The Hasht-e Subh Daily has been continuously active for the past eighteen years with the slogan Reflecting Yesterday, Mirroring Today, and Heralding Tomorrow. This newspaper has earned a reputable position by supporting democratic institutions, strengthening human values, and echoing the peoples voice through its news, investigative, and analytical approach. After Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, Hasht-e Subh Daily continued its operations in exile despite numerous challenges, striving to provide accurate information and amplify the voices of the people of Afghanistan. Since its inception, the newspaper has published over 120 investigative reports and thousands of analytical articles covering various aspects of social, political, economic, cultural, artistic, and sports life. Currently, Hasht-e Subh Daily operates in Persian, Pashto, Uzbek, and English, with over three and a half million followers on social media.

The Hasht-e Subh Daily was founded eighteen years ago in May 2007 by a group of prominent journalists and human rights activists. Since its establishment, it has tirelessly worked to promote democracy and the growth of political and civil movements to strengthen human rights values through its news, analytical, and investigative approach.

The newspaper began its media operations under the ownership of Sanjar Sohail and the editorship of Muhammad Qasim Akhgar, a distinguished intellectual and freedom fighter in the country.

In his first editorial for Hasht-e Subh Daily, Mr. Akhgar stated: We speak of the morning and hum the song of today and tomorrow, for even a false dawn heralds the end of night and the rise of tomorrow. Another part of this text reads: On this basis, Hasht-e Subh (8 AM) is a call to move towards the morning, an invitation for a new beginning. Hasht-e Subh is a wake-up call, for it is with awakening that one can welcome the morning, and for those who are asleep, the morning holds no meaning. Hasht-e Subh marks the start of work and the opening of doors that are closed at night.

The Hasht-e Subh Daily, recognized as Afghanistans most reputable print newspaper, has published over 120 investigative reports in various fields over the past two decades. These reports have elicited widespread reactions from the public and former government officials at the time of their release. Even after the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban, the newspaper has remained steadfast in its investigative efforts, continuing to publish its investigative reports with renewed determination. In nearly the past three years, Hasht-e Subh Daily has released 24 investigative reports, primarily focusing on widespread human rights violations by the Taliban. These reports have covered issues such as the condition of prisoners, especially female inmates, the execution of civilians and former military personnel, vigilante justice, extensive administrative and financial corruption, drug trafficking, and the Talibans support of terrorist groups. These reports have provoked both domestic and international responses.

The United States Department of State referenced one of Hasht-e Subh Dailys investigative reports on the status of female prisoners in three northern provinces of Afghanistan in its annual human rights report this year, which sparked a wide range of reactions both within and outside Afghanistan.

Additionally, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan, and officials from several other organizations have engaged closely with Hasht-e Subh Daily regarding its investigative reports, sharing the findings with international bodies. Some of Hasht-e Subh Dailys investigative reports have also been examined by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

Currently, in addition to publishing in Persian, Pashto, Uzbek, and English, Hasht-e Subh Daily produces two podcasts named Womens Word and Civil Dialogues. The Womens Word podcast focuses on issues and narratives related to women, while Civil Dialogues broadcasts recordings of the newspapers weekly Twitter Spaces discussions. Furthermore, Hasht-e Subh Daily publishes a weekly magazine that is distributed in Canada.

The Hasht-e Subh Daily has established a research unit, and its readers will soon witness the publication of research articles in various fields. Additionally, since last year, the newspapers visual media production department has been active.

Over the years, the Hasht-e Subh Daily and its journalists have received numerous prestigious national and international awards. In 2012, Reporters Without Borders awarded the global Press Freedom prize to Hasht-e Subh Daily.

The East-West Center (EWC) awarded the Journalist of Courage and Impact to Parwiz Kawa, the Executive Director of Hasht-e Subh Daily, in 2018 and 2022. Moreover, in 2023, Hasht-e Subh Daily, along with Amu TV and Etilaatroz, received the Democracy Award from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). In the same year, the newspaper jointly won the Emmy Award with The New York Times.

Additionally, the newspapers journalists, especially Akbar Rustami, received the Journalist of the Year award continuously from 2012 to 2016, given annually by the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) for impactful investigative reports.

