The Evolution of Consciousness and the Struggle Against Ignorance

Awareness, ignorance, right, wrong, weakness, and power; all seem to have distinct definitions. Yet, upon deeper reflection, we realize these terms carry different meanings for every individual, nation, or tribe. Even through the passage of time, the perspective of a 12-year-old, an 18-year-old, and a 40-year-old toward these concepts undergoes a transformation. Our minds are in a constant state of evolution; had it been otherwise, humanity could never have survived the struggle for existence and would have perished in the early ages.
Humanity has always contemplated to measure the depth of its understanding and its connection with all phenomena—both perceivable and incomprehensible. Nevertheless, man has never been, and will never be, perfect. It is precisely this “imperfection” that is our greatest strength; for human society was formed and has endured to this day by relying on cooperation and the completion of one another.

In the past, power resided in a single hand, held by the tribal chief, often acquired through bloodshed or force. During the era of monarchies, this process continued in a more polished form, albeit seasoned with hypocrisy and politics. Eventually, humanity realized that power should not be the monopoly of a single individual or dynasty; the French Revolution stands as a brilliant example of this historical awakening. Power and wealth have always been a path between triumph or ruin, sought by humans to achieve goals that they deem “good” and others perceive as “evil.” When a person, relying on power, imposes their thoughts on the masses and meets their resistance with force, they perceive themselves as a righteous soul whom others seek to destroy. Democracy is the gift bestowed by God upon enlightened humans to liberate them from this cycle of tyranny.

The concepts of “good” and “bad” are represented differently in everyone’s mind. If you were to seat individuals from Asia, Africa, Europe, and America around a single table and ask them about a political leader or a famous figure, the likelihood of similarity in their answers would be slim. Each responds based on their society, level of literacy, and personal interests. Someone who has been raised from childhood with irrational premises and superstitions cannot be easily enlightened through logic.

In childhood, the human mind is like unshaped clay, molded by potters such as teachers, family, and society. Once this clay is fired in the kiln and turned into a jar, changing its shape becomes arduous. A person in their fourth decade of life who holds a heartfelt belief in superstitions might even sacrifice their life for these hollow beliefs, yet they will never accept that they have been deceived.

In this midst, the one who possesses the courage to trample upon their previous false beliefs and norms to break free from them is the very person whom dictators fear. They are like a white blood cell fighting the bacteria of ignorance within the body of society. Closed societies tend to keep the masses in a state of scientific poverty; for an empty mind can be filled with any claim, and superstition can be sold to them in place of science. But a mind filled with true knowledge has no room for nonsense—just as a cabinet overflowing with books cannot be filled with packs of cigarettes unless the books are discarded; and that is the definition of being a “sell-out.”

A “sell-out” is someone who possesses awareness and knowledge but, for the sake of personal gain, ignores their human duty to enlighten society and sells their soul to the demon of power and money. These individuals are far more debased than those who mislead others out of sheer ignorance.

Despite all this, light always triumphs over darkness. People will find the path of wisdom and shall overcome tyranny, lies, and ignorance. History bears witness that heroes of humanity have always risen to cast the oppressors down from the heights of power.
To the hope of a day when awareness replaces superstition, and all humans—regardless of race, skin color, or language—live alongside one another in peace and tranquility.