ESSAY
3. What I Require from Life
by J.B.S. Haldane
SUMMARY
In
his essay "What I Require From Life," JBS Haldane, a British-Indian
Scientist, delves into his personal beliefs and desires, highlighting the
essential needs of working-class people. The essay, published in 1940, reflects
a blend of political and philosophical viewpoints, with a focus on socialistic
convictions and democratic workplace activities.
Haldane
begins by accepting the world as it is, understanding the limitations and
imperfections of life. He emphasizes the importance of not demanding the
impossible, as pursuing an unattainable ideal can lead to harmful consequences.
The writer's early desire for a peaceful life changed during the devastating
World War I, where he realized the significance of fulfilling basic needs
amidst turmoil. Food, water, clothing, and shelter became paramount in his
perspective.
Four
general human needs are discussed in the essay: freedom, health, work,
and friendship. Haldane values the freedom to work and express oneself,
particularly the freedom of expression. He yearns for good health as it enables
productivity and happiness in life. Decent work with fair remuneration is
essential for him and other workers, and he considers himself fortunate to have
chosen his desired career path.
Friendship
is another crucial aspect for Haldane, one that emphasizes equality and the
freedom to express criticism. He desires camaraderie with people of equal
standing, where obedience and unquestioning orders are absent.
Beyond
these basic needs, Haldane expresses his desire for adventure, craving the
satisfaction it brings, even with risks involved. He also wishes for personal
pleasures, such as having his own room filled with books, access to a car,
daily baths, and proximity to a beach or river. However, he refrains from
making demands for these desires and believes that true happiness comes when
friends find joy in their necessities.
As
a socialist, Haldane envisions a world where workers are in control of their
working conditions and industries. He advocates for an end to class and sex
subjugation and calls for an economic revolution to achieve fraternity and
equality. His vision includes education and scientific methods spreading across
all aspects of life, leading to a society free from fascism and oppression.
"What
I Require From Life" reflects JBS Haldane's humanistic and socialist
perspective on the essential needs of individuals, particularly the working
class. He highlights the significance of freedom, health, work, and friendship,
along with personal desires and aspirations. The essay reveals his longing for a
world where equality, control, and scientific progress prevail, leading to a
happy and fulfilling life for all.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. How does the writer distinguish between a peaceful age and a
heroic age?
In
his essay, the writer contrasts two distinct periods of his life: a time of
peace during his birth and a time of heroism during his youth. However, the
outbreak of the devastating World War I at the age of 22 changed his
perspective. Initially yearning for a peaceful existence, he found himself
caught in the heroic age of the war. This transformation in his outlook
reflects the impact of historical events on individuals' lives. The writer's
desire for peace was interrupted by the exigencies of war, forcing him to adapt
to challenging circumstances and embrace a heroic role. This shift in
perception and experience shaped his understanding of life's necessities, and
he focused on meeting his basic needs amidst the turmoil of war.
b. Why does the writer want more freedom of speech than most
people?
The
writer's desire for greater freedom of speech stems from his wish to openly
discuss and critique dangerous individuals and institutions. Specifically, he
aims to address the capitalists who have monopolized industries and disrupted
society. By advocating for unrestricted expression, he seeks to voice his
thoughts and opinions fearlessly. The writer's motivation to challenge powerful
figures and systems reflects his commitment to social change and the promotion
of equality. He envisions a world where criticism can be freely expressed,
allowing for open dialogue and the possibility of effecting positive
transformations. Through unrestricted speech, he hopes to expose injustices and
encourage a more equitable society.
c. According to the writer, what are the four general human
needs?
In
the essay, the writer highlights four general human needs that are essential
for a fulfilling life: work, freedom of speech, health, and friendship. Work is
vital as it provides sustenance and purpose, allowing individuals to contribute
to society. Freedom of speech is crucial for expressing thoughts and ideas
without fear of repression, fostering open dialogue and progress. Good health
is fundamental for overall well-being, enabling individuals to pursue their
goals and ambitions. Friendship and camaraderie create a sense of belonging and
support, enriching one's life emotionally and socially. By identifying these
fundamental needs, the writer emphasizes the significance of fulfilling them
for individuals to lead meaningful and contented lives.
d. What is the difference between desire and demand according to
the writer?
In
the essay, the author draws a distinction between desire and demand. Desire
refers to a simple wish or longing for something beneficial in life, while
demand is a desire that is accompanied by the ability and willingness to pay
for a specific good or service. The writer expresses various desires, but he
refrains from making demands as he believes in accepting the world as it is and
not expecting the impossible. Despite not making demands, he considers himself
fortunate to have the ability to fulfill his wishes. This perspective reflects
a contented approach to life, where the writer appreciates what he has without
expecting more than what is feasible or necessary.
e. Why does the writer demand security?