Asyia Hamzaie, a journalist for Hasht-e Subh Daily, won the Journalist of the Year award in 2020. Hasib Bahesh, the former editor-in-chief, received the award in 2022, and Amin Kawa, the senior editor and chief reporter, was honored with the Journalist of the Year award in 2023.

Throughout this period, Hasht-e Subh Daily has unwaveringly continued its mission to promote human rights values, strengthen freedom of expression, and support the free flow of information. Currently, it serves as a crucial news source for Afghanistan, providing daily reports and analyses on the current situation in Afghanistan, the region, and the world. A dedicated and mission-driven team of journalists in exile tirelessly operates under the banner of Reflecting Yesterday, Mirroring Today, and Heralding Tomorrow.

Ferdows Kawish, a former editor-in-chief of the Hasht-e Subh Daily and a prominent journalist in the country, comments on the past and present achievements of the newspaper: Hasht-e Subh Daily has consistently focused on supporting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. It has worked tirelessly to promote democratic accountability, control over power, and the establishment of individual rights and governance. This dedication has always been a hallmark of Hasht-e Subh Daily.

Due to its steadfast commitment to promoting democracy, the rule of law, and democratic processes, and exposing the extensive human rights violations by the Taliban, the newspaper has faced severe pressure and threats from the group.

In October 2022, the Taliban shut down the Hasht-e Subh Dailys website, 8am.af, and in January 2023, they issued arrest warrants for its executives and staff. Nevertheless, Hasht-e Subh Daily, committed to independent journalism, has continued its unbiased reporting under a new domain (8am.media).

The newspapers audience also praises its efforts to uphold human rights values, strengthen freedom of expression, and promote investigative journalism. They believe that one of Hasht-e Subh Dailys most significant strengths is its relentless reflection of realities and support for democratic processes.

One of the protesting women, currently living under Taliban rule and a regular reader of the Hasht-e Subh Daily, shares her view: During the Talibans control, Hasht-e Subh Daily has been the resounding voice for women, girls, and all citizens who have been marginalized by the Taliban. It is a source of accurate information and a beacon of hope for women and girls. We sincerely appreciate this media outlet for publishing the perspectives of women and all citizens.

Ahmad Ferdows, a student in Kabul, says, The state of information dissemination here [in Kabul] is not good. I eagerly read the investigative and analytical articles of the Hasht-e Subh Daily and aspire to write articles that could be published by this media outlet. It would be a source of pride for me. We value the work of Hasht-e Subh Daily during this time, as it continues to enlighten and inform.

Currently, Hasht-e Subh Daily, with 3.6 million followers on social media, is one of the most widely followed media outlets in Afghanistan. After the country fell to the Taliban, the newspapers print edition was halted, and its activities have continued online, through a weekly magazine and podcasts.

Before the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban, Hasht-e Subh Daily was printed and distributed simultaneously in more than ten cities across the country. During the previous government, it was printed in the provinces of Kabul, Herat, Balkh, and Kunduz and then distributed in the provinces of Badakhshan, Takhar, Baghlan, Ghazni, and Bamyan.

Hasht-e Subh Daily has consistently emphasized its commitment to independent and professional journalism, aiming to provide unbiased coverage of events and reflect the opinions of the people. It asserts that no repressive actions by the Taliban or other extremist groups can silence this media outlet, which strives for freedom of expression and the free flow of information.

You can read the Persian version of this daily report here:

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Eighteen Years of Hasht-e Subh Daily: Uninterrupted Enlightenment and Information - Hasht-e Subh - Hasht-e Subh Daily

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Buddhism is most commonly associated with the Chinese population in Singapore, but did you know there are also Sri Lankan Buddhists? Join our writer as she explores the perspective of a highly specific community in Singapore.

Something I think most people dont realise is that all our life experiences are very much our own, and hence special. That song by Taylor Swift that I love could be considered banal and pandering to the next person. From the moment we are born, to our last breath on our death bed, we go through vastly different and infinitely unique experiences.

This is why, personally, I find that learning about peoples experiences to be extremely interesting. With each story retold, I am one step closer to understanding your completely unique experience, and my best friends experience of being a Sinhalese Buddhist was sure to be unique.

You might be wondering, why would I be interested in this? With Vesak Day upon us, I started to think about how Buddhism was mainly associated with people of Chinese ethnicity 98% of Buddhists in Singapore are ethnically Chinese.

