What is Modernity in True Sense? – A popular question about modern world

This article “Modernity in True Sense” talks about the emergence of a modern world. It discusses what people understand about modernity. It also presents my views about what modernity is in true sense.

Modernity

Emergence of Modern World

Beliefs about Modernity

My Opinion about Modernity

Conclusion

Modernity

In simple words, modernity is different from conventional. Modernity has a broad connotation which varies from latest fashion to updated home decoration; from new types of businesses to technological up gradation; from latest safe vehicles to space shuttle. It touches every aspect of our life. It has raised living standard of modern human, arose his ambitions, expanded his comfort zone and filled a new hope to conquer this world.      

Emergence of Modern World

A modern world, which we are witnessing around us, did not come suddenly. Rather it is a result of cumulative actions by people in diverse fields. These people made small changes in their lives out of either need or curiosity. Those little changes gave a push to bring a change at local level which further spread to the whole world eventually. What were those changes and who were those people?

(1) People who brought Modernity

The people who brought changes in pre modern world were intellectuals. New ideas sprouted in their minds. Questions were raised on existing beliefs. In western world, doubts arose about the authority of church. Similarly, a bit of modernization became visible in India due to “Bhakti movement” but in pre modern world. This movement tried to cut the separations among humans by binding them together in love for god irrespective of their caste, gender, financial position. Later in modern India, social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Swami Vivekanand and many others raised voice against orthodoxy to end social evils.       

(2) Causes of Emergence of Modernity

The roots of modernity lie in new ideas and thoughts which when realized brought revolutions in intellectual, material, political and social world.  

Intellectual Revolution: Spread of education, thoughtful writings of intellectuals brought the enlightenment of society.   

Scientific Revolution: Science developed in that time and questioned the dogmatic beliefs of church. The church was highly dogmatic and anyone who questioned it was suppressed. History has witnessed execution of great investigators who actually debunked the reality. A rational outlook developed which enabled people to think logically. In India, logical interpretation of ancient texts and their translation in simple languages became a source of information for the masses.     

Financial Revolution: Expansion of trade and commerce, banking facilities, use of cheque, paper money led to commercial revolution. The new financial instruments enhanced the scope of business opportunities due to globalized market.    

Industrial Revolution: Emergence of technology became basis of industrial revolution. Innovative ideas were translated in to machines which increased the production of industries. More industrial production gave a kick to consumerism.

French Revolution: The ideas of French revolution were “Liberty”, “Fraternity” and “Equality”. These ideas were significant for the rise of democracy. Democracy is one of the essential features of political modernization. Thus, French revolution played a crucial role in political modernization.

Beliefs about Modernity

People have diverse beliefs about modernity. Are they true? What is modernity? Is it restricted to materialism? Does it mean to wear stylish clothes and accessories? Does it tantamount to financial richness or technological advancement? Generally people consider style and gadgets as symbols of modernization. Those living in decorated buildings and travelling in luxurious cars are considered as modern.  

My Opinion about Modernity

Features mentioned in above questions are associated with modernity. They are mere consequences of modernity not the roots of modernity. In my view, modernity in true sense refers to newness in thoughts. Renunciation of old irrational thinking, molding oneself with new ideas are signs of adoption of modernity. It is asserted in “Shreemad Bhagwad Geeta” (ancient Hindu epic) that change is the rule of world. Thus, temporal changes or changes with time must be adopted by one in his or her thinking rather than being rigid to traditional ways. It is true that finance and technology are important components of modernization but they are worthless if they are not accelerated in right direction. This direction is driven by conscience which develops through socialization. Therefore, it is the duty of society to spread modernity. Justice, fairness, compassion and sensitivity towards living creatures, humanity, scientific attitude, collaboration, flexibility, aspiration of public service actually make a society modern. These are the true components of modernity. When these ideas are realized in a society, the inhabitants taste the real flavor of modern society.     

Conclusion

Today, we are living in a globalized modern world which is a network of economies, markets, societies, policies, cultures, festivals, languages. This globalization is the result of technology, a key feature of modernization. On account of being a component of global network, any event in any region of world has potential to influence other regions. For example, a terrorist event in a region can spread the fear in a distant area also. But the positive point is that using same technology; entire world can fight against terrorism. Here, the features of modernity like “collaboration”, “sensitivity towards living creatures”, “humanity” are realized to make this world modern. Being a part of global network, every nation by realizing or implementing the components of modernity, can contribute to solve global issues. Similarly, every individual can become modern by adopting the modern ideas of justice, fairness, compassion and sensitivity towards living creatures, humanity, scientific attitude, collaboration, flexibility, aspiration of public service.

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