Moderate extremism, the best of both worlds

IF GADGETS ARE AVAILABLE, WE OUGHT TO USE THEM IN A CONSERVATIVE MANNER

Technological advancement in all domains concerning our day-to-day life has reached a stage beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. One would imagine that this is probably the acme of development, but no, there is no sign of stopping or even slowing down for that matter. Often, we come across change, just for the sake of it, without a real implication whatsoever. And how this set-up has affected and transformed our lives! Sometimes the gullible ones fall prey to the so called advancement in the name of modernity. Unwittingly, we have lost our tranquility and peace in the bargain.

I’ve often heard my friend Jhikki proclaim, “I like being a bit backward and sort of laidback. What people might think of me, stopped bothering me long ago. Especially so when I’m quite certain that I’m on the right track. I know some people probably have a fear of being labelled diffident, ignorant or even unschooled!”

Now what does she mean by saying that and in what context? She talks like this with reference to the modern hi-tech gizmos that have taken our lives by storm. She is of the belief that we should just not be ruled by these machines and use them shrewdly and sparingly.

“You know we can do quite well without so many new inventions; but still, if things are available to us, we ought to use them in a conservative manner. Use them only when extremely necessary.”

I have seen Jhikki doing exactly what she declares. “Imagine, so many times people buy gadgets just to be able to boast about them. We should realise that so many items are made for specific purposes and hence everyone need not possess them at all.”

And the way she is in the habit of thinking before doing anything, reminds me of Greek philosopher, Pyrroh. He had a sceptical attitude and would always think intensely about the consequences of any act that he performed. The term Pyrrohnism refers to the great philosopher’s ideology.

On a serious note though, it will be worthwhile if we, the topmost among beings, don’t let technology rule us. The reckless use of equipment has caused havoc with our ecology. We must wake up to the urgency to do our bit towards it now or soon there is a fear of reaching a point of no return. One is reminded of American psychologist and author BF Skinner’s saying, “The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do.”

By becoming conservative users of all available devices and staying unaffected by radical changes, we can’t only lead a healthy life but also ensure a safe future for coming generations. Balance in all aspects, is a vital component of a successful life. Even American author and environmentalist Edward Paul Abbey has observed, “Balance, that’s the secret. Moderate extremism, the best of both worlds.”

Come to think of it, it’s relevant to all spheres of our life!