Bhanuka and his family are Sinhalese Singaporeans. Sinhalese people make up only 0.3% of the population in Singapore. Apart from being family-oriented, he is a proud Buddhist who was eager to share his experiences with me. I was on the cusp of learning something exciting and personal to a highly specific community. But first, I had to learn a thing or two about Buddhism.

Buddhists believe that human life is a cycle of suffering and rebirth, but that if one achieves a state of enlightenment (nirvana), it is possible to escape this cycle forever. There are three main schools of Buddhism: Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana. Bhanukas family practises the Theravada subset of Buddhism.

Vesak Day is very significant for Buddhists it is the day Buddha is born, enlightened and died. Buddha was, according to legend, a Hindu prince who renounced his status and riches to seek enlightenment. He is attributed to have founded Buddhism in India in the 6th-5th centuries BCE.

In preparation for Vesak Day, it is customary in Sri Lanka to make Vesak lanterns at home. Lanterns are traditionally made of wooden sticks and paper, but the more creative Buddhists will use glue guns to design more complex lanterns.

Vesak Day starts early for Bhanukas family. They get up and eat a traditional Sinhalese breakfast consisting of kiribath (coconut rice), sambol (spicy onions) and kavum (oil cakes). On this day, only vegetarian food can be consumed animal by-products cannot be eaten either e.g. eggs, cheese, milk.

Bringing lotus flowers and bananas bought the previous day and donned in white, they drive to Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple. On arrival, they leave their food offerings with the resident monks and proceed to make their rounds making offerings, relighting candles and offering joss sticks at the various altars. At each of the altars, you will find Buddha statues. A prayer is usually said when making offerings.

His family typically spends an hour at the temple, but many of the visitors spend their day there, listening to the monks giving their lessons and enjoying the food cooked by volunteers. These volunteers cook traditional Sinhalese food, not unlike the breakfast Bhanuka and his family partake in.

When Bhanuka leaves the temple, he feels a little lighter like the weight of the world has lessened on his shoulders. He feels a little closer to something divine.

What can we learn from Bhanukas experience?

To me, I learnt something new about my friend another significant facet of his identity. I had a vested interest in his story.

But what about you, my reader? Why should you care?

Bhanukas experience is that of a minority in Singapore. Stories like this matter because we live among these minorities, and they are just as much a part of the wider Singaporean community as the majority. And their experiences matter: they are just as important, even if they arent spoken about often.

The question, Does discrimination against minorities still exist in Singapore? remains relevant in the Singaporean context, seeing that our culture is a mishmash of cultures of the different races and religions here. It is my belief that though we have come a long away in terms of racial and religious inclusivity and harmony, there are still ways to go. There is still suffering today among minorities.

By learning about Bhanukas family, and the practices of his religion specific to the Sinhalese culture, we have taken tangible steps to educate ourselves about a minority group. In other words, we are enlightened.

Buddhist beliefs focus on ones own suffering and enlightenment. By achieving enlightenment, one can escape suffering.

This Vesak Day, I invite you to think about the suffering of others, and how they may one day escape it. I believe the enlightenment of the majority is instrumental to this escape of suffering of the minority. By learning, we understand. By understanding, we empathise. Maybe one day, we can be close to something divine: a world where suffering is no more. One day, we will be greater.

Excerpt from:
Can We Escape Suffering With Enlightenment? - A Vesak Day Perspective - The Pride by Singapore Kindness Movement

