Verbal Missiles Are At Times Better Than The Real Missiles

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam

12 November 2024

A famous British linguist recently observed that all types of insults are now acceptable to a majority of people. Now insults don't unnerve or perturb us. We've stopped taking umbrage at them. They're part of our communication and also of our existence.

This reminds me of Sigmund Freud's famous line, “The first human who hurled an insult instead of a stone was the founder of civilization."

Freud's profound observation underlines the nature and origins of civilization. By suggesting that the act of hurling an insult rather than a stone, marked the birth of civilization, Freud challenges the stereotypical belief that civilization emerged solely through advancements in technology or material progress. Instead, he posits that it was the ability to engage in verbal communication and express emotions through insults, rather than physical violence, that laid the foundation for human civilization.

This transformative shift from brute force to symbolic communication highlights the significance of language and the power of words in shaping the progress of society.

Ultimately, Freud's quote beckons us to recognize the critical role of discourse and the complexities of human interaction in the development of civilization as we know it. The way humans are waging wars everywhere and killing each other, shows a serious lack of communication and discourse.

At times, even verbal and virtual missiles are far better than the real missiles. We're witnessing the missile attacks in the ongoing wars between Russia and Ukraine; Hamas and Israel.

Human life has lost its value and also its dignity. Aaj Jaan Ki Qeemat Jaam Se Bhi Kam Hai. So, let's engage in discussions, debates, discourses and even diatribes. Let our interactions be abusive or insulting. That will at least be better than outright bloodshed and violence.

A forgotten poet from Ahmednagar (now called Ahilya Nagar) Khaleel Muzaffar put it so articulately,  "Alfaaz Ke Chala Teer, Lafzon Se Kar Zaleel / Hathiyar Na Utha, Kahta Hai 'Khaleel' " (Release the arrows of words; insult with them/ But never resort to arms, says ' Khaleel' ). Speak poniards but don't brandish a sword.

The Buddha also said the same, "Passivity at any price. Suffer dishonour and disgrace but never resort to arms. Be bullied, be outraged, be killed. But do not kill." Alas, weapons are now more potent and powerful than words. We're literally and metaphorically going back to the stone-age.

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A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian.

URL:   https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/verbal-missiles-real-missiles/d/134004

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