A Culture of Growth

A Culture of Growth. By Joel Mokyr. Princeton University Press; 424 pages; $22.95 and £17.99

This book deals squarely with the question of why Europe was the first region to industrialise. It focuses on institutions—how ideas of free debate and free markets became embedded in everyday life. Mr Mokyr talks a lot about the Royal Society, a learned institution founded in London in 1660, with the motto “nullius in verba”—“take nobody’s word for it”. The Royal Society was the site of furious disagreements between different scientists, who nonetheless recognised that they were working towards a common cause: improving humanity. And why did this happen in Europe? Geography probably played a role. Fractured into lots of states, a firebrand intellectual who incurred the wrath of the authorities could easily move elsewhere. In most other places, free thinkers had few escape routes

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Helen Mirren once said: Before you argue with someone, ask yourself.......

Helen Mirren once said: Before you argue with someone, ask yourself, is that person even mentally mature enough to grasp the concept of a different perspective. Because if not, there's absolutely no point. Not every argument is worth your energy. Sometimes, no matter how clearly you express yourself, the other person isn’t listening to understand—they’re listening to react. They’re stuck in their own perspective, unwilling to consider another viewpoint, and engaging with them only drains you. There’s a difference between a healthy discussion and a pointless debate. A conversation with someone who is open-minded, who values growth and understanding, can be enlightening—even if you don’t agree. But trying to reason with someone who refuses to see beyond their own beliefs? That’s like talking to a wall. No matter how much logic or truth you present, they will twist, deflect, or dismiss your words, not because you’re wrong, but because they’re unwilling to see another side. Maturity is...

Why BJP is opposing the Telangana caste census?

The BJP opposes the Telangana caste census primarily due to concerns about its political motivations, alleging that the Congress party is using it for electoral gain rather than genuine welfare of Backward Classes (BCs) 1 3 . BJP leaders argue that the census distracts from Congress's unfulfilled promises to BCs and could exacerbate social divisions 2 4 . Additionally, there are fears within the BJP that a detailed caste enumeration might reveal ongoing upper-caste dominance in politics and society, which could challenge their support base 7 8 . The BJP's main arguments against the caste census include: Political Manipulation : BJP leaders assert that the Congress party is using the caste census for political advantage rather than for the welfare of Backward Classes (BCs), claiming it distracts from unfulfilled promises made to these communities 2 4 . Threat to Hindutva Agenda : The party views the census as a potential challenge to its support base a...

JAI HIND: WHO DO WE OWE IT TO?

Though the origin of Jai Hind is usually ascribed to Chempakaraman Pillai in 1907, it didn’t have a popular usage till Netaji Bose made it the standard greeting of the INA. How this happened to be has a Hyderabad connection. It is believed by Netaji’s close followers that the slogan "Jai Hind" as coined by Abid Hasan Safrani. Abid Hasan Safrani was the son of the soil of Hyderabad in India. His real name was Zainul Abedin Hasan. He preferred to be called Abid Hasan. His parents expired during the British Raj. Before that they had sent him to Germany instead of England for higher studies in Engineering stream. During the that time, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose visited Germany and addressed Indian prisoners of war & also students and asked them to join Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj). Abid Hasan met him and got inspired by the charisma of Netaji. He told him that he would join him after finishing his studies. Netaji said tautingly t...

Notes of Nagesh

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