A toddler who is scared of the dark can be readily forgiven; men who are afraid of the light are truly tragic. (Word count: 150) [2015 UPSC]
Model Answer Introduction Kautilya, the ancient Indian philosopher, famously stated, “Just as it is impossible not to taste honey or poison that one may find at the tip of one’s tongue, so it is impossible for a government servant not to eat up, at least, a bit of the king’s revenue.” This quote undRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Kautilya, the ancient Indian philosopher, famously stated, “Just as it is impossible not to taste honey or poison that one may find at the tip of one’s tongue, so it is impossible for a government servant not to eat up, at least, a bit of the king’s revenue.” This quote underscores his belief that corruption is an inherent issue within public service, emphasizing the need for robust checks and balances to prevent the misuse of public resources.
Body
Kautilya was acutely aware of the detrimental effects of corruption on the state and society. He argued that corruption leads to the misuse of government resources, administrative inefficiency, and significant hindrances to national development.
Misuse of Government Funds
Kautilya identified various forms of corruption, including embezzlement, nepotism, bribery, and favoritism. He contended that such practices deplete the government treasury, which in turn undermines the provision of essential services. A contemporary example is the 2G spectrum scam in India, where government officials misallocated telecom licenses, resulting in extensive financial losses and stunted sectoral growth (Source: The Hindu, 2011).
Administrative Inefficiency
Corruption also breeds administrative inefficiency. When officials prioritize personal gain over public welfare, it leads to subpar service delivery and slow decision-making. For instance, in Nigeria, rampant corruption in the oil sector has resulted in ineffective policy implementation and deteriorating public services, eroding trust in government (Source: Transparency International, 2020).
Obstruction of National Development
Kautilya noted that corruption obstructs national development by impeding key projects. In Bangladesh, corruption in the construction sector has led to poor-quality infrastructure, project delays, and cost overruns, significantly hampering economic growth and public satisfaction (Source: World Bank, 2016).
Conclusion
Kautilya’s insights into corruption remain pertinent today, highlighting the necessity of ethical governance. His recommendations for promoting transparency, accountability, and strong institutional frameworks are crucial for combating corruption. By advocating for strict laws, effective enforcement, and ethical standards in public service, Kautilya’s principles can guide contemporary efforts to enhance governance and foster national development.
See less
Model Answer Introduction Plato's quote, "We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light," highlights the natural fears of childhood contrasted with the detrimental fears of adulthood. While children may fear the unknown, it is tRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Plato’s quote, “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light,” highlights the natural fears of childhood contrasted with the detrimental fears of adulthood. While children may fear the unknown, it is tragic when adults fear knowledge and truth, hindering personal and societal progress.
Body
Ignorance of the Truth
Many individuals fear facing uncomfortable truths, whether about themselves or the world. For instance, climate change denial exemplifies this fear. Acknowledging climate change challenges personal beliefs and requires lifestyle adjustments, leading some to reject scientific evidence (Leiserowitz et al., 2018). This denial stifles progress toward solutions and hampers collective action for environmental sustainability.
Fear of Change
Fear of change often leads individuals to cling to outdated beliefs and traditions. For example, resistance to new technologies in industries can prevent companies from innovating and adapting to market demands. This stagnation limits potential growth and can lead to economic decline as competitors embrace change (Kotter, 1996).
Avoiding Uncomfortable Conversations
Avoiding difficult conversations about politics or social issues can further entrench ignorance. When individuals shy away from discussing contentious topics, they miss opportunities for understanding diverse perspectives. This avoidance can perpetuate societal divides and inhibit progress toward equity and justice (Pew Research Center, 2020).
Refusal to Learn
Lastly, some individuals resist learning new skills or ideas due to a fear of failure or complacency. This mindset can prevent personal development and limit opportunities for growth. Research shows that a growth mindset—embracing challenges and learning from failures—leads to greater achievement and fulfillment (Dweck, 2006).
Conclusion
While fear of the unknown is natural, the refusal to embrace knowledge and change can have tragic consequences. By confronting our fears and seeking understanding, we can grow as individuals and contribute positively to society. Let us strive to step into the light of knowledge and truth.
See less