Buddha Purnima, or Vesak, is one of the most important days for Buddhists all over the world. Why? Because it is the day when Gautama Buddha was born. Vesak or Buddha Purnima celebrates and marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Buddha Purnima usually falls on the full moon day in the month of Vaisakh (April or May according to the Gregorian calendar), and is a day of spiritual and religious importance. This year, Buddha Purnima or Vesak will be observed and celebrated on May 22, Thursday. History of Buddha Purnima Buddha Purnima has its roots in ancient India, and it is said that Buddhism originated over 2500 years ago. Siddhartha Gautama, a prince who was supposed to be the King overlooking a kingdom decided to renounce everything worldly and later became known as Buddha. He was born in Lumbini in Nepal and was a prince of the Shakya clan. See more: Happy Buddha Purnima 2024: Top 50 Wishes, Messages and Quotes to share with your loved ones It is believed that while as a prince he was very protected and shielded from the sins and suffering that occurred outside, one day, at the age of 29, when he went out of the palace, he for the very first time saw the harsh realities of life. The shielded prince saw the brutal old age, sickness, and death. And it was these sights that troubled Siddhartha deeply. Seeing how inevitable death and suffering are, he renounced his royal luxuries, riches, and life, and headed out in search of truth and the meaning of existence. And then, after years of rigorous ascetic practices and meditation, a protected Prince attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. And then he became the Buddha, which means The Enlightened One. After he became the Enlightened One, Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Dharma, the path to enlightenment, and the Middle Way, which is a balanced approach to life between asceticism and vain living. Importance of Buddha Purnima To both Hindus and Buddhists all around the world, Buddha Purnima is a very important day. Buddha Purnima marks the core events of Buddha's life: his birth, enlightenment, and death or Parinirvana. Birth of Buddha The birth of Buddha is said to be the arrival of a great change in how people saw spirituality and religion, and the arrival of a great spiritual leader whose teachings inspire millions of people even today. The enlightenment Buddha's enlightenment is a symbol of the potential people hold to change their lives for the better. From a prince who had access to all the worldly riches, to a monk who taught the world ethical living and Noble truths, it was Buddhas enlightenment that helped him and others attain wisdom and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. See more: Happy Buddha Purnima 2024: Best Messages, Quotes, Wishes and Images to share on Buddha Purnima Parinirvana Buddhas death was seen as his means of attaining the final Nirvana or Parinirvana. His passing signified the transient nature of life and the importance of living and working towards enlightenment. The day of Wesak, or Buddha Purnima, is like a reminder for people about Buddhas teachings, his ethics, and the core principles of life that he laid down - compassion, non-violence, and the pursuit of wisdom. How is Buddha Purnima celebrated? The Buddha Purnima celebrations are not limited to a certain part of the globe but are majorly done in Asia. And while there isn't much pomp and show with the celebrations, in recent years people have started taking out enormous chariots with statue of Buddha on them. But, the ancient celebrations include - Prayers and chanting Buddhists and followers come together in temples to offer prayers, chant scriptures, and listen to sermons on Buddha's teachings. The day begins with early morning prayers and also ends with it. Meditations In the temples dedicated to Buddha, meditation sessions are held, which allow people from all religions and walks of life. These meditation sessions allow people to sit, relax, and reflect on their actions and see how well they have adhered to the principles put forward by the Buddha. Rituals followed Buddha Purnima does not include any elaborate or extravagant rituals and they go against the teachings of Buddhism. So, there are some low-key rituals with offerings of flowers, incense, candles, fruits, and the like. Donation and charity Following Buddha's teachings of compassion, many Buddhists also do charitable activities on Buddha Purnima. This includes donating to the needy, organising bhojans (free meals for the poor and needy), and participating in volunteering. Quotes by Buddha A very important part of teachings and wisdom is words. Buddha's words are a part of his teachings and the enlightenment and message he wanted to give to people. Here we mention some of the most powerful and meaningful quotes by Buddha. Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without. The mind is everything. What you think you become. Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path. Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule. Peace comes from understanding and accepting that which is. However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them? There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills. All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts and made up of our thoughts. If a man speak or act with an evil thought, suffering follows him as the wheel follows the hoof of the beast that draws the wagon.... If a man speak or act with a good thought, happiness follows him like a shadow that never leaves him.

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Buddha Purnima 2024: History, Importance, Celebration, Quotes of Budhha - The Times of India

Buddha Purnima 2024: Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha. This auspicious day is a time for reflection, compassion, and spreading love. Whether youre seeking heartfelt wishes, inspiring messages, or spiritual quotes to share with loved ones, our article offers a collection to help you honour the teachings of Buddha and spread positivity and peace.

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Happy Buddha Purnima 2024!

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Buddha Purnima 2024: 45+ Images, Quotes, Wishes, Messages to Share on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram Status and Stories - Jagran Josh

Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Day, is the most sacred day for millions of Buddhists around the world. It is a day that commemorates three significant events in the life of Gautama Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment, and his passing away (Parinirvana).

