The other day, I attended a Carnatic music programme. The singer was very good and was getting repeated applause from the audience. However, the lady proposing the vote of thanks publicly pointed out some mistakes the singer made. She was obviously showing off her knowledge of Carnatic music. I could see the singer cringe and feel embarrassed. I felt the lady proposing the vote of thanks could have made her observations personally to the singer instead of publicly humiliating her.
I have also come across many scholars and other intellectuals who are very prompt
in finding fault with others and ridiculing them for their poor knowledge
of topics under discussion. Similarly, many celebrities who are very conscious
of their celebrity status can be very arrogant in their dealings with people. I
know of a well- known artist, a dynamic Central Minister and a popular writer
who could be very rude to people. Is it intellectual arrogance or Superciliousness
which makes them behave like that. Arrogant individuals often condescend to
those they deem intellectual inferiors, expecting a degree of deference to
their opinions that they rarely accord to others.
I feel very uncomfortable around such people.
Because I am aware that I am neither a
scholar nor an intellectual. I was not
academically brilliant but an average student with a poor memory. Unlike many
scholars, I am incapable of quoting from our scriptures or other sources to show
off my deep knowledge of any subject. Because of this, I have developed a natural instinct to look up to people instead
of looking down at them. I find this habit helps me to win the respect of more
knowledgeable people who are ever willing to share their knowledge. In
the process not only I gain new knowledge but also able to maintain my self
-respect.
True wisdom
is a dynamic tool that functions best
when paired with an open mind. Embracing the possibility of being wrong is not
a sign of weakness; it is the fundamental prerequisite for learning.
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