Nothingness

Why do we always talk about justice, liberty, empowerment, education, equality, fraternity, conscience, education, development, growth, security, law and order, peace and stuff like that? Why do such ideas and ideals always appeal us? Why do we work upon such ideas and ideals? Why is the world always seen in the shades of black and white? Even individualists and pragmatists confess that there are some ideals which each individual of a society and society as a whole must follow.

It is indeed true that most of the laws and the governments today are working and revolving around enshrining these ideas and ideals. The people who do not stand up for these ideals (justice, equality, fairness etc.) are called corrupt and are considered a disgrace to the human civilization. 

Why is this happening? Even previously (earlier centuries and era), when the world was not so much interconnected and the population explosion had not taken place, there were terms such as corrupt, honest, ethical, unethical, honor etc. In fact, previously, these terms and ideals had a lot of significance than the present era. Today as well, our governments and the society are trying to further these ideals or at least they claim to do so. But are these so-called ideals, ideal in the first place? What makes them ideal?

I think what makes these values and terms to be revered as 'ideals' is the tendency of these values to further the human survival.

As obvious, the list is not exhaustive. Also, the way I have tried to explain the below mentioned ideals might not seem prudent to some. Just focus on the concept and not the words I have chosen to explain them.

1. Justice- I will not try to define this concept. We have a vague idea of what it is. Justice is believed to further harmony in the society. It is believed that justice makes the society fairer and equitable. A just society will definitely be a more stable, steady and secure society. This is what most of us want and wish for.

2. Education and growth- If we see the developed countries, we will find that they are relatively peaceful, well-governed and well-managed in comparison to the other countries. It is said that developed countries witnessed a huge increase in the education and a huge amount of economic growth in the previous years which has made them to be called as “developed countries” or ideal places to settle and live.

3. Law and order- We all understand that in order to have an organized society, law and order is a must. It helps us maintain peace and tranquility. It also provides a base to the people where they can co-exist and find their own happiness without being hindered by others in an illegitimate manner.

4. Fraternity- This concept is also important since it helps us overcome our obstacles. United we stand is the mantra chanted everywhere. We all try to protect and help our near and dear ones from others.

What I am trying to say is that these ideas and concepts have nothing good or bad about it. The reason we are made to follow, or we follow these ideals, or we revere these ideals is because these ideals are essential for human survival. It is said that the world cannot exist without its goodness.

My point is very simple. We are genetically programmed to accept such things as ideals that further the human survival. Darwin’s theory “Survival of the fittest” holds good here. Without such ideals, human beings might resort to savagery, or the civilization might cease to exist. Thus, our mind has been programmed in such a manner over a period of time by the environment, our cognitive abilities, non-cognitive factors and various other factors (over thousands of years) to accept such ideals that further the survival and progeny of our species. Thus, our ideals are as good as us, meaning that they are not eternal. They cease to exist when their utility or usefulness ceases to exist or terminates.

Another important thing to observe is that the definition or the meaning of these ideals also changes with time and places. In fact, we all have a different conception of these ideals in our mind. Today's justice might mean tomorrow's injustice or vice versa.

I know there is nothing great or nothing revealing about this fact. It is very plain and simple. But, if we are genetically programmed to accept or not to accept such things, what is our own identity? What do we stand for? Why should we stand for what we stand for? Who are we? Is there a point to our existence? Is there a purpose? Is there a design?

And if we are not genetically programmed to accept such stuff, then are these ideals an end in itself? Are not these human creations? How are they universal in nature?

These questions have been asked before and will be asked again by me and many others. But, is there an answer to such questions? My mind goes blank after a point when I start thinking about such stuff. Sometimes I ask myself that is life blank or is there nothing or is everything nothing. I am clueless. Am I?