The Third Indication

A misleading question, foolishly framed.

Some among the authorities say:

“Since you reside in this country, you must also abide by its republican laws. Why, then, do you evade those laws under the pretext of seclusion?

“According to the laws of the present government, it is contrary to a fundamental principle of the republic—which is founded upon equality—for anyone to claim some special merit or virtue outside his official duties and thereby exercise influence or authority over a portion of the people.

“Why, when you hold no official position, do you allow people to kiss your hand? Why do you assume an air of self-importance, as though you wished to command the attention of the people?”

The Answer: Those who enforce the laws must first apply them to themselves before imposing them upon others. If you seek to impose upon others a principle that you yourselves do not observe, then you are the first to violate your own principle and your own law.

You wish to apply this law of absolute equality to me. In reply, I say:

When an ordinary soldier enjoys the same social standing as a field marshal and receives the same respect and attention that the people accord to the latter; or when a field marshal is reduced to the level of an ordinary soldier and occupies his humble station, enjoying no special esteem whatsoever outside his official duties; and when, moreover, an exceptionally capable chief of staff who has secured victory for an army is placed on an equal footing with the humblest soldier in the respect, affection, and appreciation he receives from the people—only then may you say to me, in accordance with your law of equality:

“Do not call yourself a hodjaA respectful title for a Muslim religious teacher, scholar, or learned person.. Do not accept the respect of others. Deny your own virtue. Serve your servant and become a companion of beggars.”

If you say:

“Such respect, standing, and appreciation are accorded only to those who hold official positions and are entrusted with official duties. You hold no such position; therefore, you have no right to receive the same respect from the people as those who hold official office.”

The Answer: If the human being consisted of nothing but a body; if he were to live forever upon this earth; if the door of the grave were closed and death itself had died; and if all duties consisted solely of military and administrative functions—then perhaps your words would have some meaning.

But the human being does not consist merely of a body. In order to nourish that body, the heart, tongue, intellect, and brain are not torn out and fed to it. They are not to be destroyed; they too require nourishment and care.