Literature-less Civilization!

Development Devoid of Literary Taste buds!

I do not believe when it is said that the world has made revolutionary technological progress during the last twenty years. If we closely look into it, we will find that the foundation stone of today’s progress was laid down centuries ago. Recent development is simply reaping the benefits of centuries long efforts.

The scientific work being done now a days is all based on the same principles which we have been learning and following since long. Researches being carried out following the same route which has been conveyed to us in the form of different theories by our peers.The earlier works of the Muslim world descended to the later Western development provided all what we are witnessing today all around us.

Lets take the matter of medicines. Same centuries long discovered method of increasing immunity is being applied in the treatment of Corona pandemic. The ultimate approach is to prepare a vaccine to inhibit Corona spread which has been an old method tackled exclusively by Louis Pasture. The basic mechanical inventions like that of invention of wheel has enabled man to proceed. Development in the digital field is not something that we can own today. Nothing is ours. When we start a research, we follow the same guidelines and principles which have been proved again and again. We cannot deviate ourselves from the set path of our ancestors scientists.

Lets come to another aspect. The development of science as a result of strenuous efforts of centuries led the humanity from the darkness of ignorance to the path of enlightenment. Disastrous aspects of the scientific progress were far less than at present. We call this age, ‘age of progress and prosperity’ and then we say that this progress has brought a lot of mayhem for the humanity. What is this development!

It is said that the innovations of last more or less twenty years are tremendous and matchless. Then we say that world has not been the same which was last twenty years ago. Then we blame latest developments like evolution of technology like smart phone, social media, and change in our life style like eating habits, relationships etc.

There was a strong belief that Corona will put a halt to the increasing devastations. What happened then? Lock down is eased in many countries and havoc is done. Littering, creating mess around, jam packed bazaars and beaches, violation of social distancing etc. can be seen all over the world. The developed nations, under developed nations and the developing nations all doing the same. Solemn people are stunned and appalled. They cannot do any thing but witness havoc in their neighbourhood.

We have an easy access to all kinds of motivational lessons. We learn inspirational quotes daily. We listen to the motivational speakers off and on. We share philosophies a number of time a day. We try to search the way to success adopted by successful people. Then why such attitude?

I have my own mind on this. One may differ. We lack training. Training brings civilization and civilization can be brought about by Literature. I think modern so called civilization lacks love of literature. Literature shapes lives. The earlier scientific developments I have quoted above were accompanied by strong basis of literature. No era of scientific development was without an established history of prominent literature. Lets have a look at the progress of Europe through the Renaissance era. Europe started to witness enlightenment in the field of science extensively and there was a side by side development of literature as well. The scientific developments were accompanied with strong literary influence. That’s why despite enormous and extensive incidents of unrest in the world, there was an urge of refinement.

Literature played a vital role in creating hope and optimism among people. People found a way of Catharsis. They developed critical attitudes. Belligerent countries and eternal rivals became friends. Peace flourished. People loved literature. They used to come to theatres. A lot of domestic budget and pocket money was kept aside for the literary works.

Then came this so called recent smart development which snatched the soul of progress i.e. the love of literature. People now love to scroll things and spend their precious time on social media. Poetry, fiction, novel are struggling for their existence. Philosophy is dying. People are more interested in ‘Breaking News’. They spend their money on the material in which they hope to find a quick way to success. ‘How to become a millionaire’, ‘Top ten secrets of success’, Five habits of successful people’ etc etc is the trend. A thing of more than ‘2 min read’ has become an arduous task.

Literature brings harmony, balanced thought, calmness, ability to focus, proportional way of living. Literature helps you understand the world around you. Most important, it brings refinement in the character. We can explore more planets in the universe. We can convert traditional life style into a digital one. We can find trace of water on Mars. We can reach any where but we can not access a civilized world without literature.