Relativity

Mention the term Relativity and many would immediately think of the great thinker and scientist Albert Einstein. Ask anyone you know what the term Absoluteness means to him and you would probably draw a blank look. In the post-war years, familiarity with the term Relativity has become widespread, even among the non-academics. The connotations of the term are equally well-known. It brings to mind a blackboard filled with arcane mathematical scribblings and of the wild-haired mathematician scratching fervently at the board with a well-worn chalk bit.

To us, the common folk, Relativity is a concept for the academics, the elite. It involves a super-potent dose of mathematics and an excruciatingly pained and talented logical brain. Few venture into the realm of Relativity if they do not need to present a PhD thesis paper on it. Thus, it is the greatest irony that this supposedly academic concept is one that deals with our everyday living. Similarly, Absoluteness, its relatively (sic) unknown sibling, is quite a stranger to us. The reason why I am writing about these two is that I believe they play a very important role, a keystone in fact, in the movement towards an understanding of ourselves and our own existence.

From the time that we attain a basic awareness of ourselves – our bodies, emotions, thoughts, etc – and our surroundings (people included), we already possess a rudimentary understanding of Relativity. This extends into what psychologists term Empathy. Through Empathy, we are able to put ourselves in the shoes of others and imagine what it would be like to see through another person’s eyes and hear through his ears. This basic understanding enriches our awareness such that we are not confined to only our own minds and bodies. We are able to sense another entity relative to ourselves and vice-versa.

Unfortunately, this understanding is not well-developed for many of us. Like all other personal characteristics and traits, the grasp of Relativity remains status quo or even diminishes when we do not stretch it actively. Empathy is the most direct and somewhat visible extension of this understanding. In the course of one’s life, his Empathy rises and falls based on his personal experiences. A life that is reflective and contemplative allows the individual to focus on expanding his awareness outwards from his core. A self-centred life is filled with activities that pulls one inwards towards his core.

Since it is visible, Empathy is therefore one of the best gauges of one’s current grasp and understanding of Relativity. You may have encountered individuals who seem to be perpetually wrapped up in their own selfish little worlds. These people have little Empathy and have difficulty understanding the pain and feeling that others are experiencing.