In her thought-provoking column, writer Arefa Tehsin explores the paradox of “gentle living” in a world built on predation. Published in The Indian Express, the piece challenges moral superiority around vegetarianism, highlights nature’s cycle of survival, and questions whether true gentleness can exist when life itself depends on consuming another.
The idea of “gentle living” often evokes images of compassion, non-violence, and ethical choices. Yet, as author Arefa Tehsin argues in her recent column, this notion may be more illusion than reality. Every creature—from bacteria to leopards—survives by consuming another, making predation an unavoidable truth of existence.
Tehsin critiques the moral hierarchy often attached to dietary choices in India, where vegetarianism is sometimes equated with purity and superiority. She recounts personal experiences of being judged for eating meat, pointing out the irony that food habits are frequently politicized and moralized.
Her essay reminds readers that predation is not tragedy but continuity, a repayment of life’s borrowed existence. In this context, “gentle living” becomes less about denial of predation and more about acknowledging the interconnectedness of survival.
Major Takeaways & Notable Updates
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Predation as Natural Law: All life forms survive by consuming others.
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Cultural Lens: Vegetarianism in India often tied to identity, morality, and politics.
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Moral Superiority Questioned: Critique of judging meat-eaters as impure or lesser.
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Philosophical Insight: Living gently may be an illusion in a predatory ecosystem.
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Broader Reflection: Encourages readers to rethink ethics, survival, and coexistence.
Conclusion
Tehsin’s essay is a reminder that gentleness in living cannot be divorced from the realities of survival. By questioning moral hierarchies and embracing nature’s cycles, the piece invites readers to reflect on what it truly means to live ethically in a world built on predation.
Sources: The Indian Express, Scrap.com.