Creatures of Drama

It's a dramatic day for Malaysian politics today, the outcome of which we are still uncertain of. We pray for the nation's well-being. Malaysia is a blessed country but race and religion remain remain sticking issues that often limit our true potential as a nation.

A nation of diversity is an asset. I liken it to a metal compound where different metallic elements can bond together to create an alloy which is stronger than the individual metals themselves. But unfortunately human beings are not as simple as metallic elements. We have 'irrational' beliefs and aspirations. Evolution has molded us in such a way that we identity easily with other creatures who share the same genetic characteristics. Hence we naturally align with our own racial groups. And our psychology is such that we have to cling on to powerful myths such as religion to give ourselves purpose and meaning.

Even though human beings take pride in its rational achievements--science and technology being one of its greatest triumphs--the motivation of individuals are less noble. Often we are driven by fame and fortune. The success of capitalism rests on the belief that self-interest is the greatest driver of all economic activities. Somehow, magically by each of us pursuing our own personal interests, society as a whole benefits.

By and large, capitalism has worked very well. But it has its excesses, which occasionally causes nations and markets to collapse, bringing hardship to many. A blind belief in capitalism is another form of religion. We always have to check our susceptibility to easy maxims and beliefs. We are extremely fond of certainty and are forever seeking absolute truths to latch on to. Something which religion claims to provide.

If we all treat religion as a serious hobby, the world would certainly be a better place. Hobbies, like sports and other recreational pursuits enrich our lives. But to suggest that religion should be a mere hobby, like our choice of music, is to many, a sacrilege. So we fight wars because of religion and turn politics into a religious struggle. We claim to know what God wants and tries to shape society based on some questionable writings in ancient books.

We fear death so much that any mild comforts brought about by some religious belief are to be defended at all costs. We are imperfect creatures. Hence our society and politics reflect these insecurities and weaknesses. Politics can never be rational because our motivations are not. Our genetic instincts, honed by evolution, dictate many of our actions. We want to procreate and ensure our continuous survival in a world that give us the material and psychological comforts. All our actions flow out from these basic impulses.

And as long as these irrational forces stir within our breasts, politics will always be dramatic. May we have the wisdom to see through it safely.