World cultural mosaic
Amin Jan Naim

Amongst the different cultural streams of the world, some are salutary and benign, while others, in my opinion, are retrogressive and malignant. Culture has a major influence on people’s economic prosperity, social outlook and dynamism.
In Pakistan there is considerable xenophobia. Appreciation of the positivity of other cultures would be a desirable aim. We need to change the negative aspects of our culture, such as misogyny and the determination of someone’s guilt or innocence by panchayats.
If we are to embark on societal alteration, we need to examine the other major cultures of the world.
The most rapid strides in world history were a consequence of the Renaissance in Europe. This reached its artistic and philosophic eminence in the 19th century. The west built up a magnificent civilisation. Luminaries such as Beethoven, Kant, Newton, Haydn, Leibnitz, van Gogh, Rossini and many others attained the highest pinnacle.
Yet, the west descended to great depths of brutality and greed in its conquests and its subjugation of others. European wars, bloodshed and cruelty were abominable by any standards.
The pristine legacy of ancient Greek thought, which was the fountainhead of western civilisation, became negated by the Judaic tradition and in the inquisitions of the Middle Ages. Even today, it is spurned in US Bible Belt. It is also nullified in contemporary Greece as a consequence of Byzantine orthodoxy.
The uniqueness and glory of the culture of China is admirable. The flowering of Chinese civilisation was manifested in Chinese literary masterpieces such as Chin P’ing Mei and A Dream of Red Mansions. It would be hard to find their parallels in other world literature.
Traditional Chinese opera is an exceptionally beautiful art form. It was disdained by Mao Tse-tung as being decadent, but is now being revived. The basis for the spectacular rise of China and its gigantic economic progress lies in the salutary mentality of its people.
Despite being battered and terrified, the African soul has an innate dignity. In the next few decades, Africa has considerable potential to achieve progress, freedom and constitutionality. There is a spontaneity and fidelity which is quite promising for the continent’s future uplift. African music and art are of high calibre and have been influential in other parts of the world.
The culture of Japan is superb. The fortitude, discipline and stoicism with which they faced the recent disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power plant is a lesson for Pakistanis. The samurai tradition and military prowess of ancient Japanese warriors also evoke admiration.
In its heyday, Islamic civilisation made great strides. Its ethos was egalitarian. Its centres of learning became renowned. Today the position is dismal. Extremism, militancy and sectarian fissures rear their ugly and terrible heads. Muslims need to start a renaissance and revival of an intellectual spirit and look forward.
Commenting on the Indian culture, Hegel in his Phenomenology of Mind traces the historicity of consciousness in the process of moving from the pure radiance of Iranian dayspring to the pullulating multiplicity of Indian religious fancy, often expressing itself in the murderous and bloody, guilty warring of animal species.
The structure of Indian classical music is diametrically different from, and at variance with, that of western classical music. Astrology, palmistry and fortune-telling hold a big sway in the Indian society.
The music, literature, dance, drama and films of Korea are of high artistic worth. They reflect various traditions, including Shamanism, Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, as well as influences from the wSest. Unesco has recognised the unique value and distinct character of Korean culture.
The Korean outlook is contemplative yet vibrant, optimistic yet sentimental, upholding the family and social solidarity. It has an identity of its own despite interaction over many millennia with the Chinese, Japanese and other Asian cultures.
Koreans have over fifty symphony orchestras and many notable conductors and soloists. Korea’s Arirang TV is pleasurable and calming to watch – in sharp contrast to the gore and depression portrayed in the Pakistani media.
The Iranian civilisation of the past was glorious. Its language and literature are beautiful. The Iranians achieved great literary excellence. Persian influence on our own past has been profound. Iran today is embroiled in a cleavage. It needs to overcome the schism between its admirable past heritage and the current ideology. And also needs to overcome external threats and become a modern, progressive and peaceful nation.
I conclude this brief sketch with a eulogy to Turkish culture. The mentality of the people of Turkey and of Turkic peoples elsewhere is forthright and honourable. Turkey attained high eminence in world history. Jalaluddin Rumi’s thought achieves sublime heights. Contemporary Turkey has achieved an excellent amalgam of western lifestyles with traditional values. The spectacular economic progress of present day Turkey sets a fine example.
We too are faced with dilemmas of modernisation in keeping with those of our values which are benign. The impact of global trends on our traditional society can be tackled in a befitting manner following Turkey’s example.
I have not been able to include a many countries which have made a mark on the evolution of humanity. The human spirit sprouts in different forms and guises, even amongst such tiny communities as our Dardic ones in the northern regions of Pakistan. Such minority cultures and languages are precious and need to be preserved.
The writer is a former ambassador.
Email: aminjan@comsats.net.pk