Author: S K Ditta
The higher criticism – one that is not directed by objective
It sounds noble, as it is appealing – to practice a higher level of criticism that is not directed by objective. There is hardly an offering of criticism today that is not directed by objective, not subject to some personal interest, not contaminated by some ulterior motive. It might even be opined that it is…
How compulsion and desperation are driving the conversation toward extremes
A conversation has the power to liberate a human being. It has the power to set free the mind from bondage. Even one exchange of ideas is able to give a new direction to the thinking of a person, or the chance of realization. Why would anyone want to do so? The real reason has…
What kind of conversations can truly produce change in society?
Conversations are the most powerful tool to bring change in society. In a civil society, it is the only acceptable tool. It is true, we have to make an assumption about a society being civil in the first place. Aside from a limited personal experience and association, a very cursory reflection on the whole of…
It’s okay to be superstitious right now
Why would anyone knowingly want to be superstitious! There is enough trouble in life without being such. Yes, it is not wrong to reach this conclusion. However, when you look at the lack of reason in human society, it does give one cause for wonder. One wonders specifically in this way: We have today, a…
The value of having a fluid mind to interact with a diversity of people
Is peace a valid goal to have? In the short term, it may not seem so. In the long term, it is one of the ultimate desires. The end of a war, the start of a conversation – it will all make sense if there is peace at the end of it. If peace is…
Why is it that so much conversation fails to produce change in society?
Conversation is so uniquely human. Even in the stories we write, one of the fascinating capabilities a writer can give to his imagined beast is to talk like humans. A bird, a dragon, a serpent, or some other ferocious beast takes on a new life as soon as it talks like humans do. From there,…
1 – Aadhar – The belief in the possibility of a good, honest society
To avoid distraction, I have placed a note in the footer. Please read it first, if you wish, to gain perspective about this presentation. The nature of humans and the nature of government: It would seem that by now we would be absolutely clear about these two matters. As it turns out, we are not. …
Becoming the kind of people who have a diversity of interests
Technology has affected not only societies but also the individual within them. In particular, the way we search and access information has become very specific. This is not a bad thing. However, it also requires a user of technology to put this knowledge to use. Using information is possible through understanding, and that understanding comes…
Keeping the thrill of technology in proper perspective to regain control in communication
People seek thrill. To fulfill that pursuit they look for adventure. We all happen to be in a world right now where the next adventure is as close as our mobile phone. When connected to the Internet, the whole world is open before us. There are the possibility and prospect of visiting any place, reading…
How can the youth protect themselves from addiction to technology?
It has been with every generation, especially in the past 100 years that addiction to technology has been a very real possibility. Since the start of the industrial revolution, the speed of change has been tremendous. Dependence on machines and development in technology has gone hand-in-hand. The younger ones, more enthusiastic and curious by nature,…
Making the link between technology, culture, and youth – Arianna Huffington on Thrive Global
Come join me to discuss, debate and ask questions, kickstarting this urgently-needed conversation to ensure that 2018 is the year when we put technology in its right place and take back control of our lives. Source: An Open Letter From Arianna Huffington to India on our Relationship with Technology | Thrive Global The original article…
Curiosity and a spirit of adventure for those who seek answers, not absolute certainty
While it is very desirable to be able to come to a point of certainty, it is not always possible. The rules we set, the goals we pursue, the desires we cherish could be examples of stable reasons for actions. However, these too can change with time. What appeared to be certain yesterday can appear…
The mind and its need for certainty – a tendency toward black-and-white thinking
Time goes by and a human mind is able to persist despite a lack of certainty. It requires a simplicity and an exercise of patience, but it is possible. Keeping a sense of contentment is very important during times of uncertainty. It is quite like a ship out in the open sea. A ship can…
Cults of black-and-white thinking – a lesson from Jehovah’s witnesses
Cults – what does the word bring to mind? There are thoughts of blind devotion. There most certainly is the charisma or power of a leader over his followers. Finally, there is the absolute certainty of purpose. Whether one thinks of Jim Jones, Hitler, or the Messiah of Israel, these things are to be found…
Finding peace through a willingness to adjust
The willingness to adjust comes upon consideration of several factors. While it is tempting to let all of one’s thinking and desires be centered on oneself or one objective, life rarely lets it be so simple. There is a multitude of considerations for every person who recognizes his responsibilities. Such a recognition brings a slowness…
What is required to even consider changing one’s beliefs to explore better possibilities for the future?
