SOME DOUBT Darwin’s theory of evolution, considering that man has not evolved physically since ages. However, there is a greater evolution taking place in man without being noticed; he is gradually moving from being strictly authoritarian to democratic, both in civic and personal life.

 

There was a time when man was self-dependent, doing everything by himself, whether gathering food or catching a prey, building his shelter or fighting others. Later, he learned making other men and animals to work for him. We have a long history of kings and kingdoms, slavery, subjugation, and exploitation, which thrived on autocracy and despotism. Giving orders to others became our second nature and got deeply entrenched in our minds. Even at the personal level we take pride in commanding others, which include our spouses and children.  

 

In one sense, autocracy appeared justified. I have the right answer, and everybody should follow me. However, who does not think he has the right idea? If everybody persisted with his or her idea, all hell will let loose. Autocracy, therefore, had some merits.

 

Nevertheless, better sense prevailed in man later when he realized that he was not adequate for many decisions and needed advice. As the role of others in helping us in our decision making increased, we relented from our hard autocratic position. Democracy was born when man started giving equal importance to others’ opinions.

 

The change from autocracy to democracy was first witnessed in social governance. Kings and monarchs gave away to governments elected by the people. Within governments, the decisions began to be made by committees of officers instead of individual officers.

 

The process of democratization is now gradually moving into our households, where instead of the head of the family, decisions are made collectively by all members of the family through consultations and discussions. True democracy will thrive when we accept it not superficially but establish it as our core value.

 

It may appear that democracy or decision making through wider consultations is a substitute to avoiding responsibility on one man if things turned wrong. The truth is otherwise. Each one of us looks at things from own perspective and is confident of what he or she feels and says, irrespective of his or her stage in life, i.e. child, youngster, adult or old age. It is therefore, necessary to involve everybody in decision making, bring all points of view into consideration and arrive at a common point of view. It satisfies everyone giving a feeling that it was his or her decision and not imposed on him or her. As a result, the society, the organization or the family works harmoniously and progresses very well.  

 

Let’s appreciate true democracy evolving in each one of us and make our lives more satisfied and happier.