The legitimate side. THE ANIMAL.

In the core of humanity lies the beginning of a wild animal, which is a part of our makeup. Today, when a baby cries, the mother or father rushes to comfort them, whether it’s to change a diaper, feed them, or simply hold them. As human beings, we quickly grasp the concept of demand, even as infants, and continuously express our needs. When these demands are met, everything is fine; however, if they are not, problems persist. If the caregiver lacks understanding, they may inadvertently nurture the overpowering animalistic side of the child. If a caregiver looks at the time and thinks, “I have already changed, fed, and held the baby, there is no need to attend to them now,” and lets the baby cry, the first step towards becoming fully human has been taken. Learning self-restraint is best acquired early on, and this balance should be understood by parents. It is not only beneficial for themselves but also for the baby as they grow. Throughout our lives, we grapple with our desires. If the foundation is not set properly, we may encounter struggles, whether in managing our weight, nurturing relationships, or abiding by the law. By nature, we possess two competing sides and the gift of free will to create balance.

Without the understanding and practical application of knowledge, words remain mere words. Wisdom emerges when words are applied in real-life situations. Many people recite passages from the Quran or the Bible, believing that doing so will solve their problems during their lifetime and ensure their place in heaven after death. Belief systems have a placebo effect on human beings, although they do not work for everyone. Those for whom they work often struggle to understand why others do not share their beliefs. Strongly religious individuals often attempt to impose their beliefs on others rather than seeking mutual understanding. This extreme approach detracts from the basic tenets of social life.

The teachings of holy books primarily emphasize individual morality and living for the sake of others and God, advocating for sacrificing this life for the next. This philosophy promotes societal well-being but comes with consequences. Individuals forced to live sacrificially may experience inner turmoil, hindering their ability to form meaningful relationships with others. The core spiritual messages of holy books are often overshadowed by political agendas, leading to conflicts fueled by emotional differences. Strict parenting, intended to instill fear of God and emphasize the afterlife, often fails, revealing a disconnect between religious teachings and human nature.

Religions and social systems have long attempted to suppress our animalistic instincts without success. Despite advancements in civilization, we continue to struggle with this innate aspect of ourselves. It is time to acknowledge the legitimacy of our animal side and negotiate with it rather than trying to eradicate it.

I have received numerous calls from individuals wanting to teach me the Quran. One caller even labeled me a kafir, or infidel, simply because I questioned the teachings of fasting and prayers. I pointed out that living in the far north means daylight can last for twenty-four hours in the summer, posing challenges for observing the fasting month. There must be room for adjustments in all forms of human knowledge, including religious teachings and legal frameworks. The Pope’s evolving views on homosexuality demonstrate the need for religions, as spiritual systems, to align with human rights principles. Discrimination and the physical strain of fasting for twenty-four hours a day are ethically unjustifiable.