This is Why We Have Laws

Who decides the laws of Morality and Ethics? Who decides Greatness? Who defines Crime? Who decides Legality? All these questions have a very similar suggestion to make. The answers to these questions can help us decipher the whole of mankind and its forms as manifested in the societal framework we live in today. These questions entail the development, growth and continuity of human subspecies. We as the contemporary lot of human subspecies have taken for granted the sophistication our forefathers had to go through while defining the laws or rules which govern us today. Morality, as defined by Plato, is only relative to the kind of world we inhabit at. Morality is not absolute in nature as is exhibited by the growing number of crime related activities.

The studies of psyches of some hardcore criminals make us understand the concepts of Plato rather well than anything else. Their Psyches does not define Morality as the conventional concept but rather they have developed their own idea of Morality. Their idea of Morality is influenced by socio-economic conditions in which they are bred and brought up in. There are lots of instances in the contemporary world that show us very well why morality is not absolute. The cases of serial killers killing with impunity are examples worth mentioning. What is the reason behind their so called inhumane and brutal behavior? Is it because they are insane? Is it because of hatred? It might come to you as a surprise but these serial killers do not think themselves as criminals and have no sense of regret whatsoever. They kill without hatred most of the times. So what prompts or rather motivates them to take the plunge and kill someone without hatred? The only plausible explanation to this has to be the development of “Parallel Morality” which is against the law defined morality of the state which is followed by the masses. This parallel morality is detrimental to the superego (Sigmund Freud in the Interpretation of dreams) which is called the conscience in the vernacular. The destruction of Superego by the hands of Parallel Morality has repercussions for the individual who is only a physical manifestation of this whole struggle. This instigates the killer to approach and kill with impunity. The only obstruction in the path of a human being ready for destruction of human life can be conscience but this conscience is missing in the Serial killers thereby making them more dangerous to control.

The above example is the very rationale behind having well defined Laws rather than having well defined Moralities. Moralities are very frail in nature and their dynamic behavior can cause irreparable casualties. Due to this, we define and enforce the laws rather than Moralities. Also, Morality is highly influenced by the ruling class. This makes it even more important to have laws in place that could deal with the collective conscience of the entire class of people who are living within the state boundaries. A law enables us to ensure transparency and credibility in the state machinery and therefore helps us to keep our superego or conscience in good stead. It ensures the peace and security of a nation and prosperity for the entire nation. Let’s hope we keep our “Superego” over and above “Parallel Morality” and build a better India.

Why we don't see a Sachin every now and then

As we all celebrate Sachin Tendulkar's 20 years in International cricket, I wish to throw some light on the state of mind of the Indian youth and Sachin's impact on the same over the past 20 years and the reasons why we don't see more Sachins around us.  On November 15,1989 at Peshawar in Pakistan, history was made as a legend, barely 5ft5in in height, walked out to bat on a cricket field to face 6feet plus fast bowlers bowling at great pace. It was historic not only for the cricketing reasons but also for the larger picture emerging at that time in India. Sachin does not only signify cricketing success but also tells us why it is important to believe in oneself, to have the courage to stand up against odds, to persist even against the harshest of circumstances and to be humble even after great achievements. Sachin displays confidence without arrogance and thus brings pride not only for himself but for the country as well. His 87 centuries in the international arena is a testimony to the old saying that "It's not the success that decides a champion but rather the persistence of the success that does". Perseverance is a heavy word but it is a word that aptly fits on the little champion.
      Sachin's greatest achievement goes well beyond the cricketing field. I am a 21 year old student who, like many others, has derived great inspiration from this great man not necessarily in the cricketing field. His ability to inspire people has been his greatest gift to the country. He has not only inspired thousands of young cricketers but also people of other spheres of life ranging from technicians to actors to scholars to businessman to entrepreneurs........the list is endless as is his enigma. His life gives people an audacity of hope.
With all what he has achieved and accomplished in his life, it doesn't come to me as a surprise then that we don't see too many players of his calibre in the cricketing field. Even today the dedication and the commitment he shows before every match is unparalleled and is appreciated even by players 15 years younger to him. He is a living icon. Sachin came into the scene when the Indian Economy took the policies of  liberalization and globalization. He witnessed the birth of 4th generation of Indians who, unlike him, are restless, impatient and to a large extent lack the dedication required to become great from good. He is a champion on and off the field.
                   Sachin is far beyond the facts and the figures that is regularly displayed before his name. He is a living legend, an impeccable soul with an outrageous hunger for success and an exquisite delight to his countrymen. For those who still doubt his abilities and his achievements there is nothing more I can say. I hope his personal target of winning the 2010 Cricket World Cup for his country is fulfilled in the subcontinent. That would be a remarkable end to a remarkable career and the one which people would remember for the rest of their lives.