A broader view: A view of the Merdeka 118 Tower from the KL Tower Sky Deck. Views of everything, whether it’s a city or our own lives, seen through multiple windows expand understanding and fosters unity. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
WHY is Through Many Windows the name of my column, someone once asked me.
“Because that’s what life truly is,” I replied.
Life is a collection of perspectives, much like looking out of different windows. Yet, human beings often resist the natural flow of life and create patterns that hinder us from truly thriving.
We turn toxic substances into food and applaud harmful knowledge while ignoring wisdom that enriches life. We perpetuate social constructs that divide us, denounce concepts that could unite us, and amplify our differences while downplaying our similarities.
Paradoxically, we invite misery and then wonder why collective happiness seems so elusive.
The danger of a single window
Many people live their lives looking through a single, narrow window, believing their perspective to be the ultimate truth. This limited worldview becomes their reality, reinforced by their behaviours. For example, someone who constantly acts in a tribal or exclusive manner may feel excluded by others, failing to realise it is their own actions pushing people away.
This is the trap of a single window: it blinds us to the broader realities of life. It not only narrows our possibilities but also inhibits our ability to adapt and be resilient in the face of change. Life is evolving faster than ever before. Over the past two decades, the world has undergone monumental shifts – many of which we barely noticed as they were happening.
Today’s world is driven by disruption, especially in technology, with artificial intelligence revolutionising industries, lifestyles, and communication.
From healthcare to governance, AI now shapes nearly every aspect of life. In this rapidly evolving environment, adaptability and resilience are more essential than ever. A narrow perspective breeds inertia, hindering growth, while viewing life through multiple windows fosters flexibility and creativity, enabling us to thrive amidst constant change.Wasting time on superficialities and symbolism
Much of our time, energy, and resources are wasted by even the educated and the elites on superficialities and symbolism rather than the substance of things that matter. This misplaced focus reflects looking through limited windows, where appearances and trivialities are prioritised over depth and meaningful progress.
For instance, in many countries, political leaders and elites spend vast amounts of time debating symbolic gestures – such as the design of national monuments, ceremonial attire, or historical commemorations – while neglecting urgent issues like education reform, healthcare, or poverty alleviation. Similarly, in some societies, people become preoccupied with outward displays of religiosity, such as grandiose religious events or the construction of lavish places of worship, while failing to address the core teachings of their faith – compassion, justice, and humility.
Even in the corporate world, symbolic acts such as rebranding or hosting extravagant events often take precedence over meaningful innovations or employee welfare. Universities, too, sometimes emphasise rankings and prestige over fostering critical thinking and innovation among students. These examples highlight how a fixation on superficialities can drain resources that could be better invested in solving real problems.
Culture as a window
Take culture as another example. If your worldview is shaped solely by the culture you grew up with, then that culture will define your entire reality. For many, culture is reduced to superficial elements such as language, clothing, or behaviours specific to their community. Such a narrow understanding blinds them to the astonishing diversity of the human experience.
The world holds over 6,500 languages and more than 3,800 distinct cultures. To look through the window of humanity is to marvel at this diversity. It deepens your appreciation for human creativity and resilience. If you are a believer, such knowledge can further solidify your faith in the Creator, showcasing the boundless wonders of creation.
The power of multiple windows
Looking through multiple windows expands your understanding and fosters unity. It reveals the interconnectedness of humanity, bridging divisions and nurturing empathy. When you see the world through the lens of many cultures, perspectives, and ideas, you begin to embrace humanity in its entirety.
This broadened perspective is what enables resilience and adaptability. By being open to new ideas and ways of life, we are better prepared to respond to challenges and opportunities. Instead of fearing change, we begin to embrace it as a chance to grow.
In a world driven by AI and rapid technological advancements, adaptability becomes a superpower – one that allows us to remain relevant, creative, and optimistic.
A call to broader perspectives
Looking through many windows is not just a metaphor – it’s a call to action. By broadening our perspectives, we can break free from the limitations imposed by ignorance and division. This openness enables us to live richer, more meaningful lives.
As life accelerates and the world changes in ways we cannot always predict, resilience and adaptability are no longer optional – they are essential. To foster these qualities, we must break free from the confines of narrow thinking and instead embrace the beauty of humanity as a whole. Only then can we hope to thrive, together, in the march of progress.
Senior lawyer Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos is the founder of Rapera, a movement which encourages thinking and compassion among Malaysians. The views expressed here are entirely his own.
