We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
— ‘Ulysses’ by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
— ‘Ulysses’ by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
In a world fueled by unceasing ambition, strength is often narrowly defined as physical supremacy and quantifiable feats. Nations vie for dominance through economic leverage, military prowess, and the dissemination of information and disinformation. Modern man’s relentless quest for growth and dominance has drained the very resources that sustain life; and economic progress has, in many ways, resulted in moral and ethical regression.
The Amazon rainforest, often called the "lungs of the Earth," is being depleted for cattle ranching and soy cultivation. Oceans, once brimming with life, are now polluted and overfished, with species like the Atlantic cod nearly driven to extinction. Meanwhile, industrial pollution has rendered air in cities like Beijing and Delhi almost unbreathable.
Trophy hunting, a prominent industry in countries like South Africa, where participants pay thousands of dollars for the grotesque spectacle of killing majestic creatures including lions, elephants, and giraffes—often bred specifically for this purpose—generates approximately $744 million annually. This indulgence stands as a stark contrast to traditional sustenance hunting that once maintained ecological balance; it reflects vanity and a distorted notion of power.
Deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of the Indian subcontinent, Hinduism ascribes a sacred status to animals believing them to be vital to life's harmony. Cows are worshipped, snakes revered, and even the humblest creatures are considered manifestations of the divine. Across diverse spiritual cultures, whether one turns to the sacred verses of the Bible or the profound teachings of Buddhism and Islam, there is a common emphasis on the interconnectedness of treating animals with kindness and the impact it has on personal integrity and growth. The Quran teaches that animals are creatures of God and should be treated with respect, while the Book of Genesis urges responsible stewardship of animals.
Yet, even in countries like India, modern pressures erode these ancient and ethical foundations. Urbanisation, industrialisation, and burgeoning population growth have led to increased human-animal conflicts and habitat destruction, challenging the preservation of values and consequently life.
The soul of a society is reflected in how it preserves the sanctity of all lives and nurtures its most vulnerable members, including the voiceless animals that share its land. Compassion towards animals is more than just an act of kindness, it stands as a testament to an overarching responsibility towards all living beings. The moral fibre of a nation forms the truest gauge of its strength, its greatness. And it transcends all tangible metrics, to something subtle yet significant; its heart.
We live in a world where we are more connected and aware than ever before. While navigating this complex world, we often find ourselves conflicted, often overshadowing ethical considerations and many a time, reverting to our roots, all while being more informed and conscious of global issues. We need to ask ourselves, how we can leverage this awareness for the growth of a unified human community and what values will define our legacy.
True knowledge and spiritual wisdom enable us to see beyond societal status or physical differences, viewing all living beings with the same level of understanding, and recognising the inherent worth and dignity of every being. The way we treat each other and the most vulnerable among us—humans and animals alike—reflects our collective character.
It is the kindness we extend to those who cannot speak for themselves, the compassion we show to the most vulnerable among us, and the moral choices we make every day that will define us.
The author is a Mumbai-based producer and actor
ISSUE
Friday, October 4, 2024
Volume 16 . Issue 29
