Slaves come in many kinds. There is the slave of beauty meaning aesthetics-worship where a person runs after whatever looks appealing just to gaze at it. However, that thing becomes costly when one tries to acquire it at any cost. If it is not obtained, one loses peace of mind and falls victim to depression. But God forbid, if they succeed in acquiring it, and an even more beautiful thing catches their eye, they will leave the previous one behind and chase after the new one. Whether that form and shape belongs to a human being, a vehicle, an animal, or even a bird, people have all kinds of hobbies; this is simply human nature.
Then there is the habit of fame-worship: desiring a personality with a big name and associating with them. This is also counted as a disease whether that person is a sports player, a film actor, or sometimes even a political party member. Most political leaders are opportunistic, and those who admire them are also self-serving, whereas people love ideological leaders with their heart and soul.
Similarly, rare spiritual and religious personalities who are genuine are priceless, whereas many fake and artificial ones emerge solely for self-serving motives. In the same way, man becomes a seeker of wealth, currency, and gold, finding joy simply by looking at it. You will find plenty of such characters in the past and present whose living and dying is dedicated to accumulating wealth. Others are fond of building, buying, or simply looking at grand buildings and houses. Fulfilling needs is fine in its place, but going above and beyond necessity to drive oneself crazy ruins health, body, and peace of mind.
Similarly, playing the political game and cutting the throats of one’s own and others just to reach power is also considered an art. As for some small-time party workers—they cannot even be called party members, but rather false-sworn oath-takers they praise leaders so excessively in front of them that even the leaders feel embarrassed. They keep swearing oaths on every little thing, even though they have no genuine connection with the person they are swearing by.
Then there are those who have become captive slaves of their ego and desires; in short, all the types mentioned above actually fall under this slave-like nature. This too is a form of slavery for the fulfillment of which people toil day and night. Some are slaves to societal customs, rituals, and traditions, while others are slaves to powerful figures. When this slave mentality dominates the heart and mind—just like the brainwashed mentalities of extremism in sects, denominations, and religions falling into a state of slavery—all of these are diseases. They are a curse for religion, the state, the neighborhood, the community, the country, and relatives alike. Liberation from such patients and slaves is necessary.
For any civilized society, its reform should take place under principles that are truly indispensable for humanity, because religion, faith, or sound politics never involve extremist slavery. Their philosophies and thoughts are clear, recognized as vital for a society and community under laws and rules. Otherwise, the slaves of the ego also become slaves to these maladies, turning into a torment of life and property for the entire society.
Syed Ghulam Hyder Shah Qalandri
Kunri, Sindh, Pakistan
