Dear Rafi...It is so nice
to have an intellectually
stimulating dialogue with
you.
What I learnt from Freud
is that mature human
beings are rational beings
but immature human beings
are rationalizing beings.
They can rationalize
anything. Many religious
people I met rationalized
many things that did not
prove the test of logic.
In my personal dialogue I
think some people have a
dialogue with a good
conscience and such a
dialogue is wonderful. But
then some people have a
bad conscience and they
are not honest with
themselves or others.
For me intention is very
important. With you even
when I disagree, I never
question your genuineness
or sincerity or integrity.
I never question your good
conscience. But I usually
withdraw from a debate or
a dialogue if I feel that
the other party is
intelligent and bright but
has preconceived notions
and have ulterior motives.
At that stage the person
is no longer rational but
rationalizing because of
unresolved emotional
conflicts or big ego.
I see that a lot on Chowk
discussions when people
have strong identities as
Muslims or Hindus or
Christians or Indians or
Pakistanis. Such strong
identities make think and
feel as religious, ethnic
and national identities
rather than as two human
beings who happen to be
born in a certain culture
and community.
To have a genuine dialogue
with a rational human
being is a treat and is
very rare.
Even at the age of 54 I am
in awe about mystery of
life and human beings.
Life is simple but human
beings are complex and
full of conflicts and
contradictions and I love
to solve those conflicts
and contradictions that
transcend logic and need
lateral and circular than
linear thinking.
Thanks for inspiring
me.....affectionately
sohail