| Answer: I believe that if a society keeps the doors of
criticism open to itself, does not make every opinion, every point of view,
every custom and tradition a thing of worship, not only endures disagreement but
also provides a conducive and amiable environment for it, does not start
persecuting the proponents of a new point of view, affords them free
opportunities to have a discourse and all the time remains vigorous in the
pursuit of unveiling the possibilities which nature has concealed in the heavens
and the earth, then it is a modern society. Modern society is not the name of
some distinct emblem, nor is it the name of a particular dress or some
distinguished etiquette and customs, rather it is the name of cognizance of
facts. Whichever civilization acquires this cognition, will be worthy of being
called modern. If the oneness of age, the unity of life and the unity of
universe do not accept duality, then the decision of the modern and the ancient
will also be on the basis of facts. |