ESSAY
4. Humility
by Yuval Noah Harari
SUMMARY
The
essay titled "Humility," penned by the esteemed author, historian,
and philosopher Prof. Yuval Noah Harari, holds a profound relevance in today's
world, where false notions of superiority often drive societal dynamics. With
an illustrious reputation hailing from Jerusalem, Prof. Harari appeals to
diverse religious and cultural groups globally to embrace rationality and
eradicate pride and arrogance from humanity.
In
this essay, Prof. Harari delves into the pervasive belief among various
religious and cultural factions that they are the epicenter of the world. This
sentiment breeds a sense of cultural superiority, leading them to view their
culture as the pinnacle of human history. However, the author vehemently
critiques this notion, offering instances of false superiority that prevail in
the contemporary world.
He
begins by highlighting the Greek perspective, where they believe that human
history commenced with illustrious figures such as Homer, Sophocles, and Plato,
and human civilization was birthed in renowned cities like Athens, Sparta,
Alexandria, or Constantinople. Similarly, the Chinese identify the beginning of
human history with the Yellow Emperor and the Xia and Shang dynasties. The Hindus
hold their own convictions, attributing the inception of human history to their
achievements, citing inventions like rockets, airplanes by Maharshi Bhardwaj,
and atomic theory by Acharya Kanad. The Muslims, on the other hand, assert that
history is centered around Prophet Mohammad and the Quran. This narrative is
paralleled in the Jewish faith, wherein others are deemed inferior.
Prof.
Harari delves further, questioning the monotheistic tendencies that can
potentially endanger social and cultural harmony. He highlights the arrogance
exhibited by Jews in their claim to the invention of yoga due to similarities
between yoga postures and the Hebrew language. They often stake credit for
various innovations. The author contends that these beliefs are irrational, as
the formation of human history predates the divisions based on caste, creed,
religion, and geographical boundaries. Prof. Harari eloquently asserts that
morality, art, spirituality, and creativity are embedded in every individual's
DNA, representing universal human abilities that transcend cultural boundaries.
The
core of the author's argument rests on advocating for religious tolerance and
fostering universal brotherhood by deflating egotism. He encourages people to
acknowledge the interconnectedness of their shared human attributes,
irrespective of cultural or religious affiliations. This, he believes, can
promote a more harmonious and equitable world, shunning divisive tendencies and
fostering humility.
In
conclusion, Prof. Yuval Noah Harari's essay "Humility" resonates
deeply in today's society, where notions of cultural and religious superiority
often sow discord. Through meticulous examples, the author underscores the
irrationality of these beliefs, emphasizing the universality of human attributes.
By advocating for religious tolerance, universal brotherhood, and humility,
Prof. Harari challenges readers to embrace a more inclusive and harmonious
worldview that transcends divisive notions of superiority.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. Describe the claim of the Chinese nationalists about the
human history.
The
Chinese nationalists assert a distinctive claim about the origins of human
history, attributing its commencement to the Yellow Emperor and the Xia and
Shang dynasties. They view Western historical narratives as mere imitations of
the authentic Chinese achievements. According to their perspective, the
accomplishments and innovations from the West are perceived as lacking the
originality and depth that the Chinese civilization inherently possesses. This
claim underscores their belief in the unique contributions of their cultural
heritage, asserting that the foundations of human history were laid within the
context of their own dynasties. The nationalist perspective emphasizes the
significance of China's historical contributions and positions their cultural
breakthroughs as unparalleled, thus fostering a sense of pride and
exceptionalism within the Chinese populace.
b. What do pious Muslims believe about the human history?
Pious
Muslims hold the belief that human history preceding the era of Prophet
Mohammad is largely inconsequential in comparison to the significance brought
by the revelation of the Quran. Their perspective suggests that the Quranic
teachings and the emergence of the Muslim Ummah (the global community of
Muslims) mark a pivotal turning point in human history. From their standpoint,
the revelations contained in the Quran provide a comprehensive framework for
understanding human existence and the path towards spiritual salvation. The
arrival of Prophet Mohammad and the propagation of Islam are considered to be
the definitive events that reshaped the course of history, emphasizing the
centrality of faith and the Muslim community. This viewpoint reinforces the
idea that the Quranic teachings hold the ultimate guidance for humanity,
rendering pre-Islamic history as secondary in the broader context of their
religious convictions.
c. What did the Aztecs firmly believe about the universe?
