Theory of Relativity

I hated physics and was always more of a biology person - perhaps that’s why I ended up becoming a medical professional. The theory of relativity never made much sense to me. But interestingly, these days, I find myself learning the theory of relativity through non-physics methods.

In simple terms, the theory of relativity suggests that everything is relative - motion is always measured in relation to something else. It also says that light always travels at the same speed, regardless of how fast you're moving, and that space and time are interconnected and influenced by gravity. 

Albert Einstein once said, “When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a second. When you sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems like an hour. That's relativity.”

Everything is relative. We all face common forces and challenges, but our experience depends on how close or connected we are to those forces. Yet, there are also common desires, forces and concerns that hold us together.

Why am I writing about this?

A few things happened last week. Amid rising Indo-Pak tensions, I had to travel to a neighboring country—a trip I eventually made. Many well-meaning friends and family asked, “How can you travel now? Will it be safe? Are you sure you want to do this?”

During that time, I was also on a call with some friends in Africa, and two of their statements shifted my perspective. One friend from the DRC said, “Our city is 75% controlled by rebels—but life goes on.” (But then he added, a super power has brokered a cease fire for minerals in exchange - De-jvu) Another from South Sudan added, “Every other day there are gunshots outside our home.”

And then I saw images from the borders of our nation - people living in villages facing unimaginable hardship. Suddenly, my own fear of travel seemed distant and even self-centred. I was far removed from the real challenges others were enduring. In that moment, relativity became real.

When I arrived in Kathmandu, people told me how unusually warm it was, with temperatures in the high 20s Celsius. Some visitors from Western countries found it hot. But coming from humid Kerala, it felt incredibly pleasant. We often say we’re being "fried" in the dry heat of North India, and "steamed" in the South. (But being cooked any way!). Personally, frying seems more bearable - years in the frying pan have made it tolerable. But  to be in a relatively pleasant climate was a welcome break. 

Again, the theory of relativity in action. Later, I was sitting and listening to stories like the one given below.

"In a rural village, a woman struggled to support her large family after her husband migrated for work. She relied on smoky dung fires for cooking and expensive chemical fertilizers that degraded her soil. After joining a local self-help group, she learned about biogas and organic composting. With financial support and her savings, she installed a biogas plant and embraced eco-friendly farming. Her family’s health improved, harvests increased, and costs dropped. Her husband returned, and together they turned their land into a source of income. Their story inspired others in the community to do the same."

Hearing stories like this makes me reflect on my own journey - my struggles with travel, transitions, and discomfort are real for me, but in the grander scheme, they often pale in comparison. Yet I still find myself complaining about the steam, while others are facing the fire.

I recently came across these perspective-shifting statements on an AI platform.

• “I cried because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet.”
• “I complained about my job until I met someone who couldn’t work.”
• “I hated my small house—until I met someone with no home.”
• “I was frustrated by my old car, until I saw someone walking miles just to get to work.”
• “I envied those who travel the world, until I met someone who’s never left their village.”
• “I wished for more food, until I saw someone digging through the trash to eat.”
• “I was upset with my parents, until I met someone who lost theirs.”
• “I was angry about my slow internet, until I met someone without electricity.”
• “I was embarrassed by my worn-out clothes, until I saw someone dressed in rags.”
• “I resented my responsibilities, until I met someone who had none and longed for purpose.”

If I truly grasped the theory of relativity - not just the physics, but the deeper truth it points to - I would live each day with greater contentment and gratitude. And see and hear beyond what I am comfortable or discomforted with! And keep not only my concerns but those of others facing fire, close to my heart too!