Name - Humans and a penchant to organise
What is the first thing we encounter after we are born which symbolises the inate human desire to organise and simplify things? It is the name given to us. The name which differentiates us from the rest. The name by which in a crowd we can make out that we are being called and others make out that they are not being called. The name by which the lineage, caste, creed, religion, nationality is reflected. Yes, thats right.
To quote a cliche ... Shakespeare said 'whats in a name... blah... blah... blah'. Well it turns out that there is actually quite a lot in a name. Had it not been so, why would that have been the first and foremost thing to do upon a new one's arrival. Why would a number of people want their suggested name to be accepted and feel elated or disheartened when their suggestion is accepted or rejected ... in that order. Because a name signifies our unique identity... our very own individuality. A name also helps make remembering and refering to each one of us a lot easier than if we did not have a name. It helps the whole world to make sense of or organise the huge population on the planet and make it easier to refer to each one of us uniquely.
1 comment:
Interesting discussion. What if the early apes had been meticulous and had classified their groups and tribes etc. as JUNGLE1\AREA57\APE007. We would have been devoid of regional flavours and personal creativity for ever though very organised and easily traceable. There is still some element of it like Bade Miyan Sadarwale but these kinds are on the verge of extinction not only in India but in west as well.
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