In the year 623 B.C., on the Day of Vesak, the Buddha was born. It was on this same auspicious day that he attained enlightenment after years of spiritual seeking, and it was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha, at the age of 80, passed away.

Recognizing the immense contribution of Buddhism to the spiritual well-being of humanity for over two and a half millennia, the United Nations General Assembly, through its resolution 54/115 in 1999, internationally recognized the Day of Vesak. This day is commemorated annually at the UN Headquarters and other UN offices, in consultation with relevant UN offices and permanent missions.

The teachings of the Buddha and his message of compassion, peace, and goodwill have inspired millions of people worldwide. On the Day of Vesak, Buddhists around the globe commemorate these profound teachings and the life of the enlightened one.

In a world grappling with complexities and conflicts, the Buddhas philosophy of transcending national and international differences is essential. As Javier Perez de Cuellar noted, Peace, understanding and a vision of humanity that supersedes national and other international differences are essential if we are to cope with the complexities of the nuclear age.

This philosophy lies at the heart of the United Nations Charter and should guide our thoughts and actions, especially during times of global significance.

On the Day of Vesak, let us celebrate the timeless wisdom of the Buddha and his teachings of compassion, peace, and unity, which have the power to uplift humanity and foster a more harmonious world.

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Vesak 2024: Celebrating the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing of the Buddha - Adda247

Buddha Purnima 2024: Commemorating Birth, Enlightenment, Death Of Gautama Buddha

Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Day, marks the birth of Prince Siddharta Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha; and founded Buddhism. The festival marks the birth, enlightenment and death ,of Gautama Buddha and is celebrated by the Buddhist community across the country as well as in countries like Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia etc. The festival holds special importance and is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm.

The date of the festival typically falls in the month of April or May. This is because the exact date is based on the Asian lunisolar calendars. If it is a leap year, the festival falls in the month of June.

Buddha Purnima is a significant festival in the Buddhist tradition, observed across South, Southeast, and East Asia. It commemorates the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Gautama Buddha and founded Buddhism. According to Buddhist tradition and archaeological findings, Gautama Buddha was born around 563-483 BCE in Lumbini, Nepal. His mother, Queen Maya Devi gave birth to him during a journey to her ancestral home, while his father was King uddhodana. The Mayadevi Temple, along with its surrounding gardens and an Ashoka Pillar dating back to 249 BCE, marks the site of Buddha's birth in Lumbini.

The exact year of Buddha's birthday is based on the Sri Lankan convention, while several Asian lunisolar calendars ascribe to different lunar days. The date for the celebration of Buddha's birthday therefore varies from year to year in the Western Gregorian calendar, but it is usually celebrated in either April or May. During leap years, the birthday may be celebrated in June.

Grand procession held in Bodh Gaya on the occasion of Buddha Purnima

Grand procession held in Bodh Gaya on the occasion of Buddha PurnimaGaya. On the auspicious occasion of the 2,568th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, a grand procession was held in the land of knowledge Bodh Gaya in the Gaya district of the state of Bihar todays morning. The thousands of devotees from different states and countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Tibet, Myanmar, Vietnam and Bhutan were gathered for the grand event in Bodh Gaya. The attraction point of the procession was the devotees were carrying the Panchsheel flag along with chanting the slogan of 'Buddham Sharanam Gachchami'. Along with the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, the devotees were also observing Trividh Jayanti. This day is significant as it marks three important events: Lord Buddha's birth, his enlightenment, and his Mahaparinirvana, all of these are believed to have occurred on Vaishakh Purnima.

A large crowd assembled on both sides of the roads to witness the grand procession, which traveled various points before concluding at the Mahabodhi Temple, a World Heritage Site. The journey commenced near the impressive 80-feet-tall statue of Lord Buddha.

Devotees take dip in Ganga at Har ki Paudi on Buddha Purnima

Thousands of devotees gathered in Haridwar to take a holy dip and offer prayers on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima. The city witnessed a massive influx of worshippers at various Ganga ghats, including the Har ki Pauri.