The last post went through a consideration of the possibility of changing one’s beliefs. It is a task best considered worth undertaking for the sake of survival. Beliefs are also to be considered as a subject for change in the interest of preservation, longevity, and continuity. Our existing generations would not be the first to…
Can we change our beliefs to formulate better predictions for the future?
As hard as one may try, it is not possible to entirely avoid the practice of predicting the future. Why is it that people want to predict the outcome before it happens? The reason is quite simple. There is a desire to have certainty about the future. Predictions give us a feeling of security. We…
How does faith suppress analytical thinking, but also provide comfort?
Faith is a particular aspect of religious thought. It is a confidence in what has not happened yet. There is a confidence in the unseen ability of someone or something to bring about what does not yet exist. Yes, this is how it works. The human mind and heart are capable of having such thoughts…
Why I feel that religion will continue to remain a part of human thinking
The existence of religion seems as old as the human ability for imagination, and to formulate questions on the basis of our ability to have a sense of wonder. Some believe that humans had a start as apes and this ability developed through evolution. Others believe humans to have had a start as fully intelligent,…
Empathy in mental health. Why it remains the constant need?
“The health of the mind”: As easy as it is to say those words, it is endlessly a challenge to keep them. To keep a healthy mind is a challenge for so many reasons. It becomes a challenge due to the way we live our lives, the occupations of the modern man, the systemic injustices, physical…
Peace is simplicity
Simplicity promotes peace. Such peace is also easier to maintain because there is lesser that can go wrong. If it does, it’s easier to fix.
How can we use the speed of communication technology to social advantage?
In ancient times, a man would get on a horse if there was an important information to be delivered quickly. Horses were kept and cared for, for times just as these. Maybe the rider was sleeping in his bed. He was awakened for the express purpose of having to get the horse ready and deliver…
Why we might criticize technology rather than the information it brings
Every time new inventions and technologies have arrived upon mankind, there have been critics of them. Some of these criticisms are valid. Even the observations upon which these criticisms are made are not obvious to everyone. For example, it would be rare to notice like Tristan Harris, how particular designs of apps and interface psychologically…
How does a movie differ from real life? And why does present life seem like a movie?
Art follows life, or does life follow art? This question seems nowhere more relevant than in the case of movies. Movies are the depiction of life. The characters in some cases are so relatable, that people have seen themselves on the movie screen. They learn lessons, find out their own mistakes, and understand more about…
How the medical myth of drug treatments has created a whole culture?
What is a myth? A myth is a traditional story consisting of events that are ostensibly historical, though often supernatural, explaining the origins of a cultural practice or natural phenomenon. The word “myth” is derived from the Greek word mythos (μῦθος), which simply means “story”. Mythology can refer either to the study of myths, or to a body or collection of myths. Myth can…
Are there reliable ways of finding out the truth about a person on social networking? Part 2: conflicts
There are people who are peaceable. There are people who avoid conflicts. There are people who realize that it is not for one person to solve the problems of another. Yes, help, hope, and a willingness to listen can be offered. A kind word of encouragement is also possible to give. However, it is rarely…
Are there reliable ways of finding out the truth about a person on social networking? Part 1: imaginations
This post is not about technicalities of social networking. It is not about finding the exact IP address or other analytics data about a person. This post is not about finding technological features to accurately geo-locate a person. What this post is about are the limitations of human understanding, the capability of humans to deceive…
Man-made labels for social convenience and simplification
It is amazing to consider, that a human being would willingly accept a label to define his entire existence. There are many labels in existence. People label themselves based on education, profession, family, country, or religion. With an expanding knowledge, each of those labels proves insufficient and incomprehensive. So, in order to identify oneself, an…
How we can have a satisfying life by looking for the practical – giving priority to needs over wants
The truly sustainable way of life is one where needs are met at all times and desires can be met some of the times.
Why does Bipolar disorder mean different things to different people?
Bipolar disorder has been understood through its manifested symptoms. Once it appeared consistently, clearly, and in bullet-form in books of psychology and psychiatry, beliefs about it also became more set. This is the power of books, or one might say, of advertizing. Bipolar disorder became a greatly advertized illness, and it gained social acceptability with…
