1. The article "Cutting off the chain of hate," (The Hindu, Oct.21) was thought-provoking and timely. Nietzsche and Martin Luther King Jr. present two mutually exclusive models: one model that represents unrestrained power and is devoid of any love; and the other that is selfless and divine, submerging all our powers in the service of humanity, especially the marginalised.
While the article mentions the recent advances in neurobiology leading to the discovery of a genetic basis for altruism, we must also keep in mind the contribution of scientists like Richard Dawkins, who have spoken of 'selfish genes.' Unless our leaders choose the path of non-violence and love in their exercise of power, however weak they may seem, humanity is bound to sink into turmoil and anarchy. - Joshua Kalapati, Chennai.
2. The article refers sanyaas as abdication of action. I would like to clarify that sanyaas is not abdication of action as commonly interpreted. The Sanskrit word 'Sam' means 'complete' or 'full'. 'Nyaas' means 'balance'.
Sam-nyaas, therefore, means a balanced response to pleasure or pain, heat or cold, praise or abuse, etc. A sam-nyaasi does act but always in the interest of society. He renders service to others, without expecting anything in return. - T.Sekhar, Chennai.
Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, October 22, 2008 ("Letters to the Editor")
Detailed Wikipedia article on "THE SELFISH GENE" by Richard Dawkins:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfish_genes
Detailed Wikipedia article on "NIETZSCHE":
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nietzsche
Detailed Wikipedia article on "MARTIN LUTHER KING":
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_king
Grateful thanks to The Hindu and Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
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