In a post on X, Uttarakhand Police said, "Today, on the occasion of Buddha Purnima bathing festival, a huge crowd of devotees gathered at all the Ganga ghats including Haridwar Har ki Pauri. Our whole effort is to ensure that people bathe comfortably and in an orderly manner and then proceed to their destinations." Karan Singh Nagnyal, IG, Garhwal Range, reviewed the arrangements at Har ki Pauri ghat on Wednesday in anticipation of the large number of devotees expected to bathe on Buddha Purnima.

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Buddha Purnima 2024: Commemorating Birth, Enlightenment, Death Of Gautama Buddha - Pratidin Time

Image: Voltaire reads the Orphan of China, by Anicet Charles Gabriel Lemonnier, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

In two articles so far (hereandhere), I have been exploringhow justified thenew atheistsappropriation of Darwinian ideas is. This is the third and final post. As weve seen,Erasmus Darwin was a quintessential legatee of Enlightenment prepossessions. As its somewhat virtue-signaling name implies, the thinkers of the Enlightenment wished to distance themselves from anything that smacked of religious superstition. This led to the determination to declare a unilateral declaration of independence from the metaphysical sphere in favor of purely scientific modes of explanation. Yetin the face of the last century of scientific discoveries we have come to realize thathubristic expectations stemming fromthe Enlightenment dream of encompassing the whole of reality in some grand material theory of everything have been forced into a reluctant retreat.1

As a plethora of popular books, articles, and TV programs have recently intoned, our almost complete ignorance of the nature of ultimate reality has been laid bare by the work of Planck, Einstein, Heisenberg, Carlo Rovelli, and a host of microbiology specialists. Taken together, these scientific advances have united to challenge the Newtonian/Enlightenment paradigm. Scientists can no longer deliver certainty and predictability in the aftermath of such disconcerting advances in physics or in microbiology, which represent an unsuspected level of ultra-diminutive reality that has only revealed its bareexistencein the last seven decades or so thanks to the invention of the electron microscope in 1944. Indeterminacy and probabalism have emerged to subvert the Enlightenment conception of a predictable clockwork universe. We have been forced to acknowledge that the dimension of reality we know of is merely the observable, superficial part and that this rests on and is sustained by invisible trestles of substrate reality of which we have little inkling and to which our Cartesian notions of predictability and comprehensibility do not, alas, apply.

In short, the bright new dawn of Erasmus Darwins Enlightenment world has been replaced by the hauntingly surreal specter of what is now routinely referred to as quantum weirdness. Like it or not, Erasmuss simple and predictable world is no more, and we now find ourselves confronted by the truly vertigo-inducing predicament of being subject to an unpredictable cosmos we simply do not understand. It appears to me that the only intellectually defensible position to adopt in the light of such unanticipated scientific advances is to keep an open mind.The new atheists on the other hand continue to cling anachronistically to the same would-be omniscient paradigm of reality as that in which Erasmus Darwin reposed his faith. But whereas Erasmus had the extenuation of knowing nothing of the profounder reaches of reality into which modern scientific advances have given us at least some fleeting glimpses, the same excuse cannot be pleaded for the new atheists whose stance, either tacitly or wittingly, turns a blind eye to those hidden dimensions of existence.

Under the illusion of being the bright (their term) or enlightened ones, they appear, on the contrary, to have become the doctrinaire victims of a peculiarly modern form of obscurantism. It is as if they are doggedly clinging to an obsolete worldview which denies the relevance of much cutting-edge science. Their outlook has little in common with that of Charles Darwin whose later years were marked by what Peter Vorzimmer once termed frustrated confusion.2In that respect Darwin might be posthumously welcomed as an avatar of postmodern man in that he anticipated the decidedly non-omniscient spirit of our modern age. Such, needless to say, is not the mental universe inhabited by the new atheists whose philosophic stance seems more akin to that of Charless grandfather than to that of the grandson.

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Darwin and the Loss of the Enlightenment Paradigm - Discovery Institute

That duality embodies Dare to Know, and the era itself, a period lauded for its great leaps forward in science and philosophy, but rife with contradictory failings. Printing plays prominently on both sides of the divide. Martin Luther broke the clergys grip on scripture by translating the bible from Latin and publishing it for the masses in 1522; by the 18th century, the printing industry had expanded to purposes both noble and nefarious. Think of mass printing as the Facebook of its time: an extraordinary tool for unity and progress, torqued in every possible direction, most of them not great. Dare to Know gamely explores its extremes.

