What New and Novel Have We Achieved?

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam

23 January 2026

" The tribalism that gave rise to war in the past has given way to an internationalism that gives rise to war in the present." So very true! This statement, which is often attributed to the Nobel laureate Derek Walcott, highlights a thought-provoking paradox in our modern era. The writer suggests that whilst the world has progressed towards a more global and interconnected society, the divisions and conflicts inherent in tribalism have not completely dissipated. In the past, wars were often fought due to deep-rooted loyalties and animosities between tribes or nations. However, with the rise of globalization and increased interdependence, one might assume that such tribalistic tendencies would diminish. Yet, the writer argues that these divisions have merely taken on a different form in the present.

Rather than being confined to individual nations or tribes, conflicts now arise from more global grievances and ideological differences. This internationalism, characterized by a clash of interests and visions for the world, has emerged as a powerful force driving contemporary conflicts. This deep insight prompts reflection on the complex nature of human relations and the enduring challenges inherent in achieving lasting peace.

In fact, whatever we've achieved is au fond a reminder of our tribal past. What's nationalism? Isn't it a throwback to tribalism? Nationalism—often described as "magnified" or "glorified" tribalism—suggests that modern nations are simply an updated, large-scale expression of the same human impulse for in-group loyalty and out-group hostility.

God, religion, superstitions, shibboleths, religious inanities etc. are but the vestiges of our tribal and primitive past. In fact, evolution is a myth; it's a misnomer. Earlier, tribes would fight among each other. Now countries are fighting among themselves. It's a fight for tribal supremacy in a different and rather sophisticated garb. Only the forms have changed but the fundamentals have remained unchanged. The shape has undergone a change but the spirit has remained the same.

For many centuries, we've been repeating the same mistakes ad nauseam. That we're still fighting over territories, religions and resources are indicative of the fact that evolution has bypassed us. We've failed to learn from our past. We've been reading the same old and otiose scriptures, following the same rituals, worshipping the same fabricated god/s and defending the primitive and redundant religions. What new and novel have we achieved? This pains all those who think but then, who thinks? That's a million-dollar question.

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URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/new-novel-we-achieved-/d/138558

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