The Dilemma of Human Nature: The Desire to Appear Rather Than Be

 

Human nature is inherently complex, and one of its most profound contradictions lies in the overwhelming desire to be seen rather than to simply exist. It seems that, in the modern world, appearances often take precedence over genuine substance. There is a significant portion of society that is caught up in the obsessive need to be acknowledged in every social gathering, striving to ensure that their presence is not just noticed, but revered. These individuals often regard their opinions as the final word in any conversation, dismissing others' viewpoints with an air of superiority. Yet, this attitude may not only be misguided but rooted in a deeper ignorance.

The Illusion of Knowledge

True wisdom is quiet, unobtrusive, and spreads like light without the need for fanfare. Those who feel the need to advertise their intelligence with loud proclamations are often the ones with the weakest foundation of knowledge. Genuine understanding does not require a loud voice to be heard; it speaks through actions, decisions, and the subtle influence it exerts. When someone tries to position themselves as the ultimate authority in every situation, they fail to realize that they are betraying their own lack of depth. The need to be seen as "learned" is often a mask for an inner insecurity, a vulnerability that they desperately seek to cover up.

The Weight of Words and the Depth of Intentions

In conversations, true weight comes not from the choice of words alone but from the sincerity behind them and the softness of the tone in which they are spoken. There is a notable difference between someone who speaks to impress and someone whose words naturally command respect. People who constantly try to assert themselves often fail to see that their insistence on winning every argument or proving their point can actually trap them in their own web of pretension. In their attempt to dominate conversations, they lose sight of the real value in dialogue: the ability to listen, understand, and learn.

The Paradox of Intellectual Arrogance

The arrogance of intellectual superiority, known in Urdu as "Pindar-e-Aql" (the pride of intellect), is one of the most insidious forms of self-deception. These individuals, often caught in their own bubble of self-assuredness, consider themselves to be the masters of everyone around them. They fail to recognize that true learning is not a destination but a continuous journey. As they become more rigid in their beliefs, they close themselves off from growth and self-improvement, convinced that they know all there is to know.

The Quiet Strength of the Deep Sea

The analogy of the sea is often used to illustrate the wisdom of quietness. Just as the vastness of the ocean lies hidden in its silence, those who are truly knowledgeable rarely make noise about their expertise. In contrast, shallow waters stir and create a clamor at the slightest disturbance. The desire to showcase intelligence often stems from an underlying insecurity, a need to prove one's worth in the eyes of others. Those who are genuinely enlightened do not seek to flaunt their intellect but instead allow their actions and decisions to speak for themselves.

The Humility of True Wisdom

It is often said that those who possess true wisdom do not boast about it. Their decisions, their silence, and the depth of their understanding serve as testimony to their intellectual prowess. They do not need to shout or argue to establish their authority. The quiet assurance they carry with them is more powerful than any outward display of knowledge. True wisdom is not a spectacle; it is a state of being that can be felt in the calm presence of the individual.

Conclusion: The Paradox of the "Wise"

The famous poet Taleef Haidar's verse captures the essence of this discussion perfectly: "Even the wise lose their bearings on the path of knowledge, while the ignorant, whom we call foolish, are not so at all". This paradox reminds us that wisdom is not merely about knowledge or the ability to dominate conversations. It is about humility, the willingness to learn, and the understanding that true intelligence does not need to be flaunted.

C. P. Kumar
Energy Healer & Blogger

Amazon Books by C. P. Kumar: https://amazon.com/author/cpkumar/
YouTube Channel of C. P. Kumar: https://www.youtube.com/@cpkumar2022
Spiritual and Social Books by C. P. Kumar: http://cpkumar.lovestoblog.com/bookmarks.html

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