Has the X-files series ever been
popular in India? I have never been a fan myself but it taught me that “the
truth is out there”. There is a slight problem tough: the truth is different,
depending on where you are. The philosophers have found a nice name (a –ism
name, the worst) for that nebulous concept: they call it relativism. My nomadic
existence exposed me to its consequences: an incredibly large array of
emotions, from embarrassment to disbelief, from amusement to irritation. Let me
tell you my journey.
From Hong Kong to China – Age 23
China is where relativism puts on
a mischievous avatar. In the middle kingdom indeed, “yes” has several meanings:
it can mean “yes”, but it can also mean “no” or even “I don’t know”. Funny,
isn’t it?
We had so much fun during our
trip to Mainland China, my girlfriend and I. Ahah! What a laugh really! Remember,
when I asked whether we were on the right path to the river in Yangshuo? The
nice woman replied with a wide toothless smile and vigorously shook her head up
and down: yes, girls! The river was actually in the opposite direction and we
missed our boat-ride: ahah, hysterical! And that time when we almost missed our
mid-term exams because that friendly fellow at the information counter
confirmed that the bus back to Hong Kong was also running the following day!
Ahah, that was too much! These dear Chinese people really are hilarious jokers,
aren’t they? I am still rolling on the floor laughing!
…Or not.
Not at all, in fact.
Dear Chinese friends, you may
have inhibitions in confessing your ignorance. You may prefer the safety of an
utter lie over the humiliation of losing face by saying no. Fear thou not; for
I am with thee! And I have good news! I have discovered a superb concept: it is
called relativism! Relativism is going to get you free, people: free from the stress
of losing face!
You still don’t get it? Alright,
let me give you an example. In France, there was this über smart guy named Blaise
Pascal. He was a mathematician (yes, it is the same Pascal as in “Pascal’s
theorem”), a physician and a philosopher. And he wrote some very profound
stuff, like “Truth on this side of
the Pyrenees, error on the other side”. He wrote “Pyrenees”, but he could very
well have written “Himalaya”. I am sure you feel better already: in the
western world, you won’t be judged if you admit you don’t know the way to the
post office, you won’t feel ridiculous if you confess that your restaurant is
closed on Sunday. Isn’t it great? Isn’t it superb? No, don’t thank me, really…
...to be continued ....
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