TOK EXHIBITION COMMENTARY

940 words Prompt number 7

What are the
implications of having,
or not having,
knowledge?

“The greater our knowledge increases, the greater our ignorance unfolds”. – John

Kennedy

OBJECT 1

‘INVICTUS’ - MOVIE

Invictus the movie raises ethical questions about forgiveness, reconciliation and the pursuit

of justice. The depiction of Nelson Mandela’s approach to life, his country’s problems and his
countrymen made me see the beauty of forgiveness, kindness and patience. The mindful

exercise of them forced me to build empathy while gaining wisdom. The movie taught me to

be considerate in my actions and thoughts. The core of Mandela’s wisdom is to care about all

and smile in the face of trouble or ignorance knowing circumstances make man who he is,

not his nature. Such lessons will continue to aid me live a fulfilling and happy life.

A major theme of the movie is self-determination. It shows Mandela’s supreme confidence

in himself in jail. Knowing the struggles of the blacks of South Africa not only has great

cultural significance which broadened my mind, but knowledge of the same taught me that

we are masters of our faith. No struggle is too big. I felt the problem of illiteracy and poverty

in India is too depressing and difficult to overcome, but after seeing this movie, I realised

anything is possible if I have the will to make change. I know this knowledge will help me

forever more.

I also learnt no one is perfect and life can and perhaps should be a process of improving

oneself. Without this knowledge, people live making the same mistakes again without

correcting them. Furthermore, the visionary leadership and reconciliation strategies of Nelson

Mandela can provide valuable inspiration and lessons for leadership in various contexts. The

lack of this knowledge can impede one to be an effective leader. Finally, the lack of

knowledge on the social issues demonstrated in the movie such as racial reconciliation and

nation-building efforts can contribute to apathy towards similar challenges faced by society

today.

OBJECT 2
‘GLIMPSES OF WORLD HISTORY’ BY JAWAHARLAL NEHRU

A wealth of wisdom is imparted by Panditji in this book. Not by ‘sermonising’ as he found

that to be rather vain. Instead, he shares passages of history meant for his daughter during his

time in jail in the early 1930’s. He says that only in discussion can knowledge or ‘truth’ come

out. In this context, he discusses history.

An important lesson of the book is that history isn’t a study of others. Actions people made

centuries ago affect how we live today. Therefore, it is critical to study this book and learn

how we got here. Furthermore, like how my experiences and my memories help me

understand my mistakes, “historical knowledge is no more and no less than carefully and

critically constructed collective memory”, hence it helped humanity pave a path for a better

society by learning from the mistakes of civilization.

Panditji remarked in his letters that history is a record of change. I would add upon studying

this book that it is also the study of us. Consequently, I began to ask ‘why’? Instead of

‘what’? The book prompts introspection, which made me stop asking what happened in the
three battles of Panipat but instead ponder why did they all happen in Panipat? I also gained

answers to questions like ‘Why were the Chinese so successful in maintaining their empire?

What changed after the industrial revolution?’ Thinking this way makes you look at the world

with a scientific temper. Yes! History teaches you to think scientifically. To not think

critically and scientifically is to lead life with limited wisdom. It is to live in ignorance and

devoid of the beauty around you that one can understand a little bit about through history.

The breadth of culture in this book is evident. To learn about culture is to learn more about

yourself and others. You also understand how little you know. The lack of such perspective

can lead to a narrow mind. Through the book, you also get an insight into Panditji’s character.

This helped me understand the fervent climate of the time and what a historical character that

shaped a country’s history was like.

OBJECT 3

‘BEHTI HAWA SA THA WOH’ BY SHAAN AND SHANTANU MOITRA

 “Behti Hawa sa tha woh” means ‘man who goes with the flow’. The song expresses this

simplistic sentiment eloquently. We hear this phrase often, however it is rare to implement

this philosophy. The song adds to this message with poetic wisdom. Knowledge manifests all

around us, even from unexpected places, the song emphasises that all should be open to

knowledge and learning. Stressing about tomorrow will rid you of today, which is a

‘celebration’. I learn something new every time I hear this song because my eyes get wider

each time, more open to learning. Knowledge of such a philosophy made me curious and

excited to learn. The song also prompts introspection which is, I believe, the point of learning

new things. This aids me to realise my goals, dreams and myself.

Losing out on the knowledge offered in this song can lead to being stressed, unhappy and

ungrateful. The learnings of this song have impacted how I lead my life. In this day and age,

with everyone too concerned with their marks and their professional success, this song urges

me to pursue my dreams and still enjoy the moment. Not knowing how to enjoy the learning

around you can lead to a self-centred life. Everyone has hopes, fears and inhibitions, however

missing out on life in the present because of such factors is creating challenges for yourself.

This song guided me on how to live life because it made me think for myself and reflect on

my actions.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

“Historical Archives: AHA.” Historical Archives | AHA,

www.historians.org/about-aha-and-membership/aha-history-and-archives/histor
ical-archives/why-study-history. Accessed 18 Feb. 2024.

“Address at Rice University on the Nation’s Space Effort, September 12, 1962.”

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum,

 www.jfklibrary.org/archives/other-resources/john-f-kennedy-speeches/rice-unive

rsity-19620912. Accessed 18 Feb. 2024.

Movies And Tv. (n.d.). Desertcart India.

https://www.desertcart.in/products/19727575-invictus-dvd-movie. Accessed 18
Feb.2024.

Glimpses of World History eBook : Nehru, Jawaharlal: Amazon.in: Kindle Store.

(n.d.).
https://www.amazon.in/Glimpses-World-History-Jawaharlal-Nehru-ebook/dp/B06XXX
XWNQ. Accessed 18 Feb.2024.

Z. M. C. (2021, April 9). Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh – 3 Idiots | Aamir Khan, Madhavan,
Sharman J | Shaan & Shantanu M | Swanand K. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewvddSUEONQ. Accessed 18 Feb.2024.