The
Aztecs held a deeply ingrained belief that their annual sacrificial rituals
were pivotal to the stability of the universe. According to their cosmology,
the Sun's daily ascent was contingent upon the offerings they presented to
their deities, primarily Huitzilopochtli, the Sun god. They saw themselves as
custodians of cosmic order, responsible for maintaining the delicate balance
between the earthly realm and the celestial spheres. The act of offering human
sacrifices was regarded as a means of appeasing and nourishing the gods,
thereby ensuring the continuous movement of the Sun, rain, and the sustenance
of life. Overall, the Aztecs' firm conviction that their sacrifices upheld the
universe reflected their intricate understanding of their place within the cosmic
order and their dedication to the cosmic harmony they believed their actions
maintained.
d. What, according to the essay, universal human abilities?
The
essay asserts that within every individual's DNA lie universal human abilities
that transcend cultural, religious, and geographical boundaries. These
abilities encompass morality, art, spirituality, and creativity. Morality
refers to the inherent capacity to discern right from wrong and to cultivate
ethical principles that guide human behavior. Artistic expression, another
universal ability, manifests in various forms across cultures, encompassing
visual arts, music, literature, and more, serving as a means of communication
and reflection. Spirituality, inherent to humanity, encompasses the yearning for
deeper meaning, connection, and transcendence beyond the material realm. This
inclination towards the spiritual realm is shared by people across diverse
backgrounds. Lastly, creativity, a universal trait, empowers individuals to
innovate, problem-solve, and shape their environments. These universal human
abilities underline the shared aspects of human experience that transcend
divisions, urging for greater understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among
diverse cultures and communities. The essay advocates embracing these innate
qualities as common ground for promoting religious tolerance, universal
brotherhood, and humility.
e. How are the basic yoga postures derived from the shape of the
letters of the Hebrew alphabet?
The
essay suggests that some proponents claim the basic yoga postures are derived
from the shapes of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet. For instance, the
posture "Trikonasana," resembling the shape of the Hebrew letter
"aleph," and the posture "Tuladandasana," resembling the
letter "daled," are cited as examples. This connection is used to
assert a sense of superiority and originality by attributing the origin of
these postures to Hebrew letters. However, the essay presents this claim
skeptically, implying that such assertions of superiority based on historical
claims can lead to false arrogance and a distorted understanding of cultural
origins. It underscores the broader theme of the essay – the need to approach
cultural and historical beliefs with humility and an open mind.
Reference to the context
a. How do Hindu nationalists refute the Chinese claim that human
history really began with the yellow emperor and the Xia and Shang dynasties?
Who do you agree with and why?
Hindu
nationalists refute the Chinese claim that human history began with the Yellow
Emperor and the Xia and Shang dynasties by pointing to the ancient wisdom and
inventions attributed to Hindu sages in their holy texts. They argue that
Hinduism is the oldest religion, and its sages possessed mysterious powers akin
to gods, evidenced by their inventions like airplanes, missile rockets, and
atomic energy. This perspective challenges the Chinese narrative and asserts
the supremacy of Hindu civilization. I lean towards a neutral standpoint in
this debate. While both sides present their historical claims, it's crucial to
approach such assertions with a critical and open mind. Historical accuracy can
be challenging to determine due to the lack of concrete evidence from such
distant periods. It's important to respect diverse cultural narratives while
avoiding unnecessary superiority complexes that can arise from nationalistic
interpretations of history.
b. The author has dealt with a controversial debate on human
history. Why do you think history has been a major contested issue in the
present world?
The
issue of human history has become a major contested debate due to differing
nationalistic narratives and claims of superiority. The essay
"Humility" by Yuval Noah Harari highlights the controversial nature
of historical interpretations. Claims by Chinese, Hindu nationalists, and pious
Muslims regarding the origins of human history clash, each asserting their
culture's significance. In the present world, history has become a tool for
establishing national identity and pride. This contestation stems from a desire
to validate one's culture, leading to an ego-driven reluctance to accept
alternative explanations. The need to assert dominance and prove the uniqueness
of one's civilization has fueled this debate. As history intersects with
cultural, religious, and political factors, it becomes a battleground for
asserting cultural and national supremacy, making it a major source of
contention in the contemporary world.
Reference beyond the text
a. Write a short essay on The Conflicting History of Human
Civilization.
