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Super power called Intellect
The biggest difference between Humans and other species is intellect, our ability to think and sense of discrimination.
The humans can use their intellect to find out what is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ for them, definitely from their point of view. I am not talking about what is really right or wrong, because that’s subjective.
But in general, having this ‘sense of discrimination’ is the biggest superpower we have. What we think as right could be wrong for others, but at least we can apply our intellect in order to find out what is right for us with whatever information we have.
Without this intellect and sense of discrimination we are animals.
Now the question is would you leave this superpower for any reason. If someone offers you big money, power, position or some other fancy stuff you want, would you leave your ability to think, your intellect and sense of discrimination.
I don’t think anyone would say yes to this.
Even though we are not able to manage the magnanimity of the mind and intellect, we get into alcohol, drugs and other measures to numb it down, but we are never willing to relinquish this forever. We would always need this power with us to choose what’s right for us, and act accordingly.
At no times, we would want to give away this power of thinking and to act depending upon what works best for us (from our standpoint).
The irony of being Bhishma
I have always wondered why somebody as wise, powerful, resourceful as ‘Bhishma’ (of Mahabharata) would choose to do what he did, knowing very well what was the right thing to do.
Regardless of having all the wisdom he committed to act in accordance with the authority.
Regardless of having all the strength, he chose to fight for the lost cause.
Regardless of having all the clarity, he chose to follow the unpopular belief.
It needs immense mental strength to do all this.
Knowing very well that history would question you, and the results would be far from favorable.
Moreover, he wasn’t confused at any point of time. He was there to follow the instructions at any cost without any shadow of doubt.
Why I brought Bhishma in the discussion because he chose not to act as per his ‘intellect’ as he was committed to follow the crown/authority, regardless of his own opinion about the capability of the person having the authority.
I know a lot has been said and written about his misplaced sense of loyalty and inaction at times because of that loyalty itself. But I am not talking about him being right or wrong, it’s beyond that. Being right or wrong is just a matter of standpoint.
I am talking about the value which became bigger than his intellect, in his case it was loyalty.
He chose loyalty over intellect and didn’t act as per his mind, thoughts and sense of discrimination.
I always wonder what it takes to do that and how can someone sacrifice his wisdom, strength, intellect, power, and clarity for ‘loyalty’ or some other value. Which once committed would be complied with unwavering focus for the entire lifetime, without judging the person having that authority.
Loyalty in this era
This story is very much relatable to the soldiers serving nation, patrolling the boarders, putting their life on the line and serving the authority without any doubt or question whatsoever.
We are living in information age and most of the soldiers have access to social media, news channels, print media and other modes of communication. Like all of us they too have their own thought process and opinion about political, social and other issues.
Like, we civilians, they also have their thoughts on what is right and wrong, however their commitment is far more stronger to get perturbed by their idea of what is right or wrong.
Whilst we have the privilege to crib, protest or to show our angst against government or authorities if something happens to be against our thought process. The social media especially ‘twitter’ is full of cribbing and angst by people from all walks of life.
The soldiers don’t have any such privilege to act as per their intellect. They rather channelise their wisdom, physical strength and emotions to serve the nation and authority.
All this is extremely difficult to cope in the age of social media, propaganda and fake news. Information age and digital technology makes the job of modern-day soldier a herculean task, in order to remain unperturbed by never ending noise.
Despite all that, soldiers are known for their commitment of keeping others first.
Loyalty of a soldier means to stand in front of you, whether you stand on the left or right. Whatever nation you are part of and whichever religion you are identified with.
Huge respect and big salute to the soldiers!