Politics, Economics, Development, Terrorism

We do get a gloomy picture on the state of the world we live in, when we look at things from near. Then, we get to see the flaws, and tend to miss (may I dare to say?) the beauty in the way societies have progressed across hundreds of years all around the world! Of course, we do not live in a perfect society. But we are slowly and steadily moving towards the better, from the worse. This path is not linear. At times, and at places there is regression. Yet, if we look at the past 2000 years, we live in better times today than at any time before in recorded history (definitely in Kerala, but also in India)! In the attached video, Steven Pinker looks at one factor, violence, across centuries. But it is possible to look at almost any other aspect of social life, and the findings may not be too different! https://www.ted.com/talks/steven_pinker_the_surprising_decline_in_violence?language=en

  I suppose that no one would prescribe "violence" as a solution to a problem -- unless reasonably assured that this would serve the intended purpose. Thus, violence as a solution to a problem would mostly appeal to those who believe (rightly or wrongly) that their side would emerge the clear winner -- and within a reasonable time frame, and without too heavy collateral damage. Violence may also sometimes appeal to some, despite being assured of grave injury or death as a result of this. I suppose this is possible only when such persons are under the grip of a "higher" motivation -- such as one of attaining heaven, or martyrdom in defense of a principle, dharma, religion, nation or whatever. Coming to more practical situations... What if some one slaps me? Do I slap back, or do I show the other cheek? Is there a "fit-all" response that would apply under all circumstances where some one may get slapped? Let us consider a few such circumstances…. A grown-up ...