Beyond Binary

The ancient doctrine of Anekantvada is explained by the parable of the blind men and the
elephant. Many blind men attempt to decipher the shape of an elephant through touch. As
they began to inspect, one who touched the trunk claimed it to be similar to a thick snake.
One whose hand felt the leg thought of the elephant like a giant pillar. Similarly, different
conclusions were made like the elephant being like a rope, a spear etc. depending on whether
they found the tail, tusk etc. Their varied claims led to agitation and arguments. It was only
after the intervention of a wise man, they could be explained how they all were right. They
were told how the actual "truth" was in the collective sum of their version of realities.

This simple story provides with a wisdom which can simplify numerous issues that we often
come across. Its significance goes much beyond of being an ethical nugget and carries
practical significance cutting across the political, economic, social or technological
landscapes. This nugget of wisdom attains a special relevance in modern day. While there
exists a democratized setup of voicing ones opinions, most of us are turning into these 'Blind
Men' with closed minds and losing the ability to see things objectively without strong biases.

The whole spectrum of colors is getting reduced to black and white. Things are being treated
as a zero sum game. One can win only if the other loses. The ability of collective growth,
creating something bigger and better by incorporating diverse thoughts seems to be on the
wane. Social Media tools have evolved into weapons of propaganda. Most of us are either
withdrawing into our comfort shells surrounding ourselves with like minded populace both in
digital and real world or involved in spewing venom towards anyone with a counter view.
Now, it is highly probable we find these traits in everyone surrounding us but not ourselves
which itself can be a proof of how exactly the entire scheme of things prevail. However, the
easiest manifestation is present on the comment sections of platforms like YouTube. Further,
Irony dies a thousand death when those raising fears over issues like 'Intolerance' fail to
indulge in an open minded debate on the subject.

Thus, "Beyond Binary" is a humble attempt to discuss broad sets of issues without claiming
to be an expert in any(That exactly being the whole point behind Beyond Binary). The range
could span across society, politics, economy to movies, media, TV shows etc. The idea is not
to create a mechanized setting without natural likes and dislikes but it is about stepping
beyond absolutism and attaining a wide set of perspectives. It is not about commenting on
anything post a superficial glance but scratching the surface to get & provide an informed
view.