Humility

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. Describe the claim of the Chinese nationalists about the human history.

The Chinese nationalists claim that human history began with the Yellow Emperor and the Xia and Shang dynasties in China. They believe that the achievements of Westerners, Muslims, and Indians are merely imitations of original Chinese breakthroughs.

b. What do pious Muslims believe about the human history?

Pious Muslims believe that all history prior to the Prophet Muhammad is largely irrelevant. They consider the revelation of the Quran to be the turning point, and they believe that all history after that revolves around the Muslim ummah (community). Turkish, Iranian, and Egyptian nationalists, however, argue that even before Muhammad, their particular nation was the source of all that was good about humanity.

c. What did the Aztecs firmly believe about the universe?

The Aztecs firmly believed that without the sacrifices they performed each year, the sun would not rise and the entire universe would disintegrate. They believed that their religious practices were essential to the functioning of the universe.

d. What, according to the essay, are the universal human abilities?

According to the essay, the universal human abilities are morality, art, spirituality, and creativity. The essay suggests that these abilities are inherent in all humans and have their origins in Stone Age Africa. It argues against ascribing these abilities to specific nations or cultures.

e. How are the basic yoga postures derived from the shape of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet?

The essay mentions a fringe notion propagated by a yoga teacher in Israel who claimed that yoga was invented by Abraham, and that the basic yoga postures derive from the shape of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. For example, the trikonasana posture supposedly imitates the shape of the Hebrew letter aleph, tuladandasana imitates the letter daled, and so on. However, this notion is not widely accepted and is not a mainstream understanding of the origins of yoga.

Reference to the context

a. How do Hindu nationalists refute the Chinese claim that human history really began with the Yellow Emperor and the Xia and Shang dynasties? Who do you agree with, and why?

Hindu nationalists counter the Chinese assertion that human history originated with the Yellow Emperor and the Xia and Shang dynasties by presenting their own claims. They assert that ancient Indian sages had developed theories related to aviation and nuclear weapons well before the notable figures of Plato, Confucius, Einstein, and the Wright brothers.

In the religious texts of Hinduism, there are references to discoveries and inventions that predate scientific evidence. Hinduism is considered by several scientific and archaeological studies to be the oldest religion in the world. Consequently, based on the evidence found within Hinduism, I concur with the Hindu nationalists' perspective rather than the Chinese claims.

b. The author has dealt with a controversial debate on human history. Why do you think history has been a major contested issue in the present world?

The essay titled 'Humility' by Yuval Noah Harari delves into the contentious debates surrounding human history. The essay explores the diverse perspectives and beliefs people hold about human history based on their religious affiliations.

In my view, history has become a source of intense disagreement in our modern world, primarily due to egoism. I define egoism as the inclination to prioritize and exalt one's own religious beliefs while disregarding the perspectives of others. Many individuals firmly believe that their religion is the oldest and consider themselves to be at the center of the universe. They perceive their culture as superior to all others and attribute the origin of everything to their own cultural heritage. Consequently, egoism has significantly contributed to the controversial nature of human history. The author aims to dismantle notions of superiority and dominance within humanity.

Reference beyond the text

a. Write a short essay on The Conflicting History of Human Civilization.

The Conflicting History of Human Civilization

Throughout the annals of human civilization, the quest for understanding our past has been marked by a myriad of conflicting narratives and interpretations. The history of humanity, like a complex tapestry, weaves together diverse perspectives, cultural biases, and the relentless pursuit of power. It is within this intricate web of conflicting accounts that the true story of our collective journey emerges.

One of the primary sources of conflict arises from the inclination of individuals and communities to elevate their own cultural and historical contributions above others. Whether driven by national pride, religious beliefs, or a desire for recognition, many groups assert their exceptionalism and claim a central role in shaping human history. Chinese nationalists, for instance, lay claim to the ancient Yellow Emperor and the Xia and Shang dynasties as the origins of all significant human achievements. Hindu nationalists counter with assertions of ancient Indian sages inventing airplanes and nuclear weapons before the renowned figures of Western civilization. These competing narratives reflect the deep-seated human need to establish a sense of identity and importance.

Religion, too, has played a significant role in shaping conflicting historical perspectives. Pious Muslims consider history prior to the Prophet Muhammad as largely irrelevant, believing that all subsequent events revolve around the Muslim ummah. Jewish tradition, on the other hand, often ascribes grandiose significance to the study of their holy scriptures, asserting that the universe itself depends on it. These religious interpretations can further exacerbate the conflicting histories, as adherents passionately defend their beliefs and narratives against those of others.

The contestation over historical accounts is not solely driven by egoism or religious fervor, but also by the inherent complexity of reconstructing the past. Historical records are subject to interpretation, bias, and the imperfections of memory. Moreover, the selective preservation of historical artifacts and the dominance of particular cultural narratives contribute to the fragmentation of historical understanding. This fragmented perspective leads to conflicting claims and the perpetuation of different historical narratives.

However, amidst this clash of narratives, there is an opportunity for dialogue, empathy, and the pursuit of a more comprehensive understanding of human history. Recognizing the universality of human abilities, the essay mentioned earlier argues against attributing exclusive credit for accomplishments to specific cultures or nations. It emphasizes that morality, art, spirituality, and creativity are embedded in our shared human DNA and find their origins in our distant past in Stone Age Africa.

In order to reconcile conflicting histories, it is crucial to cultivate an open-minded approach that respects diverse perspectives, acknowledges the limitations of historical knowledge, and seeks common ground. By fostering dialogue, engaging in rigorous scholarship, and acknowledging the interconnectedness of human experiences, we can gradually unravel the intricacies of our collective past.

The conflicting history of human civilization is a reminder of the complexity and richness of our shared story. It challenges us to move beyond egoism and embrace a more inclusive and humble understanding of our past. By doing so, we can foster a greater appreciation for the diverse contributions of cultures and civilizations throughout time, while also recognizing our common humanity and the interconnectedness of our shared journey.

b. The author claims, “Since it is more polite to criticize one’s own people than to criticize foreigners.” Do you agree to his claim? Give your reasons.

According to Harari's essay "Humility," he asserts that it is more polite to criticize one's own people rather than foreigners. I concur with this claim because criticizing foreigners often leads to conflicts. People have a strong attachment to their own history and civilization, making them reluctant to accept criticism from individuals of different religions or communities. We tend to blindly believe and defend our own culture, religion, and civilization without questioning their flaws. It is foolish to believe that the existence of the universe depends on human sacrifices or the mere reading of holy scriptures. The duration of the universe's existence is unknown, and claiming that it is contingent on these activities is sheer egotism. If ancient sages truly invented missiles and rockets, humans could have landed on the moon thousands of years ago. Criticizing such beliefs as foreigners may spark clashes between different groups. To rectify ourselves, we must identify the shortcomings within our civilization on our own.