Dr Saheb Sahu
I just read a book titled “Question Everything”, edited by a New York Times writer and a college professor of Philosophy. The book has 95 essays on the topic by philosophers, academicians and activists. Reading of the book let me to write this essay.
Hymn of Creation
Who really knows? Who will here proclaim it?
Whence was it produced?
Whence is this creation?
Gods came afterwards, with the creation of this universe.
Who then knows when it has arisen?
Whether God’s will create it, or whether He was mute;
Perhaps it formed itself, or perhaps it did not,
The Supreme Brahman of the world, all pervasive and all knowing,
He indeed knows, if not no one knows.
-Rigveda 10; 129
The Hymn of Creation is one of the earliest accounts of skeptical inquiry and agnosticism.
Questioning everything is the essence of intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. When we question everything, we embark ona journey of discovery and innovation.
At its core, questioning everything is an acknowledgement that our understanding of the world is dynamic, subject to revision and expansion. This approach encourages individuals to probe the assumptions that underpin our beliefs in our institutions and social systems. When we question the information presented to us, we develop the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize ideas. This skill is invaluable in our present information age, where an overflow of data demands a discerning mind capable of distinguishing between fact and fiction.
Moreover, questioning everything serves as a catalyst for discovery and innovation. History has shown again and again that revolutionary breakthroughs often arise from individuals who dared to challenge established paradigm. From scientific discovery to societal advancement, the willingness to question assumptions has propelled humanity forward.
The call to question everything extends beyond the personal realm into societal and political spheres. A vigilant citizenry that questions authority, challenges policies, and demands accountability is essential for the functioning of a robust democracy.
Some Examples
In Religion
Some people have questioned the existence of God, gods, goddesses, deities, angels, in every part of the world, from the very beginning of our human civilization. The Hymn of Creation is a prime example. According to a recent survey, 20 to 25% of people from around the world consider themselves as atheists or agnostics. An atheist is someone who doesn’t believe in a God or any god, while an agnostic is someone who doesn’t believe, it’s possible to know for sure that a god exists. Believing in the superiority of one own God or gods has led to perpetual wars since the beginning of our civilization and it continues till now.
In Science
In science people like Galileo and Copernicus questioned the prevailing belief that Earth was the center of the universe. Their skepticism led to the advancement of our understanding of astronomy and reshaped the foundation of science. Based on our current knowledge, our universe is but one in an unimaginably massive ocean of universes called multiverse.Our knowledge about our universe is constantly changing.
In Medicine
Ignaz Philip Semmelweis, a Hungarian physician and scientist, in 19th century, questioned the existing medical practices and championed hand washing to prevent infections, significantly reducing death rates during child births.
In Education
In the realm of education, progressive educators questioned traditional teaching methods. Pioneer like Maria Montessori introduced alternative approaches emphasizing personal learning and self-discovery.
In Art
In art, innovators like Leonardo da Vinci’s focus on human anatomy led to the creation well known works like Mona Lisa (1503-19) and The Last Supper (1495-98). Other famous innovators in visual art were Cajal, Audubon, Picasso, Anna Atkins and many more.
In Human Rights
Figures like Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, and Nelson Mandela questioned the oppressive system of discrimination and dedicated their lives to struggle for human rights and equality.
In Journalism
It is an old adage that “All governments lie.” Journalists are facing violence, intimidation, persecution and even death for questioning the authorities in power. In 2021, 117 journalists were killed around the world, for exercising their professional duty of questioning the authorities.
In Technology
In the field of technology, figures like Timnit Gebru, Joanna Bryson and many others are questioning the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital technology.
Conclusion
All the above examples demonstrate that questioning everything is not confined to specific time or field but an ongoing process that propels humanity forward.. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance.as incessant questioning may lead to skepticism.
I will conclude with the following quotations from Buddha, Confucius and Socrates.
‘Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own common sense.” – Buddha
‘The one who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions”—Confucius
“The only thing I know is that I know nothing, and Iam not quite sure that I know that”. – Socrates
Reference:
Peter Catapano and Simon Critchley (editors). Question Everything. Liveright Publishing Company, New York: 2022
PS: The first draft of this essay was done by Chat GPT.