Crime is a universal phenomena. Amazingly, it is among the very few things common throughout our history. Even languages were different in history, but crime has remained a benchmark.
Perhaps one of the thing that has changed since ancient times, is what we define as crime. Or specifically the acts which we may term as crime. To call sun as the centre of our solar system was a crime a few hundred years ago. Even thinking certain things could make you a criminal not so long ago. I dont want to talk of crime in general, but in perspective with one criminal act. Killing.
Killing has been regarded a crime since time beginning ( or mankind’s time beginning ). I recently happened to read a book called CRIME and PUNISHMENT by Fyodor Dostovesky. He was a 19th century Russian author and his book was “food for thought” for me. Among other things, it discussed the point, is killing a criminal offence. Is taking a life justified. Before you so ’NO!’ , just think we are, in fact, liberal with it. Killing , while fighting in a war, is not only correct but the right thing. Yet killing is general is wrong.
Why? Is a life not taken in both the cases. Dont we end lives in both the scenario. What separates one from other. Is it just because the law gives us the right , that we are justified killing thousands in a war. I really do not have a answer for this. But the most generally accepted view, is that killing in a war is correct, because it is to protect the country. Its people. Thousands of soldiers die in a war to protect the millions living in a country. But is it always so. If you think of it, you might find a negative answer.
The book, actually questioned, whether killing one for betterment of humanity as such. Is a napoleón justified? Is a Hiroshima justified? Who gives us the power to conclude that is justified? Perhaps, if we look at it this way, that some out of the thousands are born with greatness. It is destiny for them to rise above normal people, and take power. Because most of our race are followers. Very few can lead, and rest look upon the leaders to guide them. These leaders, whether born or made, are given the authority to kill or commit acts that may be termed ’criminal ’ in nature in another context. But not for them. Because they have to lead, they have to guide and protect the people and for a million lives , a few maybe expendable.
How does one know, whether he is a leader. Can i kill someone to seize power. No it is way to disgusting for me. But some may consider it , that they have been born to lead and a few killings are needed to reach the helm. If they fail, they are branded worst criminals, yet if they succeed they are worshipped. Is that not hypocritical? Maybe, we need to reconsider our society, reform it such that killing is not acceptable at all. For this, we need a end to wars, and borders, and jealousy . For this, we need to be united and have trust. For this we need to have a common objective. And this my friend, is not in human nature !