"Assertion is not argument"

Controversies? Yes, so what? All important issues are controver­sial! There always are two sides to any problem. The immortal Milton had opined ,"There is no learned man but will confess he had much profited by reading controversies; his senses awakened, his judgment sharpened, and the truth, which he holds more firm­ly, established. In logic they teach that contraries laid to­gether more evidently appear; and controversy being permitted, falsehood will appear more false and truth more true.” Johnson had emphasized, "Assertion is not argument; to contradict the statement of an opponent is not proof that you are correct.”

The constitutions of all democratic and progressive countries stipulate that all citizens have a right to all funda­mental freedoms, including the basic right of freedom of expres­sion. So both sides to a controversy are only exercising their fundamental right enshrined in the country’s constitution. No delicate problem need be suppressed. We must face ground reali­ties. What is important is to find a realistic and practicable or workable solution. In life, disagreements are inevitable. We should not attempt to prove the other person wrong. What we should endeavor to achieve is a solution which is most beneficial to the community as a whole, which is capable of practical imple­mentation. Religious controversies are best avoided. Every soul has a spark of divinity and the genuine seeker gets to know the truth by his sincere endeavors.

Very often, it is best not even to attempt to refute illogical and baseless arguments. Hozalitt had very wisely empha­sized, "Silence is one great (form) of conversation.” We all tend to argue — often at length — but seldom wisely. G. K. Chesterton had wisely said, "People generally quarrel because they cannot argue.” We must be correct about our facts and figures. Then we can argue cogently, logically and with inherent conviction. Our endeavor should be to logically lead to a better comprehension and under­standing of the problem. A good approach would be to make the opponents feel that we fully appreciate their arguments and sympathize with their feelings. Our arguments would have force if they are backed by our sincerity, reason, feelings and empathy. Any article worth printing, must be such that sensible readers would read it fully. Macaulay had rightly observed, "A great writer is the friend and benefactor of his readers.”

Freedom of expression

The entire human race yearns for freedom — all freedoms — the package guaranteed in most constitutions of democratic countries. To many, especially the intellectuals, freedom of expression is one of the most cherished freedoms. We cannot even assess the value of freedom. We are inclined to take it for granted. It is impera­tive that we respect the right of others to all fundamental freedoms. In an equitable socio-economic culture, this is inevi­table. Respect begets respect; love begets love; we deserve all fundamental freedoms only when we ensure that we fully respect all fundamental freedoms of others. The greatest ever President of America — Thomas Jefferson — had so aptly emphasized, "Freedom of religion, freedom of the press and freedom of person under the protection of the habeaus corpus, these are principles that have guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation.” It is hardly necessary to further elaborate on immeasurable values of all fundamental freedoms. I would end this para quoting Elbert Hubbard: "I believe in freedom — social, economic, domestic, political, mental and spiritual.” How wonderful the world would be if all human beings throughout the world would be enabled to enjoy all these fundamental freedoms?

Controversies galore

We, Parsis, revel in controversies, are delighted indulging in them. In the print media, controversies rage over several issues — Dakhmenashini or crematorium; crematorium at Doongerwadi; Nassessalars, children of females marrying non-Parsis, management of colonies; allotment of flats; World Zoroastrian Organisation — one can go on and on! I started this article by stating that there are two sides to every problem, that fundamental freedoms in­clude, inter alia, the freedom of expression and that in a pro­gressive society, controversies are just inevitable. So what is the problem? Sometimes I feel — nay I am convinced — that they divert our attention from major issues and that there should be a self imposed moratorium on controversies for at least a year! The protagonists and champions of controversies may well ask, what are we to do for a year? Well, here is what all of us can, in some small way, do. Concentrate on education, character build­ing and all round development of our youth; bring out useful booklets on religion, explaining the basic tenets of our faith; give guidance in choice and development of careers; develop, enhance and perfect skills, leading to employment and self em­ployment, voluntarily serving deserving causes such as assisting physically and mentally disabled or the socio-economically back­ward groups. If we succeed in developing our youth to their ful­lest potential, we need not worry about problems such as our declining population. My intuition tells me that we shall never be extinct in the world, if our attitudes and approaches are correct!

