Knowing that society shapes us may help us in shaping society better

The child does not understand the concept of marks and mother, but feelings still develop regarding them, and they become integral parts of their life. Non-existent things become existential and begin to govern our lives.

This pattern exists in nearly every aspect of our lives. There are many religions, but most people have strong feelings about the one they practise at home. People frequently believe that their thoughts are entirely their own. In reality, our environment, education, and historical context all influence how we think. This demonstrates my support for history education(Not because we can directly learn from it; the utility of learning from history is debatable, when confronted with a challenge, knowledge of history may help us understand the problem and its potential outcomes and responses. However, the actions we eventually take are determined by our state of mind.), I advocate for teaching history because it fosters compassion. Understanding the background of a situation aids in comprehending its evolution, preventing frustration and anger. Instead, we approach the situation with empathy, delving beneath the surface. Moreover, possessing this knowledge puts us in a better position to address the issue, as we can identify crucial factors that require consideration.

From the moment of our birth, we are shaped by our surrounding environment. Although we possess our own will, it too is influenced. Every decision we make stems from our free will, yet it is colored by the experiences of the world that existed before our arrival. Interestingly, those who influence us are also shaped by their own surroundings. It creates a continuous and intricate system where we both influence and are influenced by others simultaneously.

But how do we ensure that our actions remain unaffected by external influences? Firstly, is it truly important to know, or would it make any real difference? I believe there are a few points to consider:

Firstly, realizing such a concept offers a unique experience worth exploring. Whether you choose to delve into it is entirely up to you.

Secondly, and most importantly, stepping outside this complex system to analyze situations from an unbiased perspective reveals both the vulnerabilities and power of humanity. Recognizing these vulnerabilities fosters empathy and reduces hatred towards others. Understanding that even small human actions can have significant impacts encourages mindfulness in our own actions and words. Additionally, for those who are optimistic, it may incentivize involvement in activities aimed at bringing positive change to society, thereby shaping it for the better.

Furthermore, contemplating such matters enables us to better understand our actions. It helps us understand when to take responsibility and when to let go of things around us, easing the burden of self-blame. In this way, knowledge equips us to navigate various situations effectively.I would like to end this with a quote: "vidyā paramaṃ balam” - Knowledge is supreme power. Knowledge is the most powerful tool to tackle any situation (knowledge of all sorts, not just factual information).

One could argue that, despite writing about independent thought, my thoughts are still influenced by previous experiences. And I can’t simply deny that fact; the truth of such a statement is uncertain. It’s similar to the paradox of ‘I always lie’, where we can’t determine whether it’s true or false. Consequently, whatever claim I attempt to make cannot be definitively labelled true or false. It represents merely one perspective on analyzing society. Even the concept of ‘understanding’ something is ambiguous in itself. I mean, what exactly does it mean to understand things, and when do we say we have understood them? The problem is that words have limitations (the irony is that I’m using words to explain how words don’t do complete justice in conveying ideas, but it’s the best tool I have, so I think words should be used with caution).

Words have limitations because individuals interpret the same word or phrase differently based on their prior knowledge and experiences. This ongoing, continuous, rapid, and unchecked process eventually leads to individuals perceiving the same words in varied ways. There comes a point where different people feel the same words differently (I say ‘feel’ and not ‘understand’ because the meaning they are taught is mostly the same, but the feeling that is associated with it is different for different people).

In closing, my aim in writing this article is to inspire readers to embrace the pursuit of knowledge and to reflect deeply on their actions and words. Everybody holds the power to shape our society profoundly. Without knowledge, we may be unintentionally causing harm through our words and deeds. Yet, it is through knowledge that we come to understand the limits of our control. Discovering the fine balance between assuming accountability and letting go of things around you is a journey that is enhanced through the pursuit of knowledge, a journey that humbles us as it reveals the vast expanse of the unknown.