The exhibitions introductory catalog essay offers a broad definition of the era and its discontents: (C)onceptions of the Enlightenment, its authors write, are intimately bound up with the ideals and failures of western modernity. Or as Margaret Atwood had it in The Handmaids Tale, a dystopian fantasy with a brutal ideal: Better never means better for everyone. Enlightenment is a relative term. The so-called Age of Reason was also very much an age of conquest, as European colonialism accelerated to every corner of the globe modernity, at its root. Neither enlightened nor reasonable, its brutality gave shape to the world today.

The Enlightenment yields at least one inarguable fact: It was the first real age of mass media. Printing technology, especially in color, advanced quickly throughout Europe in the 18th century. The reach of printed material was broad and unprecedented; as a tool to convince, cajole, or mislead, its power was unmatched. To extend the Facebook metaphor, printing was an explosive medium unrestrained by oversight and often fact, played to an audience without the tools and frequently without the will to scrutinize.

For a society still broadly illiterate, images had particular power. Even for those who could read, images vividly conveyed ideas in a way words could not. Detailed anatomical illustrations hardly faze us today, but they had seismic implications for 18th-century European society. In a section the show calls What does it mean to be human? a life-size print of a man relieved of his skin shows fine detail of every muscle fiber; in a tabletop vitrine, a textbook contains an unnervingly precise illustration of a fetus about to emerge from the womb.

Aimed mostly at an elite audience, such images were nonetheless jarring to a public and even a scientific community beholden to a notion of divine providence. Like Luthers publishing of the Bible almost two centuries before, widespread image distribution wobbled notions of Gods design with detailed studies of flora, fauna, and even the heavens. A luminous 1806 print here of the surface of the moon, captured over years of observation through a telescope by John Russell, may have demystified too much. Russell meant for the piece, with craters pockmarking its silvery surface, to pay homage to the majesty of the almighty. On a recent tour, exhibition co-curator Elizabeth Rudy speculated that it failed to find a broad audience because it was too scientifically precise.

Dare to Know took years to conceive, and includes loans from all over. It is impressively earnest in its breadth, treading the high ground of human ambition in philosophy and science. In a part of the exhibition dedicated to the burgeoning persuasion industry, William Hogarths Four Stages of Cruelty, from 1751, depict a violent mans intensifying transgressions: as a boy, torturing a dog; as a young coach driver, beating a horse to death; as an adult, murdering his pregnant lover; and finally executed for his crimes, his body being dismembered by scientists in a lab (in a final stroke of justice, a dog gnaws at his disembodied heart).

A moral tale with a ragged edge, Hogarths series embodies the competing values of a society in upheaval. A treatise against the rampant mistreatment of animals in Hogarths depiction, what we might now call a gateway crime the artist indulges his audience in wildly grotesque visual carnage. (Ill spare you the details of what he did to the poor dog.)

Hogarth had to walk a fine line: To convince, he would also have to entertain by familiar, brutal means. Enlightenment or not, this was still an era of public torture and execution. The Hogarth prints are a blunt reminder that the Enlightenment was at best a beginning for new ideas.

Dare to Know suggests a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Blithe depictions of a society preoccupied with the niceties of social progress conveniently excluded unsavory elements of an era of upheaval. For the show, the museums borrowed from the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles a remarkable emblem of privileged excess: Louis Carrogis de Carmontelles Figures Walking in a Parkland, made between 1783 and 1800. Its a marvel both of technology and aspiration. A watercolor panorama across 10 connected sheets of paper, backlit and and set on a roller, it conjures an Arcadian scene of leisure amid lush gardens and ponds, a harmony of man and nature. Never mind, of course, the small snippet of society who could afford such indulgence, whether of money or time; an opulent amusement, the piece ignored the majority of a French nation gripped in rural poverty, or by squalor in cities choked by overcrowding and disease.

Dare to Know makes clear that enlightenment was available to select few, though it seeded something we might recognize. Popular revolutions in France and the United States grew at least partly out of Enlightenment notions of humanism and liberty, at odds with the dictates of a monarchy. Like the Enlightenment itself, they emerged grossly imperfect: France wound up with Napoleonic rule, and we with a democracy that recognized only white land-owning men. Flawed as it was, the experiment evolved, mostly for the better (though with wild midterm elections looming, lets hold that thought).

