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Good Bye, Politics


“There is a longstanding body of psychological evidence that shows that lecturing people that they are wrong, listing a bunch of facts that conclusively demonstrate that, and busting the myths spread by irresponsible political opponents not only fails to change minds, it makes people more fixed in their views.”  These words of Sonia Sudha in her recent Guardian article, ‘Outrage makes you feel good, but doesn’t change minds,’ set me on a contemplation course like self-help books used to do once upon a time.

When the contemplation was over I spoke to a few friends over phone, something which I hardly do these days.  I had chosen relative solitude for a huge variety of reasons one of which is erosion of trust in people.  The phone conversations turned out to be quite rewarding unlike what I had expected.  The friends were candid in telling me that my political views are out of tune with popular moods or things similar.  In short, I wasn’t achieving anything good by writing them. 


There are good friends still, I thought.  I mean it’s so hard to find people who are not politically correct even while talking to friends.  And I’m lucky.  I put Sonia Sodha’s observation and those of my friends together and decided to stay from current politics for a while as far as blogging is concerned.  I can do better with books and other really worthwhile stuff.  You might even find me writing blogs for some insurance companies which are ready to pay for the publicity. 

[Not a permanent decision, however]

Comments

  1. UppalApril 5, 2017 at 8:58 AM

    Better to leave politics to politicians! There is so much else to figure out in life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomichan MatheikalApril 5, 2017 at 9:19 AM

      To politicians and media professionals. 😀 Indeed life will be better far away from politics.

      Delete
  2. Jyotirmoy SarkarApril 5, 2017 at 9:38 AM

    Good to know about your decision...whatever the reason is.

    ReplyDelete
  3. none to be knownApril 5, 2017 at 2:07 PM

    I too had same views like you had. So I was always glad that someone says those in public. People are not ready to think. They always wants to stay in their illusory world. So you do not belong to their world and they refuses to accept you. But it was great to see someone telling the truth straight forward

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomichan MatheikalApril 5, 2017 at 2:18 PM

      This is one way of the old giving way to the new. Mathematics has no feelings, you see 😃

      Delete
  4. Pranju chakrapaniApril 5, 2017 at 3:27 PM

    How much I liked reading your views on politics among other topics. As a reader,although a reclusive one, I would like you to continue writing your views regardless of unsolicited opinions. Never say never. But that's just another opinion

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomichan MatheikalApril 5, 2017 at 9:08 PM

      You have to stop writing politics the moment you are seen as anything other than a citizen. India does not have citizens now, it has Hindus or Muslims or Christians. We and They. Even highly educated people have succumbed to the delight of enemy-baiting.

      Delete
  5. none to be knownApril 5, 2017 at 3:29 PM

    With age comes wisdom,but sometimes age alone comes. Have to wait and acquire knowledge and wisdom like you to speak like you. Which is not possible for anyone in the near future for we all have a rush hour these times

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomichan MatheikalApril 5, 2017 at 8:36 PM

      Wisdom comes to those who are willing to receive her. You will have your time. Anyway I don't consider myself wise.

      Delete
  6. Rajeev MoothedathApril 5, 2017 at 10:42 PM

    "When the contemplation was over I spoke to a few friends over phone, something which I hardly do these days. I had chosen relative solitude for a huge variety of reasons one of which is erosion of trust in people"
    Glad to note that you broke the stalemate...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomichan MatheikalApril 6, 2017 at 8:23 AM

      It was certainly heartening to see that friends remained friends even after a two year-long silence from my part.

      Delete
  7. AnonymousApril 6, 2017 at 1:37 AM

    This is definitely not the best of times to engage in political dialog. Especially if you are already popular and have a readership. The beauty of blogging is that you can say what you want if you are a nobody, since nobody will likely ever find out. With your insights and depth, it will be a huge service if you start writing about books and reading, for example. There is no point in getting into trouble defending your truth against hoodlums.

    ReplyDelete

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