The Fate Of Those Who're Vastly Superior

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 28 August 2025 " When another person is vastly superior to you, there's no remedy but to love him." Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, Elective Affinities, Chapter 23, pages 159-171 Goethe brilliantly reflects on the complexities of relationships where one individual stands out significantly in talent or ability. It suggests that in the face of overwhelming superiority, appreciation or admiration often translates into love. It conveys a nuanced understanding of human emotions, indicating that love can stem from recognizing and valuing the strengths of others. But most of the humans are rabidly jealous and not so large-hearted. If someone is distinctly better and more knowledgeable, the rest of the inferior lesser mortals will try to pull him/her down by casting opprobrium on him/her. Even if we admire someone for his/her knowledge and other great qualities, the admiration is often phlegmatic and grudging; seldom genuine. Urdu poet Firaq Gorakhpuri says, "Ye Duniya Uss Se Khaar Khaati Hai / Jo Shakhs Behtar-O-Zaheen Hota Hai " (The world is envious of the person who's better and brilliant). By the way, like Goethe, Raghupati Sahay 'Firaq' Gorakhpuri was also born on August 28. The world is chock-a-block with mediocre and inferior humans whose level of intelligence is less said the better. Such inferior humans cannot appreciate someone's true greatness and genius. They criticise and condemn him. This happened to 'Firaq'. The maverick genius was never truly loved and admired by his awestruck friends and peers who knew in their heart of hearts that Firaq was vastly superior to all of them. So, it's always the same sad refrain, "Mujh Ko Mere Baad Zamana Dhoondega" (I'll be sought and admired by the posterity). To quote 'Firaq' again, "Sadiyaan Guzar Jayengi Meri Gahrai Ko Samajhne Mein/ Mere Hum-Waqt Taareef Bhi Karenge Toh Jhoothi Karenge" (Centuries will elapse but they'll not be able to fathom my depth / My contemporaries will not admire me honestly). This is the dismal fate of all those who're light years ahead of the hoi-polloi or the great unwashed. ----- Both German great Goethe and the eccentric genius Raghupati Sahay 'Firaq' Gorakhpuri were born on August 28. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/fate-vastly-superior/d/136629 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism