Society: The Ultimate Mind Conditioner

Since the dawn of civilization, humans have been social creatures. We have formed tribes, clans, and communities to survive and thrive. However, as we evolved, our social structures became more complex, and with them, our conditioning of the mind, openness, learning, and beliefs. From ancient times, societies have played a key role in shaping human behavior. From the caste system in ancient India to the feudal systems in medieval Europe, society has been instrumental in creating and enforcing social norms and customs. As the famous philosopher Aristotle once said, "Man is by nature a social animal; an individual who is unsocial naturally and not accidentally is either beneath our notice or more than human. Society is something that precedes the individual."

In India, for example, societal conditioning has contributed to a lack of openness and narrow-mindedness that has hindered progress in many areas. According to a 2017 study by the World Economic Forum, India ranked 116th out of 144 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index, which measures gender-based disparities in education, health, economic participation, and political empowerment. This is largely due to societal norms that limit women's opportunities and perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes.

Moreover, the National Crime Records Bureau of India reported that in 2019, there were over 10,000 cases of honor killings, a practice that is still prevalent in some parts of the country. The fact that such heinous crimes are still being committed in the name of tradition and societal norms shows how deeply ingrained certain beliefs and practices can be.

But India is not alone in its struggles with societal conditioning. According to a 2018 study by Pew Research Center, Americans are more divided than ever along political and ideological lines. This is largely due to the influence of social media and the echo chambers it creates, as well as the deep-seated beliefs and values that are instilled from an early age.

As Eddie Vedder once sang, "Society, you're a crazy breed." But despite the challenges that come with societal conditioning, there is hope for change. By questioning the status quo, challenging our beliefs, and being open to new ideas, we can break free from the limitations imposed by society and forge a better future for ourselves and our communities.

But society isn't just a mind conditioner; it's also an opportunity for learning and growth. When we're exposed to diverse perspectives, ideas, and experiences, we broaden our minds and expand our understanding of the world. We become more tolerant, empathetic, and open-minded. We learn to appreciate differences and celebrate diversity. This is why exposure to different cultures, languages, and ways of life is so crucial for personal and societal growth.

However, not all societies are created equal. Some are more open-minded, inclusive, and progressive than others. Some are steeped in tradition, dogma, and narrow-mindedness. The latter can be particularly harmful, as they discourage critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. They promote conformity over individuality, obedience over questioning, and fear over curiosity. They stifle progress and perpetuate outdated norms and beliefs.

So, what can we do to ensure that society plays a positive role in our mental conditioning? For starters, we can actively seek out diverse perspectives, challenge our own assumptions and biases, and cultivate a growth mindset. We can also encourage others to do the same and create a culture of curiosity, exploration, and lifelong learning. By doing so, we can help break down the barriers that divide us and build a more inclusive, tolerant, and enlightened society.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." It may not be easy, but it is necessary if we want to create a society that is truly free and open.

Written By:
Rahul Prashar