That brings me to the problem of recognizing those who follow the teachings of our holy prophet in their own countries, in their own ways. They may differ from us in their customs, rituals, practices, etc. So what? Our holy prophet also convert­ed. The Zoroastrian emperors converted the inhabitants of all conquered countries. That is how the Zoroastrian population, at the fall of Yazdegard Sheriar, was approximately four crores or so. The fact remains that these followers of Zarathushtra in Taji­kistan, Uzbekistan and other countries will continue to follow the teachings of our holy prophet in their own way, whether we approve of them or not.

If any one, or a group of persons, living in any part of the world, follow the teachings of Zarathushtra Spitaman, no approval from any source whatsoever is necessary. Those of us who are privileged to read the history of the Rahanumaye Mazdayasni Sabha by the eminent scholar Sheriarji Dadabhai Bharucha know that the 18th and 19th century Parsis were following several obnoxious superstitious practices unbefitting any Zo­roastrian. With the efforts of the Sabha and with the spread of education, these superstitious practices and deep-rooted beliefs have totally disappeared. We must encourage people everywhere desirous of following the teachings of Zarathushtra by sharing with them copies of books by eminent scholars, so that gradually they follow the spirit behind our Avestan scriptures, prayers, etc and practice the religious teachings in the right spirit and manner.

Time eternal

Our prayers often refer to Zarvane Akarne, Zarvane Daregokhodhate — endless time — without a beginning and without an end. Some centuries back, time was even considered and worshipped as God. Almost imperceptibly, time alone brings about changes. We often say this too shall pass away! Changes, which are not supported or preferred in a particular era, are readily and willingly accepted in another era. We all must develop a deep sense of the value of time. Fuller had aptly said, "He lives long that lives well, and time misspent is not lived but lost.”

Change: inevitable

Cowley had observed: "The world is a scene of changes; to be constant in nature is inconstancy.” With the passage of time, changes in all spheres of human activities are inevitable. In the world, all prevailing conditions and circumstances are variable. From imperfection, we have to proceed to perfection. Even our approaches, attitudes, mind sets have to change with times. The great Carlyle had emphasized, "Today is not yesterday. We ourselves change. How then, can our works and thoughts, if they are always to be the fittest, continue always the same? Change, indeed, is painful, yet ever needful, and if memory have its force and worth, so also has hope.” We are continuously faced by great opportunities — only they are disguised as insoluble problems! I may assert that no problems are really insoluble. Given the goodwill, a lot of give and take, flexibility and the determination to solve any complicated problem, a solution is always possible. Heraclitus had asserted, "Nothing endures but change.” Remember that the best reward for service is the power to do greater service. He profits most, who serves best. "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile,” said the immortal scientist Albert Einstein.” How many of us do it?

Controversies — and also honest differences of views — will continue to be expressed in the print media. But they must lead to amicable and acceptable solutions. Change is the very essence of all progressive civilizations. We must not shy away from change. Change ensures progress and improved life styles. It keeps us abreast of modern scientific and social developments. One of my favorite quotations read:

"From the Unreal lead me to the Real,

From Darkness lead me to Light

From Death lead me to Immortality” — Brihadoranyaka Upanishad.

So, dear readers, accept the fact that controversies are inevitable, that all freedoms, inter alia the freedom of expres­sion, must reign supreme but — and a big but — change is of the very essence.

Remember, the wheel of Providence is always in motion, Time brings about change. Changes are inevitable and there is no alternative but to graciously accept them and to live happily with them.

Capt Hormazdiar Desai retired from the Indian Administrative Service as joint secretary, finance, Maharashtra state. Thereafter he served many charitable causes, working as honorary secretary of the National Association for the Blind and as founder member of the National Society for Equal Opportunities for the Handicapped. He was joint honorary secretary and trustee of the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute and has been associated with religious institutions like the Anjuman Atash Behram and Sorabji Ranji Agiary as governing council member/trustee.