Returning to the Essence of Rights: A Lifestyle in the Discourse of Rightfulness

Introduction

In today’s societies, ideologies and extreme perspectives often lead individuals and communities away from fundamental human principles and basic rights. Terms like “-ism” reflect this alienation, transforming genuine concepts into restricted ideological frameworks. This article explores this phenomenon and emphasizes the importance of returning to the principles of the “Discourse of Rightfulness,” examining how to create a harmonious and sustainable life based on human rights and values.

Alienating Suffixes: From Essence to Ideology

Words ending with suffixes like “-ism” often stray from their original meanings and become concepts prone to opposition and dichotomy. For example, nationalism, originally a love and commitment to one’s homeland, can turn into a tool for racism and ethnic superiority. These shifts cause social and cultural rifts, creating conflicts that tear societies apart.

A similar process can be seen in Marxism, where Marx’s ideas, initially focused on analyzing social and economic structures, evolved into a political ideology that often diverged from his original views. Similarly, Machiavelli’s works, such as The Discourses and The Prince, have been reduced to the term “Machiavellianism,” now associated with ruthless and opportunistic tactics, which represent only a small aspect of his thought.

Feminism and Gender-Based Dichotomies

Feminism, originally a movement for defending women’s rights and promoting gender equality, in some instances has shifted towards anti-male sentiments and the degradation of the opposite sex. This version of feminism, instead of fostering equality, accentuates gender opposition, creating new tensions rather than understanding and coexistence. Such transformations depart from feminism’s original nature and may become sources of new conflicts rather than advancing gender justice.

Liberalism: From Individual Freedom to a Tool of Power

Liberalism initially sought individual freedom, equal rights, and limited government intervention in personal affairs. However, over time, it has often been transformed into a tool for strengthening the interests of specific groups, eroding social justice and increasing economic and social inequalities. This shift deviates from its primary goal—protecting individual freedom and rights for all.

Communism: From Social Justice to Closed and Exclusive Systems

Communism originally aimed to create a classless society, economic and social justice, and eliminate class exploitation. However, over time, it evolved into a system that often resulted in closed, authoritarian governments, concentrating power in the hands of a few. This deviation not only failed to achieve justice but also suppressed individual freedoms.

Socialism: Between Economic Equality and Government Control

Socialism aimed to reduce economic inequalities through government control over resources and fairer wealth distribution. However, in many cases, socialism became a tool for the government to control all aspects of economic and social life, potentially reducing individual freedom and weakening the economy.

Islamism: From Spiritual Guidance to Political Power

Islam, a religious and spiritual path, provides ethical guidance based on justice, compassion, and a connection to the divine. However, the rise of “Islamism” has transformed these principles into a rigid political ideology. Islamism emphasizes establishing a political system governed by Islamic law, leading to exclusionary practices and, in some cases, justifying violence or authoritarianism in the name of religion. This shift creates divisions within the Muslim community and between Muslims and non-Muslims, overshadowing the original ethical and spiritual core of Islam.

Zionism: From Cultural Revival to Nationalistic Exclusion

Zionism initially emerged as a movement for the cultural and political revival of the Jewish people, seeking to establish a safe homeland for Jews to freely practice their faith and preserve their identity. However, modern Zionism has, in some instances, become an exclusionary nationalist ideology that prioritizes land and power over dialogue and coexistence. This shift has led to political conflicts, territorial disputes, and tensions, distancing the movement from its original aim of cultural preservation and safety.

Globalism: From Unity to Division

Globalism, a concept initially championed as a means of fostering global cooperation and interconnectedness, has also undergone a transformation. While it once sought to create a unified world with shared economic, environmental, and social objectives, it has, in some cases, been co-opted to serve the interests of powerful global entities, leading to inequality and a loss of cultural identity. This shift has exacerbated divisions between the global North and South and led to tensions over sovereignty, cultural preservation, and economic control. Globalism, when manipulated, can become another tool for power, rather than a true path to global justice and unity.

Returning to the Discourse of Rightfulness

The solution to these problems lies in returning to the principles and human values reflected in the “Discourse of Rightfulness.” This discourse emphasizes fundamental human rights and creates a lifestyle based on respect, justice, freedom, independence, and dignity. Rather than fostering dualities and opposition, the Discourse of Rightfulness focuses on understanding and collaboration among people.

A lifestyle rooted in the Discourse of Rightfulness organizes different aspects of life (family, society, education, politics, economy) around ethical principles and human rights. Instead of competition and dominance, cooperation and empathy are emphasized, with every individual recognized as a being of dignity and inherent rights in society.

Principles of the Discourse of Rightfulness in Society

1. Respect for Differences: In the Discourse of Rightfulness, individual and cultural differences are seen as enriching society. Rather than imposing unilateral ideologies, differences are acknowledged and used as a foundation for dialogue and understanding.

2. Peaceful Coexistence: Conflicts are seen as opportunities for growth and learning. Resolving conflicts peacefully with mutual respect is a fundamental principle of this lifestyle.

3. Human Rights as Core Principles: In the Discourse of Rightfulness, human rights such as freedom, independence, justice, and dignity are unchangeable principles that must be upheld in all spheres of life.

Conclusion

Living in the Discourse of Rightfulness means returning to the roots and essence of human rights. This lifestyle avoids artificial dualities and oppositions, emphasizing respect for differences, understanding, and coexistence. It can help build a sustainable and just society where every individual has the opportunity to grow and flourish. To achieve such a society, we must transcend limited ideological frameworks, including the divisive effects of globalism, and return to genuine human principles. The question is: “In a world increasingly shaped by ideological divisions, how can we, as individuals and communities, actively embrace the principles of the Discourse of Rightfulness—respect, justice, and human dignity—and transform them into meaningful actions that foster a more inclusive and compassionate society?”