Morality and materialism
Zakaria's letter on the subject published on 14 November is thought provoking. He quoted Pope Benedict's warning against materialism, and the extremist nature of modern culture, which was subsequently analysed, giving Zakaria's interpretation of it.
He concluded that women's freedom is the main reason behind our cultural degradation today, and stated growing permissiveness and laxity as the signposts of modern cultural trends. I personally wonder if this is the root cause and reason for our moral decline in culture. Response from women, to these conclusions drawn by Zakaria, will be a welcome perspective on the issue. It will bring out the other side of the picture.
In argument against this, I would state that even if women entice us; the moot question is why are we enticed? Is this not a moral weakness of men's character? Two hands are needed to clap; so not women alone, but both the sexes have to keep their baser instinct in control. Possibly, the laxity in faith leads us towards a materialistic based society; which is driven by the axiom, that the more you get, the more you want.
These base instincts that lie dormant within us, are metamorphosed by avarice and greed; the two main causes of moral laxity. If we cannot control these; then we tend to blur the distinction between mankind and animals. This represents the paradox of the "Jeykill and Hyde" syndrome; that remains hidden within almost all of us, men and women. Once this comes out, and materialism is a catalyst for its coming out; we are no better than animals!
We all accept the saying that "Health is Wealth" However when wealth combines with avarice and greed; then the result is lowering of morality; in thoughts, words and deeds! When character is nurtured on greed; then opportunism supersedes hard work; and material comforts and desires over-ride faith and honour. The result is the spiralling corruption, that we see around us; in all spheres of living.
Women alone are not the only source of moral laxity as stated by Zakaria.
Indecency is not limited to women alone; it is a pot-pouri of our base desire and greed that overcome good sense and taste. Scanty dress is a woman's vice; likewise, drinking is by and large a man's vice; these vices are increasing by leaps and bounds; yet another dimension of materialism!
Today we encourage such material based lifestyle, rather than a value based one. The values inculcated by faith, honour and belief in living is the only yardstick of mankind.
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