Waleed Mahmud Tariq
Stories (17/0)
The Temples of Consumerism
We live in a world where the most revered buildings are not cathedrals or temples but banks and corporate headquarters. The hum of commerce is the chant of worship, and the ceaseless pursuit of wealth has transformed into the highest form of devotion. This is the reality of our modern society, where capitalism has morphed into a new kind of religion. Money, once a mere tool for trade, has been deified, and our desires have become our prayers. This article is not about critiquing capitalism’s pros and cons, but about examining how its distorted form has reshaped our values, turning greed into virtue and material gain into the ultimate measure of success.
By Waleed Mahmud Tariqabout 14 hours ago in Humans
Chained in Tradition
Imagine growing up in a society where every thought, every action, every word is scrutinized through the lens of rigid cultural norms and dogmatic beliefs. This is the reality for many in Pakistan, particularly among the rural communities. There, freedom of thought is not just limited; it is systematically oppressed. This narrative, deeply personal yet universally relevant, ventures into how culture and heritage shape our ability to think freely. From the distorted realities presented in our textbooks to the weaponization of religion, the impact on intellectual autonomy is both deep and pervasive.
By Waleed Mahmud Tariqabout 14 hours ago in Humans
Author of our Lives?
Every morning, we wake up to the sound of our alarm clocks, and with that simple act, a cascade of biochemical events begins. Our heart rate increases and our body floods with cortisol, shifting us from the calm state of sleep to the alertness required for the day ahead. This scenario is not unique to any particular one of us; but something common to all of us, influencing our decisions in ways we might not even realize.
By Waleed Mahmud Tariqabout 15 hours ago in Humans
Patriotism is NOT what you think!
Patriotism is often hailed as a noble virtue, a sign of unwavering loyalty and love for one’s country. But beneath the surface of this seemingly positive sentiment lies a darker reality. The patriotic sense of pride, while seemingly harmless, is a recipe for division, hindering progress, and perpetuating harmful ideologies. In this bipolar world, there is a dire need to examine ideas that cause dissent among us. We need to talk about the various ways in which these abstract ideas can be detrimental, challenging conventional notions.
By Waleed Mahmud Tariqabout 15 hours ago in Humans
Life on Repeat
Life in an age where technological advancements promise unparalleled convenience and efficiency has become a series of automated cycles. An unrelenting pattern of wake, work, and sleep. This repetitive routine, seemingly a hallmark of modern life, raises critical questions about the nature of our existence, the influence of capitalism, and the pursuit of meaning in an increasingly mechanized world.
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq3 days ago in Humans
The Silent Demise
*This article is inspired by Nathaniel Brandon’s Lecture on Objectivism Every debate, every dissension, every conflict will ultimately resolve itself into fundamental questions of ethics, epistemology, and metaphysics. When these deep-rooted issues arise, most people find themselves bewildered and frustrated, often deciding that thinking about them or discussing them is pointless. They conclude that philosophy is useless, abandoning any attempt to seek understanding. But what happens when we give up on philosophy? What are the consequences of living without a rational, philosophical framework?
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq3 days ago in Humans
The Silent Killer
In the quiet moments of my life, when the world slows and reflection takes hold, I often think about the subtle forces that shape our life. Among these, stress stands out as a silent saboteur, influencing our bodies and minds in deep and subtle ways. Understanding stress started off as something deeply personal to me, shaped by both experiences and the insights from scientific research.
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq3 days ago in Humans
The Power of Gratitude
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to focus on what we lack rather than what we have. The constant barrage of advertisements, social media updates, and societal expectations often leaves us feeling inadequate and dissatisfied. However, there is a powerful antidote to this pervasive sense of lack: gratitude. By cultivating a habit of gratitude and actively seeking out silver linings, we can significantly improve our quality of life, developing greater happiness, resilience, and overall well-being.
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq4 days ago in Humans
The Depths of Depression
Depression, unlike the more exotic diseases that capture the public’s imagination, is a common, pervasive, and devastating condition that affects millions worldwide. Despite its ubiquity, it remains shrouded in misconceptions and stigma. I know this all too well because I have walked through its dark corridors, grappling with its crippling effects firsthand.
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq4 days ago in Psyche
Moral Responsibility & the Justice System
In contemporary society, our laws and moral frameworks are deeply rooted in the notion of free will. This belief underpins our justice system, educational norms, and everyday interactions. We hold individuals accountable for their actions based on the premise that they possess the freedom to choose between right and wrong. However, the deterministic perspective, which suggests that our actions are the result of preceding causes and influences beyond our control, challenges this foundational belief.
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq4 days ago in Criminal
Between Dreams and Reality
“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” Carl Jung I often find myself lost in between the circadian rhythm of sleep and wakefulness. As someone accustomed to the rhythmic routine of sleep and dreams, I’ve often found myself questioning the nature of our conscious experiences. I find myself questioning the very essence of reality, often asking myself, “How do I know I’m awake? How do I know I’m not dreaming right now?”
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq6 days ago in Psyche
Are the Unjust Truly at an Advantage?
The Ethical Foundation of Justice At the core of Thrasymachus’ argument is the belief that justice is nothing more than a social construct designed to benefit the powerful at the expense of the weak. This perspective overlooks the intrinsic value of justice as an ethical principle that transcends individual interests. Justice, in its true form, is about fairness, equity, and the protection of rights. It is a cornerstone of ethical behavior that creates social harmony and mutual respect. When justice is upheld, it creates a society where individuals can coexist peacefully and pursue their goals without fear of exploitation or oppression.
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq6 days ago in Humans