Is this evil?

Darkness resides in the deepest corners of a man’s heart where the divine light of spirituality cannot reach. Some will even argue that evil is prevalent in many more ways than good in this world and that all the world’s religions and moral upbringing can not wash away its most basic manifestations.

We have all been brought up with stories, fables and fairytales woven around a central tenet of the triumph of good over evil. We reproduce and perpetuate the same principles in our art, literature, theatre, cinema and song. And these are more popular media for the dissemination of any idea as opposed to religious text or doctrine, one would assume which by their very nature are understood and found interesting by only a certain class.

But surely, there are those whose faith and idea of truth is unfettered by this conditioning. And surely, there would have been many before them. Did none of them ever attempt to replace the idea of selflessness, goodness and godliness with that of selfishness, utter and extreme sensual Epicureanism and uncontested evil? Did no one ever fancy the notion of penning down at least one epic where a prince of darkness emerges and rises from among the hordes of the religious; who challenges and overwhelms all the forces of good?

An epic where praises are sung of this prince’s determination in the face of opposition from a deeply rooted, systematic and organized body of good people of the world.

Why has there been no popularity of this representation in heroic form in art and literature, with perhaps a few exceptions? Why are his followers relegated to the shadows of an invisible sub-culture that dare not rear its ugly head?

The answer, I am inclined to think is because the conscious perpetuation of any idea requires a balanced combination of the following:

Determination and will – these are qualities that are far removed from evil. It is in fact their antonyms that bear a stronger relationship with evil. Namely, weakness of resolve and the yielding to temptation
Intellect, reason and coherence of thought – again not qualities associated with the negative unlike inconsistency, irregularity and absence of rationale. An action not driven by just reason and intellect is an action driven by the mindless, wanton instinct of a mad beast.
Creativity and innovation – it requires the spark of one’s creative thought to kindle the fire of imagination in another. Whether its letters, or pictures, or notes of music, each aspect of inventiveness hits home with greater precision, despite perhaps a circuitous trajectory, than ironically, a more straightforward, yet dull medium. When I say that art may not follow a straight route, I also do not mean to say that it is frivolous or flippant in the articulation of its purpose. It is merely that it explores and exposes hidden facets of any truth in a manner that is not obvious, yet is always guided by a central purpose.

Intelligence, creativity and good sense are indicative of a healthy mind and surely that cannot be considered a sinister thing. I base my essay on this very idea. Evil cannot perpetuate itself, despite many a times a stronger hold on the human heart because perpetuation requires positive qualities like reason, fortitude and innovation. It is easier to yield to temptation, be driven by impulses and habits like laziness or emotions like covetousness…yet the human race does not openly espouse this sort of negativity.

Of course, that leaves us with questions like, how could someone like Hitler succeed so well and for so long? And did he not have the will and the discipline to carry his meticulous plans to fruition? Was he not innovative in the way he spread his message? Was he not a great orator who could make even the commonest of the common, identify with his vision of a strong, pure and unified Germany?

Well, of course he could. Except that, despite his knowledge, implementation skills and vision, he lacked reason. There can be no rationale for the genocide in the wake of Nazism.

The only foil to the historical significance of a Hitler, and of a greater magnitude is perhaps Gandhi. Like all great leaders, the just and unjust alike, he could coalesce the essence of the want of his era, envision a better future, articulate that vision and build a dedicated multitude of followers. With one clear, and outstanding feature. Reason.

In my mind, goodness and health can only be brought about by exercising and strengthening of one’s will, encouraging creative pursuit and finally by reason. Ask why something is necessary and whether it is just. An action driven solely with the intent of self-gratification at the cost of someone else is not reasonable or considerate.

Spend time building knowledge and an understanding of the way the world works. Seek to refine and hone your skills. Be the best that you can be. Give your utmost and when you cannot, sharpen your axe and improve yourself. This, like any other prolonged engagement requires discipline. And discipline necessitates the strengthening of one’s will.

And do not let the creative spark that you have inside you die out. Even when the going is tough and there is little time to appreciate the beauty in this world. We all have a limited time on this planet. Make the most of it. Take time out to appreciate the finer things and to create something that others can appreciate. For to create, is to don the garb of the Creator itself, even if for a fleeting moment. Leave a legacy, even a small one. Because creation offers something more than longevity…it fosters love. And love is what makes one grow spiritually.

Forget to take the time out to build your knowledge. Do not exercise restraint. Acquire a prejudice in the name of taking a stand. Avoid the pain and emotion of creation. And soon, life will be devoid of meaning, reason, order and love. And that is when the light starts fading and the darkness that is crouching in a corner, ever ready to conquer your heart, lunges and takes over.