THE AGE OF REASON

"What is the last problem you were talking about?" I asked him. After our discussions till now, I was now excited to know what he has to say.  He said, "The final problem of all of existence is the conflict between our perceptions of good life and what is actually good life!"  "But is not this subjective as to what is a good life? Isn't it on discretion of the individual what should be good for him?"  "Yes, this is what you have been taught by the contemporary political science. Rights in the discourse of Political science, has been always a historical reaction to unfreedoms. All your granted freedoms are a reflection of your past unfreedoms. Article 17 in the Indian Constitution guarantees Abolition of untouchability. Hasn't there been untouchability in the past, there will not be any article in the constitution to protect them! This does not mean that the rights guaranteed by the constitution are the sole basis of freedom. They are subject t...

 "What are those problems?"   I was waiting for his answer. I was thinking and trying to interpret the brief silence that occupied him. But he was busy smiling and looking at me. Why is he smiling? My patience is struggling. I now want my answers. Am I supposed to interpret his smile as well? Is this world this intricate? Is my mind this intricate? What else is fake?  He interrupted my train of thought, "Do not overthink!"  I will tell you two things today. The remaining two problems.  I said, "go on!"  "The third problem is the distinction between fabrications of your mind and reality."  "exactly", I exclaimed, as if I knew this, "But how to know what fabrication is and what is reality?"  "Do not jump, do not pretend to know something that you somehow guessed through deductive and inductive reasoning. Reason is not knowledge; it is a tool. Knowledge is right experience interpreted rightly", He blasted on me.  I was ...

  "Will I be able to clear this year's UPSC CSE exam?" As if he came from future and he knows. As if he is some sort of God and he knows. But I asked because I thought qualifying it is the cure whatever be the intent of doing this.  He said, "Anything else you want to ask?"  I thought for some time. I had more questions in mind but in front of him, I felt questionless as if he is the answer to all my questions.  I said, "No, nothing, just this, if you know please tell me, I am anxious".  He began. "Why do you want to clear this exam? Why is this exam so much important for you?"  I answered, "Since, I have left my PhD in between for this, and now I want a job, and also, it aligns with my social world view of welfare, also financially, my family needs this, and it will inspire many students of my hometown to pursue competitive exams". I said all this in a breath thinking he is asking a 250-marker question, and I have to write it withi...