined success by society’s predefined rules without ever pausing to question them?
How does one find his true potential if all we ever did is put people in a box?
So, who are you – a cynic or a realist?
How different are cynics from realists? A realist in an ideal world is one who accepts the society as it is and acknowledges it, without associating it with unnecessary pessimism.
However, what of the cynic who is hiding behind the guise of being real? Highlighting imperfections and undermining efforts, does this not hinder growth if not completely demoralize the subject? When we pull people down without respect for their ideas and try to fit them in a box, we defeat our natural tendency of growth.
Ideas bring revolutions
“Those who can imagine anything, can create the impossible.” – Alan Turing
“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” – Albert Einstein
“A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on.” – John F. Kennedy
Let us not in our haste to conform, reduce ourselves to mere copies of what has been. Let us try to be the best version of ourselves that the world is yet to see. We can imagine, think and create the impossible, we just need to free our minds.
Manobina Nanda Ganguly
Manobina is a Computer Engineer by profession, working for over two decades. An avid reader since childhood, she loves reading both fictions and non fictions. She can be reached at manobina@gmail.com.
