Complete tittle:
"Such non-mainstream areas of inquiry as astrology, fortune-telling, and psychic and paranormal pursuits play a vital role in society by satisfying human needs that are not addressed by mainstream science."
Man is a weak animal at heart. He seeks comfort in large and complex social structures, the rules of conduct of which, vary widely as per different traditions. He needs the support of his peers, partner, and other fellow people. This being said, man also seeks, or rather prefers to have some "outer" entity, to which he can connect in desperate situations, and seek advice when there are no visible paths in front of him. This entity, we call God. Very closely linked to this entity is the concept of "destiny" or the belief that everything happening around us has a purpose, and is predefined. The means of knowing this very purpose, or path laid down, are astrology, fortune-telling, psychic and other paranormal pursuits.
As science progressed, man became more aware of his surroundings, and the explanations as to why many phenomena occur the way they do. Having said this, there are still many questions unanswered today, and man's curiosity constantly strives to "fit in" pieces of the puzzle. But nevertheless, we are forced to ask ourselves today, has man really progressed inspite of his understanding of nature?
Thousands of years earlier, he looked up towards the heavens, and prayed for fertility of his land, rains and other feared elements of nature. Today it has become second nature to predict and plan cultivation and harvesting. However, the most disturbing fact remains, that only the focus of seeking help or assurance has changed. In this modern and fast world, people are constantly in an effort to outperform each other, and also themselves. "Stress" and "strain" have become the key words in day to day life. In such an environment, there are times when man breaks down and mainstream science cannot answer his helplessness. We don not have medicines, and perhaps will never have such, which will ensure a peace of mind. For this very purpose, people are forced to resort to unproven techniques of astrology, fortune-telling and the like.
These techniques depend heavily on statistical probabilities, but have not been tested and proven extensively, to establish a clear understanding of the truth behind it, even if such a truth exists. For all we know, these areas of inquiry may simply serve the purpose of pacifying people in dire need of it. For example, it has now been established through extensive research that if a critical moment in the decision making process of a person willing to commit suicide is somehow passed or the person is guided through the situation, there are strong chances that he will not commit suicide at all. Similar may be the case with these non-mainstream areas.
Such techniques of astrology and fortune-telling have roots in all civilisations, and have been passed on through one way or the other. No doubt they play a vital role in moder society, one should not have blind faith in them. We must remember that "psyche" or "mind" is a very complicated subject, and hence we should not follow practices involving the same, till their credibility is proven beyond the shadow of doubt. On the other hand, having belief in some form of superior entity, inculcates a sense of humbleness within us, and gives us "someone" to look up to in times of mental chaos.
Hence, this rather soothing approach is a better one to adopt, in my opinion, than trying to devise means of foretelling and changing our future. Ironically, the very believers of "fate" and "destiny" struggle to know the future, and change it, when these two are defined by very such people, to be things predefined and out of our hands! I strongly feel that eventhough in today's world such paranormal areas of inquiry play a vital role in society, it is unreasonable, and these should be best left to pages of thriller novels!
"Such non-mainstream areas of inquiry as astrology, fortune-telling, and psychic and paranormal pursuits play a vital role in society by satisfying human needs that are not addressed by mainstream science."
Man is a weak animal at heart. He seeks comfort in large and complex social structures, the rules of conduct of which, vary widely as per different traditions. He needs the support of his peers, partner, and other fellow people. This being said, man also seeks, or rather prefers to have some "outer" entity, to which he can connect in desperate situations, and seek advice when there are no visible paths in front of him. This entity, we call God. Very closely linked to this entity is the concept of "destiny" or the belief that everything happening around us has a purpose, and is predefined. The means of knowing this very purpose, or path laid down, are astrology, fortune-telling, psychic and other paranormal pursuits.
As science progressed, man became more aware of his surroundings, and the explanations as to why many phenomena occur the way they do. Having said this, there are still many questions unanswered today, and man's curiosity constantly strives to "fit in" pieces of the puzzle. But nevertheless, we are forced to ask ourselves today, has man really progressed inspite of his understanding of nature?
Thousands of years earlier, he looked up towards the heavens, and prayed for fertility of his land, rains and other feared elements of nature. Today it has become second nature to predict and plan cultivation and harvesting. However, the most disturbing fact remains, that only the focus of seeking help or assurance has changed. In this modern and fast world, people are constantly in an effort to outperform each other, and also themselves. "Stress" and "strain" have become the key words in day to day life. In such an environment, there are times when man breaks down and mainstream science cannot answer his helplessness. We don not have medicines, and perhaps will never have such, which will ensure a peace of mind. For this very purpose, people are forced to resort to unproven techniques of astrology, fortune-telling and the like.
These techniques depend heavily on statistical probabilities, but have not been tested and proven extensively, to establish a clear understanding of the truth behind it, even if such a truth exists. For all we know, these areas of inquiry may simply serve the purpose of pacifying people in dire need of it. For example, it has now been established through extensive research that if a critical moment in the decision making process of a person willing to commit suicide is somehow passed or the person is guided through the situation, there are strong chances that he will not commit suicide at all. Similar may be the case with these non-mainstream areas.
Such techniques of astrology and fortune-telling have roots in all civilisations, and have been passed on through one way or the other. No doubt they play a vital role in moder society, one should not have blind faith in them. We must remember that "psyche" or "mind" is a very complicated subject, and hence we should not follow practices involving the same, till their credibility is proven beyond the shadow of doubt. On the other hand, having belief in some form of superior entity, inculcates a sense of humbleness within us, and gives us "someone" to look up to in times of mental chaos.
Hence, this rather soothing approach is a better one to adopt, in my opinion, than trying to devise means of foretelling and changing our future. Ironically, the very believers of "fate" and "destiny" struggle to know the future, and change it, when these two are defined by very such people, to be things predefined and out of our hands! I strongly feel that eventhough in today's world such paranormal areas of inquiry play a vital role in society, it is unreasonable, and these should be best left to pages of thriller novels!
1 comment:
1. There are language flaws in there, ones that I expect you to notice when you re-read it.
2. Your stance is not clear at the end. As far as I know, you need to take a clear stand. Speak positively for both sides in a ratio of about 70:30, or even 60:40 (The higher being your preference, of course), and take a stand at the conclusion.
3. Thriller novels? UHH?
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