Dare to Know tells us its all too human for our reach to exceed our grasp. The exhibition ends where it begins: Just inside the doors, an image of a vast, planet-shaped orb shimmers like an alien landing pod touched down amid rows of cypress trees, blotting out the sky. It was made in 1784 by tienne-Louis Boulle, who imagined a cenotaph for Sir Isaac Newton, the preeminent natural philosopher of his day. With his oppressive ideal an absolute sublime Boulle proposed a utopia and dystopia all at once. Better for some, but definitely not all.

DARE TO KNOW: PRINTS AND DRAWINGS IN THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT

At Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., Cambridge. Through Jan. 15, 2023. 617-495-9400, http://www.harvardartmuseums.org.

Murray Whyte can be reached at murray.whyte@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheMurrayWhyte.

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Harvard Art Museums examines the power of print in the Enlightenment era - The Boston Globe

The BBC recently decided to stop broadcasting in Arabic, alongside dozens of other languages, citing its decision on budgetary necessities.

Whatever the justification, a difficult question arises: was suspension really the best solution to confront the financial crisis, or was it better to resort to other sacrifices?

The importance of this question lies in the fact that the suspension option will remain under consideration by many international media experts.

In contrast to the enormous heritage of knowledge that the BBC has built over its 84 years of history, from which it has nourished successive generations to the extent that it has made the Arabic-speaking wing of the BBC a prestigious media school, thanks to its rich programs and broadcasters who captivated audiences with their voices

There is no doubt that those generations, raised on the legacy of the BBC and who have gleaned from it an inexhaustible intellectual treasure, will be most saddened by this suspension decision.

There is no field of knowledge that did not occupy a distinguished place among comprehensive programs: scientific, literary, philosophical, politics, social sciences, etc

The truth is that the BBCs decision to sacrifice an important part of its invaluable media entity reminds me of a similar incident to an old Egyptian radio program, running since 1934 and broadcast along with the General Program for more than 38 years.

Over the course of its long history the European Program played an unparalleled role in feeding Egyptian culture with tributaries of international culture in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Greek, Armenian.

It also played a similar role in introducing foreigners to Egypt, whether for residence or for the purpose of tourism.

This role has gradually expanded to also include foreigners in their countries thanks to the satellite broadcasting service of the European Program via Nilesat.

There is no doubt that those in charge of the European Program are making a great effort to develop it technically and administratively with all the special means available to them, following the departure of many of its bright broadcasters who built its glorious reputation through their work in radio, including dramas, media dialogue, and high cultural, political, social, artistic, educational and entertainment programs.

It is difficult if not impossible to find a single cultural area to which the European Program has not dedicated a program.

And if we look closely at the nature of the dedicated listeners of the European Program, we find that they represent various segments of the Egyptian society.

Some of them were familiar with foreign languages and were keen to learn from other cultures, and some of them have had little luck with it and strive to learn it and understand the rich conversations and meetings taking place, especially since the guests of the European Program were mostly senior thinkers, scholars, novelists, Western and Arab diplomats, such as Yahya Haqqi, Boutros Ghaly, Hussein Fawzy, etc.

Their intellectual repertoire was filled with rare dialogue and symbols of global and national thought, and a huge number of cultural performances of the works of Molire, Racine and Chekhov, whose characters were played by the presenters of the European Program themselves.

Thanks to these outstanding performance, their shows won the top prizes more than once in international competitions for the best radio works.

The philosophy of the European Program on the Egyptian radio was based mainly on enlightening Egyptians about other cultures and ways of thoughts, and introducing the outside world in turn to the glory of ancient Egypt and modern Egypts achievements, such as its pivotal role in combating extremist fundamentalist thought and its openness to global human culture.

This message is an integral part of national security.

However, despite the efforts of those in charge of the European Program and their unparalleled dedication to developing it, their aspiration to support its message, it seems that there are restrictions that stifle them restrictions imposed on them within the framework of a plan called the Broadcast Restructuring Plan, where the European Program and its enlightenment has no place.

Thus, let its fans provide for its shroud.

Originally posted here:
The European program and enlightenment of minds - Egypt Independent