Captivity and Human Life - Essay Example

Generally, it is thought that captivity is inflicted at the hands of the strong, powerful and influential individual or stratum upon the weak and helpless so that the powerful could exploit the riches, belongs, talent, energies, or qualities of the captive for his own purpose. As it has often been observed that the highly qualified professionals are confined to some specific task or job by the rich entrepreneur in the name of financial stability. Similarly, animals are made captive and confined into cages and snares for the entertainment of humans. But captivity is not restrained to encaging or physical confinement only. Rather, there are multiple forms of imprisonment and captivity.

Renowned French philosopher of 18th century Jean Jacques Rousseau once said that man was born free, but everywhere he is in chains. The quote maintains the depth of oceans in it due to the fact that man undergoes various kinds of captivities, which serve as great hurdles on his way to achieve his ultimate destination in this world as well as in the world Hereinafter. Hence, humans are captives of social norms, cultural traditions, historically existing conventions, religious beliefs, financial problems and statutes of prevailing law, and are bound to adapt their lives accordingly on the basis of all such norms, mores, traditions, beliefs and laws.

Not only this that man is bound in the chains inflicted by others upon him, but also he is a slave to his own wishes and desires, which make him their captive in the very sense and definition of the term. It is therefore it is aptly viewed that man is the captive of his own body. Hunger and thirst are basic human instincts and needs, without which the body stops working properly. If an individual is not offered bread for a few hours only, he will start turning weak and fragile. Consequently, he becomes irritated and strives to get the same either in peaceful manners or by applying force. It brings uncertainty, disorder, chaos and turmoil to society. But it proves the very fact that man is captive of his body.

Extraordinary change in climate, chilly cold and starching hot weathers, changing seasons, rains, storms and other objects of nature force humans to make amends accordingly. He wears warm clothes and sits beside the fire to get rid of the cold. Similarly, he seeks help under shadows, airy places and hill stations in the hot season, because his body does not allow him to work under such unfavorable circumstances. In the same way, any mental disturbance and tension keep man away from his obligations.

The insertion of even a small thorn or needle in the body causes so much pain that man surrenders from performing his work and applies his efforts to get rid of the physical pains. In addition, any problem related to health and fitness also confronts physical activities and defies working adequately.
The desires prevailing in human breast instigate him to get involved in revelries and carousing, drinks and dinners and merry-making as well. If man’s desires remain unfulfilled, it badly turns upon his frail nerves and delicate mind leaving him in a sorry state of heart due to not being able of satisfying his wishes. There are two voices in the human bosom i.e. voice of evil and the voice of goodness.

Voice of evil entices and tempts humans to indulge in all types of merry-making even by breaking the ethical values, social norms, religious commands and laws. It surely provides the human body with temporary pleasures but may drag him far from the blessings offered by Almighty God. On the contrary, the voice of goodness implements and applies countless banishments and restrictions upon the human mind and body and encourages the individuals to lead a restricted and pious life to win applause and obtain rewards in eternal life.

The Holy Scriptures declare human life on the earth as a trial, where man is tried through pains and sufferings, anguish and ailments, disturbances and dejections, and depression and despair; all these factors paralyze human activities and challenge his everyday chores and obligations towards religion and society, turning man as the captive of physical comforts and luxuries. “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chose the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?”? (James, 2:5)

It is, therefore, the spiritual and religious teaching is of the view that man has always been under the awkward clutches of captivity--- captivity of desires, longings, lust, carnal desires and amusements. The holy verses vehemently condemn captivity of physical pleasures, lustful yearnings and carnal desires prevailing into the human breast. In the words of the Holy Bible: “But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.” (Romans: 7:23) Read More