Alfred Einstein, the genius physicist who not only gave the world the ‘Theory of Relativity’ but was also a great philosopher, and his quotes are extremely thought-provoking, worthy to be placed in equal parlance with those of the great Socrates. Out of the many hundreds, my favourite quote of Einstein is, “Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former” which seems a little ironic but is the truth. While speaking of ignorance, it is common that many are primarily prejudiced in accepting their own measure, but in my case, though late, the day I became aware and was sure of my massive stupidity, it immensely helped me to study myself more in-depth in relation to others. It was then that I identified that ‘prejudice’ was the main hurdle developed as an alter-ego within me, lingering in the shadows, keeping me away from taking wise decisions. ‘Prejudice’ is nothing but the act or state of holding unreasonable preconceived judgments or convictions about other persons or issues. I realised that many of my earlier judgments and opinions were all in prejudice, without perceiving the reality behind what I have seen or heard, and fortunately, I was saved from being drowned in the abyss of ignorance.
Just as AI processes information based on the data fed to it, human beings also construct their own version of the reality of the outside world and form perceptions in their own way, whereafter it leads to perceptual distortion. This cognitive bias results in inaccurate judgments, which is prejudice. Cognitive, pertaining to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment and reasoning, as contrasted with emotional and volitional processes, is to make a conscious choice or decision. People get played by their own inner circle and by the endlessly pouring social media and news telecasts. But it so happens that if the person who is being played does not realise the designs of the player, he not only ruins his or her life but becomes a participant in due course. Only sound minds understand the reality and the stupidity in making unreasonable prejudgments of others. Einstein stated that ‘Artificial Intelligence is no match for natural stupidity” — while comparing humans.
In the past six months, whomever I have been interacting with, I viewed them as candidates in my case study, treating it as an opportunity to test myself in their company. In one case, I volunteered to help a close friend of mine with a prolonged legal issue that was agonising him and after I made my analysis and gave valuable advice, he was convinced that I could resolve the issue within a short time, but a day later he rejected it. I was shocked by his refusal, for I hadn't even indicated any costs. I believe that inviting ground-breaking thoughts of others adds immense value to mine, whether in my profession or in general, hence I feel it necessary to interact with intelligent and learned people with an open-mindedness to deter my prejudicial thoughts.
In one case, I opened up my thoughts to a person whom I knew about forty years ago, as a person of high virtue. But within no time, I realised that the person was presently not the person whom I knew of earlier. Every time I met him, his conversation would start with the achievements of his and his family members, and he despises those who
are near to me as his comments are evidently prejudiced. This person, despite my
advice, volunteered to mediate some sensitive issues related to his wife’s family and,
as expected, he was shown the door in a rude manner with the statement that he had
no moral ground and was not eligible to involve in their affairs. He was liberal in
making comments on those he was prejudiced against for immoderate reasons. I can
write volumes of my observations on him, but with some gratitude, I wish to avoid it.
There was a clear implicit bias in his views without a doubt. This case study has
helped me in many ways for I have measured in my laboratory as to how hate would
originate without being inflicted by any personal injury.
The third incident is a very interesting subject, where one day I approached an old client of mine with whom I had differences. I called him out of the blue and he invited me to his house. He extended utmost hospitality and after a few minutes of chatting, I suggested that he withdraw a case that he had filed against me. I candidly told him that it could have been filed out of uncontrollable emotions, but it could cause damage to him if ventured further. I also advised him that it could also reverse the entire benefit I had done to him earlier, which was not my intention in defence but as a true well-wisher I did not intend to battle with him. He sought a week’s time to make a decision, but later, his representative mentioned in the particular court that he would withdraw the case if I tendered an apology. This was totally misconceived and prejudicial without grasping the reality. I pitied him and now going ahead for the battle, left with no choice. My intent was to resolve, but the other person’s prejudice is stronger not to compromise his ego. This is called egocentric bias and a failure to avoid unpleasant cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance is a theory in social psychology that refers to the mental conflict that occurs when a person's behaviour and beliefs do not align. Cognitive dissonance causes feelings of unease and tension, and people attempt to relieve this discomfort in different ways, and mostly they are detrimental to the subject himself.
The next instance is about my own younger sister whom I have reunited after almost three decades. She was extremely happy in coming close to me and her virtuous conduct totally demystified all the prejudice I had about her in the past. It was a totally new relationship and I was shocked to realise that she was no different than me in thought process and the mission to spread happiness. Glad that I reviewed my judgment and diluted my prejudice to a large extent. My sister voluntarily took part in my personal mission and redeemed me from certain moral obligations that I had been unable to extend towards my Mother. That’s one person among a few whom I found to have no bias. I found a perfect balance of body, mind and soul in her.
I have experienced prejudice since my young days and it was clear to my eyes for I was able to vividly see the reality of being stupid. I could feel the hate that is transparent to my senses, and I understood that those people who really love and care make no prejudgments of others by extending their support in all matters but always remained silent without broadcasting. Recently, I visited a cousin whom I haven’t seen for almost two decades, and I found her family conspicuously in a sad state of affairs, but during my visit, she put on a brave front as though she was perfectly all right. I returned with my own apprehensions, but within two days, I received a call one early morning with a plea that her daughter was facing certain marital abuse and harassment. I was shocked, but I immediately volunteered and sped to her rescue and took all the legal measures. The result was that my cousin is extremely happy with my involvement as the ordeal has ended, and she trusts that I am capable of resolving her destitute daughter’s woes. There was no prejudice left in me that I have certain boundaries or limitations to come to the rescue of others, whether they are my own or not. I have inculcated this in my legal practice, and I am extremely grateful to all my clients for reposing such confidence in me in applying out-of-the-box strategies, and it had cured my prejudice to a large extent.
Whenever I doubt my thoughts, I have a close interaction with my friend BK, whom I find highly balanced without any bias. Apart from which every morning, as soon as I wake up, I believe I still have some stupidity and prejudice in me about others and make efforts to identify those areas, for I remember the advice of Einstein, “Never underestimate your own ignorance” trying to see whatever infirmities that prevail in my daily decisions, and make good of such defects with cure by sourcing information or knowledge to avoid being locked within any stereotype bias, for Einstein also seriously cautioned us with authority that “there is no vaccine against stupidity.”
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