Our planet

Our planet is a living set of connected systems. Forests make rain. Oceans set the thermostat. Soil (considered as dirt) is a universe of microbes feeding the crops that feed us.

When one piece shifts, the others feel it. A warmer ocean means stronger monsoons. Fewer trees in the Amazon means less rain in farmland thousands of miles away.

For most of Earth’s history, humans weren’t here. In the last 200 years, we have developed ways to impact our planet, both ways. The question is what kind of impact we choose. We protect what we love. And love starts with attention.

Notice the monsoon clouds building in the sky. Notice how a single tree cools a street by 5°C. Notice that the beach looks different after a storm, and again after a cleanup. The decor is data. It tells us when a system is healthy.

Our planet will exist with or without us. What’s at stake is the planet that’s good for us: stable climates, drinkable water, coral reefs, tigers, mangroves, winter, fruits. We must start with first noticing and choosing the right actions.

Our planet is home and classroom in every way

We must pay attention and act like we plan to stay.

~ Pravin K Sabnis

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Blind faith

In recent years, India has witnessed a surge in the number of self-proclaimed fraudmen, amassing huge followings and wealth. The huge number of blind followers confirms that growing concerns of gullibility even in the modern world.

Fraudmen promise their followers a quick fix to their problems, be it financial, emotional or spiritual. They claim to possess supernatural powers, which can be alluring for those seeking solutions to their troubles. Blind faith leads people to overlook the fraudmen's questionable actions and motives.

Unquestioning devotion leads to financial and emotional exploitation. When individuals surrender their critical thinking, they become vulnerable to manipulation that leads to a loss of personal autonomy and decision-making abilities.

When we succumb to blind faith, we let go of ownership and responsibility for our lives. It's essential to approach spirituality with a discerning mind. Questioning and seeking evidence can help expose those with ulterior motives.

Rather than blindly following fraudmen, we should focus on cultivating a deeper understanding of ourselves and our faith, our values and beliefs. By adopting a more informed and nuanced approach to spirituality, we can avoid the pitfalls of blind faith and nurture a more authentic and fulfilling life's journey.

When you surrender reason to trash

Blind faith will lead to a surefire crash!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

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Hubris

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has proposed that India should replace the international norm of ‘Greenwich Mean Time’ (GMT) by ‘Mahakal Standard Time’ (MST). His argument is based on his 'pride' for time calculations, he claims were made in ancient India. However, the obviously disastrous implications confirmed that his pride was actually hubris.

The term 'hubris' is derived from Greek hýbris, meaning arrogance. The story of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked pride. In literature, characters like Macbeth and Odysseus' crew depict the devastating consequences of hubris.

In modern usage, the term is common in leadership, business and politics, where it leads to ignoring advice, poor decision-making and eventual failure. Hubris causes a person to ignore obvious dangers, often resulting in their ruin.

Pride, in moderation, can be a powerful motivator and drive individuals to push boundaries, achieve greatness and assert their presence. However, when pride morphs into hubris, it becomes a destructive force. It blinds individuals to their weaknesses, making them more susceptible to errors and poor decision-making.

Hubris is often linked to narcissistic personality traits, where individuals develop an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy. This can lead to a toxic mix of entitlement, aggression, and risk-taking behavior. While confidence is essential for growth and success, hubris can lead to destructive behavior and ultimately, downfall.

Hubris is damningly misplaced pride

Downfall will be the end of the ride

~ Pravin K Sabnis

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Gotcha' Tribalism

'Gotcha' is an informal contraction of 'got you,' to mean 'I understand' or to triumphantly declare that someone has been caught, tricked, or surprised. It also refers to a 'gotcha' moment - a trap or sudden, often embarrassing, revelation aimed at someone

'Gotcha' tribalism refers to a divisive, performative form of political or cultural conflict focused on "scoring points" or catching opponents in a mistake rather than engaging in honest debate

It transforms issues into selective, us-vs-them outrage, leading to score-settling instead of finding solutions. It involves selective outrage and "gotcha" moments, where proponents demand high standards from the opposing group while ignoring larger or similar faults in their own "tribe".

Similar to general tribalism, this mindset divides people into tribes: family, culture, or political affiliation... making it exclusive and often creating "others" who are viewed as threats.

This behavior is often used as a, way to bait or taunt opponents for attention or social validation rather than meaningful discourse on Social Media. It thrives on a lack of context and empathy, aiming to humiliate the "other" rather than understanding the issue.

Do not insist in plucking innocent feathers

Gotacha Tribalism treats unfairly all the others!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

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Free from death

Today is the anniversary of the martyrdom of revolutionaries - Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev who were hanged on 23 March 1931. Their philosophy was reflected in the line 'Jeena hai toh marna seekho yaaro!' (If you want to live, learn to die).

The phrase is as profound as it is unsettling. Since death is a certainty, why not live life to the fullest? Life's unpredictability is what makes it so precious. 

It is about embracing the impermanence of things and finding freedom in letting go of fears and doubts. When we accept death, we start living. We stop sweating the small stuff and focus on what truly matters to us. 

It is about living authentically and taking risks. Life is too short for regrets. So, let's make the most of this wild ride and live without apologies... like the three young revolutionaries who lived worthy lives despite being hanged before they turned 24 years.

Be free from death and it's aligned fear

Live life to the fullest focus and cheer!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

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Equipoise

The Carpe Diem Art Gallery at Majorda, Goa is celebrating women artists over the entire month of March through exhibitions, workshops, screenings and interactive discussions. At one such discussion, playwright Isabel Vas shared her approach to storytelling in theatre. She said rather than focussing on conflict, she chose to find 'equipoise'.

In the midst of strife, the idea of equipoise reminds us of the importance of balance in our lives. Derived from the Latin words 'aequus' (equal) and 'ponere' (to place), equipoise refers to a state of equilibrium, where opposing forces are balanced, and stability is achieved.

In today's fast-paced world, equipoise is more crucial than ever. The pursuit of success, happiness, and fulfillment can lead to an endless cycle of striving, stress, and burnout. Equipoise offers a right choice: to pause and recalibrate.

Equipoise is not about achieving a static state of perfection; rather, it's a dynamic process of adjustment, adaptation and growth. It's about finding balance amidst the lows and flows of life, acknowledging that opposing forces are an inherent part of the human experience. By embracing equipoise, we can cultivate resilience, clarity and purpose.

Equipoise is surely a choice fine,

Balance is a harmonious sign!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

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Lemonade

'When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!'

The statement is more than just a catchy phrase... it is an attitude. Life won't always be sweet, but we have the choice to make it refreshing.

This phrase, coined by Elbert Hubbard, encourages optimism and resilience, suggesting you turn adversity (sour lemons) into something positive or desirable (sweet lemonade). It implies that, despite a bad situation, we can take control and make the best of it.

The idiom encourages us to be proactive and turn obstacles into opportunities. Instead of complaining about the sourness, we can choose to create something new and valuable. It's about resilience, adaptability and scouting the silver lining.

In today's world, we are constantly faced with challenges, big and small. But it is how we respond that matters. Do we get stuck in the sourness or do we make something amazing out of it?

If life gives lemons, don't you despair

Lemonade must be made with flair!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

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