Argument on Being Forward-Looking in Life

It is a general tendency for people to cling to the past and try to preserve its souvenirs. There's no doubt that history holds immense lessons for humanity. However, dwelling excessively on the past can stifle imagination, a crucial skill for human progress.

The first example of how clinging to the past can be harmful is evident in the world of art. Let's take music for instance. Many people dislike modern music, which often incorporates heavy synthesis. Millennials, in particular, may favor music from their generation and reject "Gen Z" music. Others revere 16th-century classical music as the pinnacle of musical achievement, arguing that music has only declined in quality since then.

To those who hold such views, I urge you to let go of this pride in the past. New-age music is just as good as previous ones. Each generation has the right to explore their imagination and express themselves through original work. Take the song "Gulon Mei Rang Bhare," for example. We have renditions by Mehdi Hasan, Ali Sethi, and Arijit Singh. Some criticize Arijit for ruining the song for younger generations. I believe the fault lies not with Arijit, but with those unwilling to accept that each generation has the right to break free from stereotypes and create art that resonates with their unexplored sensibilities. It's a stereotype because, believe it or not, your inability to accept the evolution of art is what prevents you from embracing new forms. Don't worry, I was once like you. I too favored 60s music and criticized today's Spotify chart-toppers. Slowly, I let go of that attachment and began to appreciate modern music. Regardless of my personal taste, I have strong faith in future artists who will continue to push boundaries. After all, art is defined less by genre and more by the faith we invest in it.

The second example can be seen in our attachment to building upon past work. Every research project, for instance, builds upon previous work, each one contributing incrementally. Breakthrough research often simplifies our understanding of the world. However, as we know, appreciating simplicity can be challenging (requires education). Groundbreaking work may lack immediate acceptance due to its lack of citations to prior research. It can take years for people to embrace such new ideas. This resistance often stems from an attachment to the past, leading to immediate criticism and rejection.

One of the most clear-cut examples can again be found in the world of music. Specifically (apologies if this offends anyone, but I need to be clear), Hindustani classical music students are expected to meticulously learn ragas exactly as their teachers instruct. While I know the focus is not simply rote memorization, but rather building discipline, I believe there's an element of suppression involved. It's surprising that classical music has survived for so long. However, we are finally seeing people break free from this rigid structure. Slowly, artists are incorporating their own vibrancy into their interpretations, a trend clearly visible with the globalization of music. I also believe that music, like any other art form, shouldn't be solely taught in schools. After all, how can something be considered art if it's merely learned from others? Art is about self-expression and exploration.

The final example of clinging to the past is seen in our tendency to overemphasize learning from past generations. While historical lessons are crucial to avoid repeating mistakes, it's also important not to become overly reliant on the past. This is particularly true in societies like India and China, where immense emphasis is placed on learning from elders and respecting their opinions on everything. This can lead to situations where children have little say in choosing their careers or relationships. The result? A generation lacking the courage and ability to make independent decisions. Everyone becomes paralyzed by the question, "Am I right?" The truth is, there's often no single answer. Most decisions have multiple dimensions, and many aren't inherently complex. However, when the complexity feels overwhelming, we tend to turn to our parents or elders for guidance. Seeking advice is perfectly normal. The challenge lies in recognizing the difference between guidance and control.

In Indian culture, there's a strong emphasis on respect for elders, particularly parents. However, this respect isn't always reciprocated. Parents often struggle to acknowledge their children's opinions and choices. Over time, this lack of mutual respect can lead parents to believe they are solely responsible for their children's happiness. This dynamic can foster a cycle of control and manipulation, ultimately instilling fear in children about expressing their own views. This pattern, repeated over years, can create a generation lacking self-confidence and overly reliant on the previous generation for life decisions. These individuals may become fixated on preserving traditions, which in extreme cases can manifest as religious extremism. Essentially, they become unable to envision a future for themselves and rely on the supposed "wisdom" of their elders. However, these so-called "wisdom" may be clouded by outdated social beliefs. Young people need to be empowered to discover their own worth and define their path.

Fortunately, this dynamic isn't as prevalent in the western cultures. In the west, children are given the freedom to fail, even when their missteps seem predictable. Failure, after all, can be a valuable learning experience. Each failure, no matter how predictable, is unique because each person interprets failure in their own unique way, and the lessons learned can be transformative.

Ultimately, I hope this has convinced you of the importance of progress. Time marches forward, and the world won't wait for us to catch up. We need to have faith in future generations and give them the freedom to choose their own paths, even if they differ from our expectations. We are products of the past, but change is the only constant of the universe.