The Art of Self Righteousness

“Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world.”

These poignant words by Arthur Schopenhauer give us a deep insight into the human mind, the one organ that stands the test of time in its inability to be fully deciphered by humans, mighty and mere. It seems to be one of the parts of the human body that we know least about no matter what the advances in science and technology. This might set a good benchmark in realizing how fantastically complex it is to attempt to explain what the human brain can conceive, imagine and run away with. The concept of human emotions, psychology, feelings and the multitudinous possibilities held within are beyond general comprehension.

Despite this arduous obstacle of it being so unfathomable, one thing that seems to make itself evident in almost every human in existence, is this idea — which was very well put by Schopenhauer — an individual inferring the world by fitting it into his or her perception of what the world might be. This, to enable him to become, in his own eyes, the most adept creature in the understanding of his surroundings and the environment he lives in. Thus every individual attempts to envision the world, its people and their very own existence. This leads us to understand what the real, primary sustenance for human existence is. It isn’t food, shelter, money or even love. It is an impetus which enables a person to live, and live with complete fulfillment. This is in fact one skill at which every person no matter what their religion, race, nationality, ethnicity or gender seems to possess in equal amounts. It is the Art of Self Righteousness.

Every man considers himself to be the epitome of understanding and the master of being able to comprehend and unravel the mysteries of life. He is the sole entity to have such a deep and profound understanding; irrespective of what that might actually be. In one’s own eyes, one is the most unique creation to be walking the face of this Earth. Their achievements match no other, cannot be compared to any other. If at all a comparison does ensue, revealing an aspect that might make one feel inferior, it either leads to a doubled effort in trying to overcome or get the better of it, thus reaching the perfect state of equilibrium and self justification once again; and in case the attempts go futile, it would be replaced by a smug and complacent ridicule of that which caused the comparison, thereby having them believe that the object to have caused this juxtaposition was in fact too abysmal to be even paid the slightest attention.

Once you take away this one ability from any person, that of self-righteousness, it almost becomes something equivalent to the soul being wrenched out of the human body. Without this to hold on to, there is nothing worth living for. Not being good enough, not being the most exemplary in one’s own eyes would be the biggest fear to man.

Almost everyone is driven by self exaltation, self centeredness and the immense will to distinguish oneself. Is that such a bad thing, one might ask. Isn’t it natural for everyone to think they are the most singular and remarkable being? Indeed, each man is different and has the most distinctive characteristics. No two DNAs match and no two individuals can ever be exactly identical. However, the art of self righteousness is one of the basest arts that the human mind has devised for survival. It is extremely different from the thought of taking pride in one’s existence. It stems from a very specific desire — a desire to not be negated, to not be contradicted, it stems from the insecurities that are unfortunately held in the breast of every individual. The aspect that is never explored, nor looked into — the exploration of which might lead to an uncomfortable questioning of one’s values. A chore that rather be left out, for being comfortable with self-doubt would shake a person’s very core.

If individuals were truly honest and introspecting about their actions, thoughts, and reflected upon those of the world and the people around them with a sound and just mind, it would lead them to realize, somewhere deep down that there might exist a tiny fallacy in their own logic, a gap in the puzzle, something that might be missing. For do we really know everything there is to know about anything? How were we to come into existence? Is there a God? What is human form in itself? What happens after death? Is there a specific answer to all and everything that exists in this world? True, science attempts to answer some or most of this, and yet there is more to be quantified.

Undoubtedly, a true self-examination would reveal that we in fact know nothing about anything. More specifically to man, a fallacy within himself, his very own soul, that which he is proud of, would be a most shocking revelation — for humans are in fact the weakest of the living beings trodding this universe. Hence, self righteousness is the veil that drives us all forward.

We need it to be assertive, we need it exude power, we need it to show who we are and most importantly we all need it, for if not, we shall be unable to apotheosize ourselves, without which, the world would render itself to the disillusionment and discontent of the human mind.

As a species, we continue to grow, and grow infinitely this art, for that seems to be the fashion. Individualism, self-obsession and opportunism are the norm of the day. This is assuredly where we are all headed for otherwise, it is too brutal to survive with anything less — evolution does call for the survival of the fittest. It might however be meaningful to ponder over a statement made by Sigmund Freud: “Being entirely honest with oneself is a good exercise.” Something that might be worthwhile to look into, to look inwards, to be more self aware and most importantly to be reflective.

In all the chaos of purpose, desire, achievement and opportunity, let it not be that one forgets to be receptive, malleable, humanitarian and empathetic.

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