As time progressed, clans of humans evolved into complex civilizations, weaving intricate narratives of culture, language, and technology that left an indelible mark on their world. Diverse languages, customs, and traditions cultivated a diverse spectrum of identities.
However, amid this brilliance, a paradox arose.
Humans exhibited an uncanny ability to overcomplicate even the simplest of matters. They devised intricate systems of governance, labyrinthine bureaucracies, and technologies that, though impressive, often seemed to obscure straightforward solutions to everyday challenges. They even drew arbitrary lines on the planet and claimed stake to what was never theirs. Over time, a subtle transformation occurred, wherein humans began to shift from their innate curiosity to a more rigid adherence to senseless rules.
In the life story of a young human, the journey begins with curiosity, an innate sense of wonder, and boundless potential. As the child grows, love and the warmth of our wonderful planet was supposed to surround the youngling, offering a haven of unlimited choices, joy, connection, and the promise of a bright future.
In reality, as man continued to make the planet less and less habitable the young human will soon encounter a complex array of emotions that he/she will find quite difficult to work through. This difficulty may only appear for a few minutes at a time, maybe from a caregiver who is going through a difficult time themselves. But it lurks beneath the surface, triggered by differences and misunderstandings, casting shadows in the fabric of human connections. If these array of emotions aren’t matched by a “good enough” care taker or a supportive environment, they can feel like being in an overwhelming storm in a small boat. But more often than not, these emotions encountered indifference or dismissal and became tangled knots, harder to unravel with time.
As a lot of these younglings entered the realm of formal education and began exploring the world around them, a different narrative unfolded. They defined themselves within rigid boundaries of identity, religion, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, money, academics, appearance and other seemingly meaningless balderdash. The young human felt the weight of maintaining this meaningless identity, yet as they followed the rules that came with them, they couldn’t help but notice the gradual erosion of their identity and self-image. It was as though the system was designed to churn out legions of like-minded groups, uniform in their thinking, each one a reflection of the other, like a sea of conforming entities. The pursuit of curiosity and creative exploration, the very essence of the human soul, began to wane, overshadowed by the relentless drive to fit into a mould that produced, in essence, a collective of homogeneous minds.
As they transitioned into adulthood, the weight of this conformity continued to press upon them. The insidious message that they didn’t truly belong in this world, that they were somehow lacking, seeped into their consciousness. This persistent feeling of inadequacy lingered, fueled by a world fixated on the relentless pursuit of external validations or arbitrary achievements that purportedly granted a sense of worthiness.
Did any of these endeavours truly work in making one feel less inadequate? The answer, resoundingly, was no. Yet, in a world where rigidity and familiarity often held sway, few were willing to acknowledge the futility of these pursuits, leaving the young adult to grapple with these unattainable standards in isolation.
In their shared frustration, several of these young, disillusioned humans came together, seeking solace and answers. In their collective longing to belong, they devised new rules and systems, hoping that these would finally grant them a sense of identity and purpose. These rules were meant to serve as a pathway to belonging, an antidote to the pervasive feeling of inadequacy. It was, in essence, the birth of a new form of righteousness, a code of conduct that they believed would pave the way for a better, more inclusive world.
Righteousness
Over time, as these young individuals earnestly embraced their new code of righteousness, an unintended consequence began to unfold. The very rules they had crafted with the noble intent of fostering belonging and inclusivity began to exhibit their flaws. In their pursuit of justice and fairness, these rules inadvertently gave rise to a different kind of exclusion. Some of the rules, intended to ensure fairness, ended up stifling creativity and free thought. They inadvertently imposed a new set of boundaries, limiting the scope of curiosity and exploration, much like the rules they had once rebelled against. This well-intentioned righteousness was, in practice, producing a similar effect as the system they had sought to reform.
In many cases, humans used their newfound sense of righteousness to suppress dissenting voices and ideas. The freedom to explore different perspectives and challenge existing norms gradually eroded, creating an atmosphere where conformity was rewarded, and curiosity was quashed, again !
In some societies, discriminatory laws and practices emerged, favouring specific groups while oppressing others. These discriminatory practices, whether based on race, gender, religion, or other factors, undermined the very ideals of justice and fairness that humans initially sought to establish.
The rise of ideological extremism in various periods of history also illustrated the shift from curiosity to rigid belief systems. These extremist views, often accompanied by violence, were fueled by a narrow interpretation of righteousness, breeding conflicts and turmoil. They polarized societies and marginalized those who deviated from established norms.
A disheartening aspect of this shift was that the oppressed often became the oppressors in a cycle of revenge. In their quest for justice, individuals and groups that had suffered oppression resorted to seeking revenge upon those who wronged them, perpetuating violence and further division. This reversal of roles provided a momentary sense of empowerment to those who were previously oppressed.
From the perspective of an alien time-traveling historian, humans emerge as a species of unparalleled diversity and intellectual prowess. Their capacity for innovation, adaptability, and creative problem-solving is nothing short of remarkable. It’s evident that their cognitive abilities set them apart in the animal kingdom.
However, what truly intrigues an extra-terrestrial observer is the perpetual state of confusion that seems to accompany their journey through time. Despite their remarkable intelligence, humans often find themselves entangled in a web of perplexing contradictions and paradoxes. For instance, their ability to explore and comprehend the mysteries of the universe stands in stark contrast to their frequent inability to resolve interpersonal conflicts. The same species that has unlocked the secrets of particle physics and space exploration often grapples with the intricacies of basic human relationships.
Their capacity to explore medicine and save livers coexists with their inclination to wage wars and perpetrate acts of violence. Their aspirations for unity and harmony are often undermined by their propensity to divide and conquer. The diversity that should be a source of strength sometimes becomes a breeding ground for discrimination and intolerance. It’s perplexing to witness a species so capable yet so confused.