In
the essay, the author emphasizes the paramount importance of security,
especially during times of war. He believes that life safety takes precedence
over all other aspects of life. When facing critical situations like war, the
writer asserts that ensuring the security of life should be the top priority.
With life security assured, he believes that anything becomes possible. This
perspective highlights the fundamental value of human life and the need to
protect it above all else. The author's call for security underscores the
essential nature of safeguarding human lives in the face of adversity and
challenges posed by war or any other perilous circumstances.
Reference to the context
Explain
the following lines with reference to the context:
a. “The satisfaction of adventure is something much more solid
than a thrill.”
According
to the author, adventure goes beyond mere emotional excitement; it involves the
satisfaction derived from engaging in creative activities. He draws on his
personal experience of serving on the war front in Madrid for six months, where
he was exposed to intense and perilous situations. Despite this, he eagerly
anticipated the simple pleasure of reading a book of Rimbaud's poetry, which
brought him a sense of thrill and fulfillment. This highlights the writer's
appreciation for the small joys and intellectual pursuits that can bring
meaning and excitement to life, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
His perspective on adventure underscores the notion that fulfillment can be
found in intellectual and creative pursuits, in addition to traditional notions
of excitement and danger.
b. “I want the workers to see the fruit of their own work not in
profits for others, but in their own and their friends’ well-being.”
In
this line, the author expresses his socialist beliefs, advocating for workers
to have control over the fruits of their labor. He criticizes the capitalist
system, where the profits generated by the workers' hard work often end up
enriching the bourgeois capitalists instead of benefiting the workers
themselves. As a socialist, the author calls for a shift in power dynamics,
where workers play a critical role in the industry and have a say in how the
profits are distributed. He emphasizes the importance of economic prosperity
for the workers themselves rather than serving the interests of the privileged
few. The author's stance reflects his desire for a more equitable and just
society, where the labor of the working class is valued and rewarded
appropriately.
c. Why do you think the essayist has taken reference from the
ancient philosophers?
The
essayist, JBS Haldane, has taken references from ancient philosophers to underscore
the universality and timelessness of certain human needs and desires. By
invoking the thoughts of Aristotle, the essayist emphasizes that fundamental
human aspirations, such as the pursuit of happiness and the importance of
friendship, have been relevant throughout history. Drawing upon the wisdom of
ancient philosophers adds a sense of depth and authority to his arguments.
Additionally, these references provide a historical and philosophical context
for his ideas, suggesting that the yearning for freedom, health, work, and
friendship are not merely contemporary concerns but have been essential aspects
of human existence for generations.
d. Discuss the essay in terms of its language, purpose, subject,
point of view and mode of writing.
The
essay "What I Require From Life" by JBS Haldane is written in a
simple and clear language that makes it accessible to a wide audience. The
purpose of the essay is to express the author's personal needs and desires
while reflecting on the impact of war on his perspective. The subject of the
essay revolves around the basic human needs of freedom, health, work, and
friendship, along with additional desires and political convictions. The point
of view is first-person, as the author shares his own thoughts and experiences.
The mode of writing is persuasive and reflective, with the author presenting
his beliefs and advocating for socialistic ideals while using personal
anecdotes and historical references to support his arguments.
Reference beyond the text
a. What do you require from your life to be happy and satisfied?
In
life, our happiness and satisfaction often stem from fulfilling our fundamental
needs. Good health is the cornerstone of well-being as it enables us to lead a
fulfilling and active life. It allows us to pursue our interests and ambitions
without limitations. Without good health, other accomplishments lose their
significance.
Having
a job is crucial not only for financial stability but also for a sense of
purpose and accomplishment. Work provides us with opportunities to contribute
to society, develop our skills, and build a meaningful career. Meaningful
employment gives us a sense of identity and pride in our accomplishments.
Friendship
and social connections play a vital role in our emotional well-being.
Meaningful relationships offer support, understanding, and companionship during
challenging times. The ability to share experiences, joys, and sorrows with
friends enriches our lives and provides a sense of belonging.
Freedom
is an essential aspect of human existence. The ability to express ourselves
freely, both in speech and action, is crucial for personal growth and the
advancement of society. Freedom allows us to pursue our interests, express our
beliefs, and challenge norms when needed.
Security
is fundamental for peace of mind. Knowing that our basic needs are met and that
we are protected from harm or danger creates a stable and conducive environment
for happiness and personal growth. Security in all aspects, such as financial
stability, safety, and protection from violence, contributes to our overall
well-being.
