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Russian writer Anton Chekhov described a failed society as one where fools far outnumber the sensible and corrupt speech far outweighs conscious speech. In such a society, the majority are always stupid, and the smart ones are the winners. When trivial topics dominate discussions and public occasions, it is a sign of a failed society.
In these societies, millions of people are enthralled by meaningless songs and words, and the creators become famous, wealthy, and beloved. Meanwhile, scientists and writers remain unknown and underestimated. People tend to like nonsense and those who provide it, and they prefer entertainers who make them laugh with trivialities to those who encourage them toward science, research, and reality.
The latter is considered detrimental to telling the truth. Therefore, democracy does not benefit an ignorant society, because the ignorant majority will decide your fate.
Brother Antoine’s words resonated with many people and seemed to have a universal relevance, not limited to a few societies. In my opinion, his observations have relevance to the entire world.
The stupidity of the majority has been acknowledged since ancient times, with ancient Greek philosophers discussing the issue long ago. Yet this apparent stupidity has not hindered human progress. Despite the stupidity of the masses, countless individuals have made significant contributions.
Throughout history, there have been many protests against trivial writings, songs and poems. Brother Antoine criticized the general stupidity of society and the triviality of creation, but this triviality was both normal and common.
But that hasn’t stopped thousands of creative minds from delighting us with beautiful songs, brilliant novels, magnificent poems and timeless dramas.
Creatives like Tawfik Hakim and many writers and novelists, including the brilliant Mariam Nour and Algerian writer Ahram Mosteghanimi, often lament that they do not receive the appreciation and honor they deserve compared to athletes or entertainers.
They fail to realize that this difference is normal and rooted in human nature, as people are naturally drawn to those who entertain them rather than those who educate or challenge them with traditions, philosophies, and the mysteries of the universe.
Even at the height of Kuwait’s cultural advancement, many of the region’s leaders enjoyed hosting artists like Abdul Hussein Abdulredeh and Khaled Nafisi in their palaces and homes, showering them with praise and gifts.
For example, they rarely thought of inviting Kuwait’s greatest physicist. This phenomenon can be seen at parties in the White House and the Kremlin, as well as in the homes of the world’s billionaires.
People often pursue entertainment more than they pursue serious matters. Brother Antoine and others show a lack of understanding of what the human soul truly desires. If you put the world’s best novelists, inventors, TV hosts, philosophers, thinkers, and space scientists in a room, they probably wouldn’t tolerate each other for more than an hour or two.
However, if you invite them to an international football match, a baseball game, or a Taylor Swift concert, they will likely turn away to enjoy the spectacle and the emotions that come with it. When the human soul is tired, it seeks comfort and rejuvenation through entertainment.
As for Brother Antoine’s assertion, shared by many before and after him, that democracy does not benefit an ignorant society, this view does not hold up in the face of reality.
If a society is ignorant, how long will it take for it to become civilized? There is no universally accepted timetable for this transition.
All societies, including the Western world, were initially ignorant and no one suggested that they should wait.
People learn through practice, trial and error. Insisting on “maturity, understanding and knowledge” to adopt democracy is like refusing to hire a fresh college graduate because of lack of experience. How can a person gain experience if no one hires him? The same logic applies to democracy.
If we look at the American West, for example, we might be surprised at the naivety of many people there.
However, we cannot deny them the right to elect the most powerful president in the world. The voters who chose Biden and Trump also elected Kennedy, Roosevelt, Lincoln, and many other great leaders.
Democracy, then, is not something that comes in a box, with a production date and an expiration date. Rather, it is an experience that people undergo under the guidance of enlightened leaders. Real, sustained creativity has never emerged in countries under harsh dictatorships.
e-mail: [email protected]
Author: Ahmed alsarraf
This news has been read 301 times!
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