The
Conflicting History of Human Civilization
The
study of human history is a complex endeavor that often unveils conflicting
narratives, interpretations, and claims. As societies evolve, so do their interpretations
of the past, leading to a clash of perspectives and a conflicting history of
human civilization. This phenomenon is driven by diverse cultural, religious,
and nationalistic factors that shape historical narratives.
One
of the primary sources of conflicting history arises from differing
nationalistic interpretations. Nations often seek to establish a sense of
identity and pride by emphasizing their unique contributions to civilization.
This can lead to contrasting historical accounts, as each nation highlights its
own achievements while downplaying those of others. This competition for
historical supremacy fosters a conflicting narrative where one nation's history
might contradict or challenge another's.
Religious
beliefs also play a pivotal role in shaping conflicting histories. Sacred texts
and teachings provide a lens through which followers perceive the past. As
religious interpretations vary, they can lead to contradictory historical
accounts. For instance, religious scriptures might provide a certain chronology
of events that clashes with scientific or archaeological evidence.
Furthermore,
cultural diversity contributes to the conflicting history of human
civilization. Different cultures value and prioritize certain events, figures,
and achievements, often leading to varying historical narratives. These
discrepancies can emerge due to differences in languages, traditions, and
societal structures. What is deemed significant by one culture might be considered
negligible by another, contributing to the complexity of historical
interpretations.
The
media and education systems of nations also play a role in perpetuating
conflicting histories. Nationalistic agendas may lead to the promotion of a
particular version of history that aligns with the ruling ideology. This can
further entrench the divide between differing historical viewpoints, preventing
a harmonious understanding of the past.
In
a rapidly globalizing world, the conflicting history of human civilization can
lead to misunderstandings, tensions, and even conflicts. However, it is
essential to acknowledge that historical narratives are multifaceted and
subject to interpretation. Embracing a more inclusive and open-minded approach
to history can pave the way for reconciliation and mutual understanding.
In
conclusion, the conflicting history of human civilization is a result of
diverse influences, including nationalism, religion, culture, and education.
The clash of perspectives stemming from these factors leads to contradictory
historical narratives. While this phenomenon can be a source of division, it
also highlights the complexity of human societies and the need for nuanced,
open-minded conversations about our shared past.
b. The author claims, “Since it is more polite to criticize
one’s own people than to criticize foreigners.” Do you agree to his claim?
Give your reasons.
The
assertion that it is more polite to criticize one's own people than to
criticize foreigners is rooted in cultural nuances and social dynamics
prevalent in various societies. This phenomenon can be observed in different
parts of the world and can be attributed to several supporting reasons.
Firstly,
criticizing one's own people is often perceived as a form of constructive feedback
aimed at improvement rather than a hostile attack. When individuals within a
community express concerns or criticisms about their own group, it is often
viewed as an act of care and concern for the betterment of the community. This
is particularly true in collectivist cultures where the collective well-being
is highly valued, and personal success is closely tied to the success of the
community. In such contexts, self-criticism is seen as an act of humility and
responsibility.
Secondly,
criticizing foreigners may be seen as disrespectful or culturally insensitive,
as it could be interpreted as an outsider imposing their values or judgments on
a different culture. Engaging in constructive criticism with foreigners
requires a level of understanding and familiarity with their cultural context,
which might not always be available. As a result, individuals often hesitate to
criticize foreign cultures or people directly due to the potential for
misunderstanding or offense.
Furthermore,
criticizing one's own people can be a way of addressing internal issues and
challenges without inviting external interference. Communities often prefer to
handle their internal matters privately, and addressing problems within the
group can be seen as a sign of solidarity and unity. On the other hand, openly
criticizing foreigners can sometimes perpetuate stereotypes, misunderstandings,
and biases, which can lead to strained relationships and international
tensions.
Lastly,
the idea of criticizing one's own people is often linked to cultural
relativism, the understanding that different cultures have their own unique
norms and values. This recognition encourages individuals to approach internal
issues with a nuanced perspective that considers the cultural context and
history of their own group. Criticizing one's own people within this framework
can be seen as an attempt to hold oneself accountable while acknowledging the
complexities of cultural diversity.
In
conclusion, the notion that it is more polite to criticize one's own people
than to criticize foreigners finds its basis in cultural sensitivity,
collective well-being, and a desire to foster constructive dialogue. This
approach aims to promote self-improvement within the community while also
respecting the diversity and autonomy of other cultures. While context and
cultural norms play a significant role in shaping these dynamics, the intention
behind such a practice often aligns with maintaining harmony and facilitating
growth within and across societies.
Best of Luck
.jpg)