Happiness
and satisfaction in life are closely linked to fulfilling essential needs. Good
health, a job, friendship, freedom, and security provide the foundation for a
fulfilling and contented life. When these basic requirements are met, we have
the potential to pursue our dreams, enjoy meaningful relationships, and
contribute positively to society. Striving to meet these needs should be a
priority in our pursuit of happiness and personal growth.
b. What is socialism? How is it different from capitalism?
Socialism
is an economic and political ideology that advocates for the collective
ownership and control of the means of production. In a socialist system, the
goal is to achieve social and economic equality by distributing wealth and
resources more equitably among all members of society. The emphasis is on
cooperation and solidarity rather than competition and individualism.
One
of the main differences between socialism and capitalism is the role of private
property and ownership. In a capitalist system, private individuals and
corporations own the means of production, such as factories, businesses, and
land. This concentration of ownership can lead to wealth and power disparities,
as those who own the means of production have greater control over resources
and economic opportunities.
In
contrast, socialism seeks to eliminate private ownership and replace it with
collective ownership. The idea is to ensure that the benefits of production are
shared more equally among all members of society. By doing so, socialism aims
to reduce poverty, inequality, and social division.
Another
key distinction between socialism and capitalism lies in the treatment of people's
needs. Socialism places a strong emphasis on meeting the basic needs of all
individuals, such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. It aims to
provide a social safety net to protect vulnerable members of society and ensure
a basic standard of living for everyone.
Capitalism,
on the other hand, operates on the principle of supply and demand. The market
determines the distribution of goods and services based on consumer preferences
and purchasing power. This can result in situations where certain essential
goods and services are not accessible to those who cannot afford them, leading
to social inequality and deprivation.
Moreover,
capitalism encourages competition among businesses, which can lead to economic
growth and innovation. However, it also creates winners and losers, with some
individuals and companies becoming very wealthy while others struggle to
survive.
Socialism
and capitalism represent two different approaches to organizing economies and
societies. Socialism aims to achieve social and economic equality through
collective ownership and prioritizing people's needs. Capitalism, on the other
hand, relies on private ownership and market forces to determine resource
allocation and economic outcomes. The debate between these two systems
continues to shape political and economic discussions around the world.
c. Write an essay about your dream house.
My
Dream House
My
dream home is more than just a place to live; it is a sanctuary of beauty,
tranquility, and inspiration. Nestled in a picturesque location, it is a
bungalow surrounded by lush greenery and colorful blooms. The sight of fruit
trees laden with sweet fruits and the fragrance of flowers envelop the air with
natural delight. A spacious lawn offers ample room for family gatherings, where
we can enjoy meals outdoors or read the morning newspapers while savoring the
gentle breeze.
The
centerpiece of my dream garden is a captivating waterfall, its gentle cascades
creating a soothing melody that calms our minds and invigorates our spirits.
The sound of birds chirping and nesting in the trees adds a symphony of nature
to our daily lives, filling our hearts with joy.
Inside
the bungalow, sunlight floods through numerous large windows, creating a bright
and airy atmosphere. I abhor the feeling of being enclosed, so my dream home is
designed to embrace openness and connection with the natural surroundings.
The
kitchen, though not extravagant in size, is efficient and well-equipped. It
boasts modern Italian hob and oven for delightful cooking experiences. The
cabinets made of oak exude a touch of elegance, and a radio-CD player adds a
pleasant ambiance while I indulge in my culinary endeavors.
Every
bedroom in my dream home is spacious and fitted with attached bathrooms.
Air-conditioning ensures comfort in all seasons. Each bedroom also features a
mini-refrigerator stocked with refreshments and snacks, making it convenient to
grab a treat even while relaxing in the bedroom.
However,
the heart of my dream home lies within two special rooms—the library and the
music room. The library is a treasure trove of knowledge, lined with shelves
filled with books from all corners of the world. It is here that I find solace
and expand my horizons through literature. The table-top computer aids in my research
and exploration of the vast internet universe.
In
the music room, I have an advanced hi-fi system that envelops the space with
melodious tunes from around the globe. My grand piano stands majestically,
serving as an outlet for my creativity and emotional expression. Composing my
own music and losing myself in its melodies brings me immense satisfaction and
joy.
My
dream home embodies the essence of happiness, peace, and aesthetic beauty. It
is a place where my family and I can truly be ourselves, surrounded by the
things we love and cherish. Although it may exist only in my imagination for
now, I hold onto the hope that someday, my dream home will transform into a
tangible reality—a place where I can find solace, grow, and create cherished
memories with my loved ones.
Best of Luck
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