The Human Game: Cultivating Our Essential Being
We are fundamentally individuals who contribute to ourselves and then successively to the encompassing sets of our existence, with human culture being the defining set. Since human cultures are broadly similar, the primary endeavor we engage in is the “human game,” rather than, for instance, a “German game” or a “French game.” The irreducible essence of our existence is to embody the human condition: to be intellectual, idealistic, and aware. Therefore, we should invest in personal development, as our self is predominantly composed of our humanity, rather than animality or mere individuality.
Creation Through Learning: The Core of the Human Endeavor
What is this main game we play? We are aware, we are the subjects of this game, and we participate as unique individuals. Our imperative is to create as much as we can, and to create effectively, we must also learn. Learning serves as the foundation, providing the “ground,” while creation is the “figure.” This interplay between learning and creating generates the contrast that makes us feel alive. If we fail to create, we are not fully utilizing our capacities; neglecting our creative potential can lead to profound dissatisfaction.
Turkey’s Role: Educating and Motivating the Muslim Cultural Group
Turkey, while possessing modern Western values, is deeply rooted in the Muslim cultural group, deriving many of its core principles from Islam. This duality, however, presents both a challenge and an opportunity, as neither the West nor the general populace fully acknowledges this modern synthesis. Turkey now has the potential to educate the wider Muslim world, rising through the ranks of enlightenment by addressing its own perceived deficiencies.
The Path to Muslim Enlightenment: Teaching as the Core Method
What would be the scope and method of this Muslim enlightenment? Consider professions centered on knowledge, such as teaching or scientific research. Any knowledge-related endeavor not only generates wealth but also yields profound intellectual outcomes. These roles initiate a journey of both learning and teaching. Enlightenment, in this context, is an emergent process, something one builds as they progress, driven by clear aim and motivation.
Turkey’s Educational Imperative: To Teach, Not Just Learn
Turkey, as a nation, has struggled with its educational goals, much like an individual who desires to learn but falters. What is the most effective approach for such an entity? It’s not merely to learn, but to learn and teach. The most profound way to acquire knowledge is not just by being a student, but by becoming the teacher. Knowledge is ubiquitous; one simply needs to compel themselves to engage with it. The act of teaching is more inherently compulsive than studying, fostering deeper experience and emotional connection, leading to greater success. As a country, Turkey’s most effective path forward is, in fact, to teach.
Reconciling Tradition and Modernity: Turkey as an Intellectual Leader
The Muslim community currently lacks a natural teacher capable of guiding them in reconciling analytical methods with traditional analogies. Turkey, given its historical leadership of the Islamic world for a millennium, is uniquely positioned to fill this void and emerge as an intellectual leader. By embracing this role, Turkey could simultaneously resolve its own educational and cultural challenges, akin to a former leader reclaiming past glory through intellectual endeavor.
Responsibility and Enlightenment: The Path to Influence
The most effective way to ascend to prominence is through enlightenment, manifesting as an intellectual entity. Turkey can achieve this by embracing the responsibilities inherent in its cultural position. True freedom and power are inextricably linked with responsibility.
“It’s not a shame not to know; it’s a shame not to learn.”
—Turkish proverb
