Tradition and culture

Tradition is like a moving average. It is not fixed at a distant past.

September 28, 2014 ·

Tradition

Change is the order of life, while tradition is clinging to the past. Tradition is not the opposite of change, but it opposes sacrifice of aesthetics, and whimsical changes. Tradition is perpetuation of a culmination. While welcoming the new, we retain a past attainment. It may die if enough people do not support it.

September 5, 2014 ·

A cynic has a place in the world, but being a cynic he may not find it.

September 5, 2014 ·

CULTURE

We learn in two ways. One is by observing and imitating. As we grow, we pick up some values and start avoiding what does not suit our values. Though we observe many things, we filter and try not to follow what is disagreeable. It is the former learning that is stronger. The latter is weaker. The former is integrated with the instinct or is habituated. ‘Habit is second nature’. We are programmed to act instinctively. Few are the moments when we reason and act. I am afraid this is true for rationalists as well. Reason is an assumed stance and is not a natural motivator of action.

The emphasis to learn well while young (இளமையிற் கல்) and the advice to provide a conducive environment are well placed. When I went abroad, I was advised that it is easier to get a driving licence if I had not driven earlier in India, because unlearning is harder. (All credit to Indian standards). It happens with most learning.

That brings us to the issue of culture. Where the culture has several positive values like courtesy, cleanliness, consideration for fellow beings, timeliness, etc., the children pick up these as they grow and it is ingrained. Where these values are in books and in distant history like Vedic times, the culture is weak and people act differently from speech. It may require a cataclysm for transformation.

Government and law cannot bring about cultural overhaul. The task lies with parents and teachers. Dr. Abdul Kalam stresses these, but to deaf audience. Fifty years ago, Acharya Kripalani (many may wonder who he is) said, ‘In our time, the teachers knew their subject and showed affection to the students. That is missing now and therefore, we see strife.’ (not his exact words). Fifty years on, his words ring truer today.

Parents are busy goading children to courses that will get them plum jobs and teachers are busy preparing students for passing examinations. Values are talked of as hobby. With that mindset and a frantic preparation for everyone to join a rat race, it is doubtful that India can become a strong country. In countries that are in the forefront today, there is a better work ethic, social fabric and culture. Our pride that we are stronger spiritually and as regards family life may not stand us in good stead. If the values that shape a society are shaky, spirituality is bound to be shallow. An orderly and predictable mundane life is the need and only a proper system of values and culture inculcating such values can give us strength to realize the potential of a global giant.

13/5/2003

Tradition serves a purpose; it imparts stability and continuity. Beyond that, to be rooted in the past entirely will be a grave error. The modern man is a vastly improved and revised edition of his early ancestors and it will be suicidal to revert to a primitive stage.