The Power of Words: Why Austerity in Speech Matters?

In the 17th chapter of the Bhagavat Gita, Lord Krishna introduced the idea of “Vanmaya Tapa” which is ever so important in today’s age wherein we find social media hawks fuelled by countless opinions and rampant political polarisation which reads as follows:

anudvegakara? v?kya? satya? priyahita? ca yat
sv?dhy?y?bhyasana? caiva v??maya? tapa ucyate  [BG 17:15]

This translates to: "Speech that does not agitate others, that is truthful, pleasant and beneficial, along with the applied practice of the study of Vedas, is called the austerity of speech."

Herein, Lord Krishna does not merely ask us to speak the truth. There are many ways in one represents the same truth. For example, imagine we were to write a health report in a specific area where consumption of narcotics has risen sharply.

One of the ways to report this is state the number and percentage, and the exact subgroup which has contributed to the societal paralysis such as “Drugs in the city rises by 42% among college-goers.” Although the factual evidence of this article headline stands correct, the tone of the headline presents a complete absence of attachment or emotion. It casts doubt on the reportage and the reporter himself, as if he is writing this news on an enemy territory. or any will to inform the masses on how to correct the failure.

Another way to report the headline would be to play the blame game. “Rise in drugs by 42% among young college-going students. College being gateways or failure of moral compass in youth?” While such a headline would generate tonnes of reaction, it stigmatises the young population and reduces a complex social issue to a moral failure.

What can be said instead is as follows: “Drug consumption shoots by 42% among youth. Experts point towards unbearable academic pressure, ease of availability of narcotics and lack of awareness.” Herein, we have a nuanced take that focuses on three problems that need to be solved. This is how an article, which can castigate an entire population, can otherwise be reshaped as one which understands and provides solutions.

Today, in the modern culture, rowdiness is often rewarded. A person who interrupts or dominates the conversation is considered powerful. Social media rewards outrage, while TV rewards interruption and those who are louder. Yet, history has shown otherwise. A gentleman doesn’t lack courage. He speaks carefully because he understands the consequences of what wrong words can do. Anyone can shout and insult but its few who can disagree without humiliation and this is what Shri Krishna referred to as “tapas” or austerity. 

In the age of trends, we engage in immediate and impulsive reactions. Everyone hops on to it without a second thought and that’s how trends continue while Bhagwad Gita suggests the opposite. It tells us to think whether we are engaging in all our truthfulness or are we chasing what’s in vogue? Is it beneficial? Is it pleasant for the masses? Also, whether it will unnecessarily agitate somebody? We have seen a number of examples regarding how trolling on social media takes an undue effect on the mental health of many people who are subject to the barrage of humorous opinions, at the expense of the person. In the age of overflowing opinions, wisdom often takes a step back and that is what we should require instead of blindly following the masses.

Centuries after Bhagwad Gita, eminent philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein concluded “Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must remain silent”. Building upon what was passed down the generations and coming to his own conclusions after reading every Western philosopher, Wittgenstein reminded us of the intellectual humility one requires before even uttering a word. Merely knowing a set of words doesn’t mean we must go on with their application, for it paints a picture of reality in somebody else’s mind. If we lack clarity, the smart idea would be to choose silence over blabbering about whatever we know of.

On the grand scale of things, the worth of a civilisation is measured by the sort of conversations that take place in the civilisation. When public discourse becomes abusive and disrespectful, institutions follow suit. It is only through respectful and well-thought-out words that we can build a better tomorrow. 

• Written by Shreyan Laha / Mousumi Sachdeva