BHAGAT SINGH

  • This quote is part of a passage/essay written by Bhagat Singh.
  • In this passage, Bhagat Singh outlines why reason, rather than blind faith, should drive anyone who believes in progress.

Usage of the term faith:

  • first, as a synonym for religious beliefs (‘old faiths’) and
  • second, simply as faith (complete trust or confidence in someone or something) itself.
  • Meaning of the quote:
  • Bhagat Singh’s problem is not with faith itself but ‘blind faith’
  • Singh writes that as long as reason is one’s ‘guiding star’, faith is welcome, even if it may be misplaced.
  • This is because being reasonable presupposes being questioning and open to change one’s views.
  • Our knowledge is fundamentally incomplete.
  • There will always be more to know than what is known at present.
  • This means that our faith has to reflect this.

Examples:

  • For instance, for the longest time, it was believed that the earth was at the centre of the universe.
  • In fact people like Galileo who said otherwise were ridiculed and sometimes, even persecuted.
  • Today, we know without a doubt that our planet is but a tiny, insignificant speck in the vast nothingness of the universe.
  • This change in our belief came with advancements in science and humankind’s collective gathering of knowledge.
  • Mere faith in Earth’s uniqueness amidst overwhelming evidence otherwise would be dishonest and nonsensical.
  • Similarly, mere faith and blind faith in any fact, any religious teaching, in any god, is also dangerous.

Why is blind faith dangerous?

  • Religion and blind faith engender a certain kind of passivity in human beings.
  • They make humans not question the injustice that surrounds them and blindly follow authority, even to their own detriment.
  • It also makes them reactionary to criticism and censure.
  • Even a completely reasonable challenge to someone’s beliefs can draw unreasonable, often violent, responses.
  • The mark of a true revolutionary
  • Criticism and independent thinking are the two indispensable qualities of a revolutionary.
  • By no means is believing in something itself bad.
  • But when it is blind, and unquestioning, this belief can be dangerous.
  • It is imperative for humans to continue to question what is in front of them, whether it be material conditions, seemingly infallible leaders or religion.

 Conclusion:

  • In a country where Bhagat Singh remains one of the tallest national icons to date, it will be wise to think about his words and put them into action for once.
  • In the face of the hold that dogma, superstition, and religious fundamentalism continue to have over the people of India, Bhagat Singh offers an alternative vision, one based on rationality and critical thought.

SOURCE: THE HINDU, THE ECONOMIC TIMES, PIB

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