PHILOSOPHY OF
“REALISM AND PRACTICALISM”
BY ALTAF HUSSAIN
Foreword
Mr
Altaf Hussain, MQM Founder & Leader, is usually recognised as the leader of
the third largest political party in Pakistan.
He is the first and only leader in Pakistan who introduced a new trend in
the political culture by giving a non-feudal based political philosophy and
forming a true democratic, liberal and progressive political party, which is the
sole representative of educated middle class masses, minorities and have-nots.
The people of Pakistan are well aware of his political ideologies and
statements. However, only a few
know that Altaf Hussain is not only a political leader but also a genuine
thinker, who expresses comprehensive ideas and analysis on various subjects of
life during sessions with his workers. These opinions and statements are not
only novel but also thought provoking.
With
regards to the philosophy of “realism and practicalism”, Mr Altaf Hussain
has time and again expressed his views during his addresses.
Now he has compiled his philosophy in comprehensive form, which is being
presented for your study. We hope
that this philosophy of Altaf Hussain would inspire new thoughts amongst the
intellectuals.
Dr
Imran Farooq
Convenor
Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM)
Date:
-- 08 July 2003
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PHILOSOPHY OF
“REALISM AND PRACTICALISM”
BY ALTAF HUSSAIN
The philosophy
of Realism and Practicalism is a criterion for checking the righteousness,
evilness, wrongness, truthfulness and falseness of everything.
This includes philosophies, ideologies, theories, policies, concepts,
systems including medieval, modern and prevailing system of governing a country
or institutions. It is also helpful
for checking the truthfulness, concoctions, lies of statements, analytical
write-ups, columns, versions and perceptions either generated, created, emanated
or given by different quarters, elements, institutions or individuals.
What
is Realism?
Realism
is an act of accepting reality in its actual spirit and essence including facts,
physical universe, events, necessities of life, ground realities, favourable or
unfavourable situations, conditions and atmosphere, as they are, as opposed to
the abstract or ideal. In this
regard a practical approach be adopted rather than having ideal, moral,
religious or romantic approach. It
does not matter whether one likes or dislikes things as they are or appear to be
rather than as one might wish them to be. For
example, Sun rises from the east whether one likes or dislikes the phenomenon.
Similarly,
there are many systems of running the governments prevailing throughout the
world (existence of systems of governance), which are prevailing in all
sovereign countries for example democratic system, socialist system, monarchical
system and medieval feudal system etc. One may like one or two or may be more but some may dislike
all.
Unfortunately,
in Pakistan, since its inception (1947), medieval feudal system is still in
vogue. The existence of feudal
system in Pakistan is a reality but in 21st Century it is a common
knowledge that this medieval system is a great hurdle in the progress and
prosperity of the country and the nation as well.
Likewise
with all existing fruits and vegetables like bananas, mangoes, cherries,
carrots, onions etc. Whether you
like or dislike them, their existence is a reality.
Real existing things have other realities in them.
For example, some fruits and vegetables have bitter or sour taste.
If one knows this fact that some people are allergic to those fruits that
have sour taste and whenever they eat such fruit they might get a problem of
sore throat. So, they should avoid
eating such fruits having sour taste. Fish,
eggs, etc are also a reality but some people are severely allergic to them,
therefore, those who are allergic to them must avoid having it or eating it.
The
existence of eatables is a reality and this is also a reality that some foods
are not good for health. So the
existence and accepting things in its actual spirit and essence must also be
understood and this fact also be taken into consideration that what is good and
what is bad and what is beneficial or what is harmful for human beings at large.
This way of realising things is known as Realism in its actual spirit and
essence.
What
is Practicalism?
An
act of doing things, making or taking decisions, adopting means and ways in
accordance with the actual spirit and essence of reality (realities) and realism
is called Practicalism.
For
example when one sees and observes that there are lackings and shortcomings in
any prevailing system and one thinks that positive steps and corrective measures
should be taken to make the system better and beneficial for the people at
large. To obtain better and
beneficial results, one has to take positive steps and corrective measures
through committed, well-determined manner and hard work.
This way of acting and making all efforts practically is called
Practicalism.
In
other words Practicalism means an action taken or a policy made after detailed
analysis and consideration – taking into account all the consequences and
repercussions of such action(s) rather than theory, dogmas or creed – ensures
successful results.
OR
Practicalism
means that any idea, theory or doctrine should be applicable practically not
only verbally or theoretically.
OR
Practicalism
also means that ideas should not be based merely on truth but can change the
world with success practically.
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