Mumtaz Ahmed
In a world that celebrates human progress, innovation, and collective growth, it is ironic perhaps tragic that man himself often emerges as his own worst enemy. The phrase “Man is the enemy of men” encapsulates a timeless truth that has echoed across history: the greatest threats to humanity have often come not from external forces, but from within.
Wars, discrimination, exploitation, environmental degradation, and social injustices, these are not inflicted by nature or supernatural powers. They are man-made. And they continue to haunt our civilization, despite centuries of learning, suffering, and rebuild in.
Human history is littered with the ruins of wars, most of which were not necessary for survival but driven by greed, ego, power, or ideology. From the trenches of World War I to the atomic shadows of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, men have wielded weapons not against wild beasts or invading aliens, but against each other.
Even in the 21st century, wars rage on in parts of the world. Civilians become collateral damage. Children grow up hearing the sounds of gunfire instead of laughter. Refugees flee lands destroyed not by natural calamities but by bombs and bullets dropped by fellow human beings.
The recent escalation in Gaza is just the latest chapter in a long, painful story of man turning against man. Thousands of lives have been lost, many of them civilianschildren, the elderly, entire familiestrapped in a conflict they did not start.
Beyond warfare, the everyday structures of society reflect a more subtle but equally painful form of self-destruction. Exploitation of the poor by the rich, discrimination based on race, caste, gender, or religion, and systemic inequality are all testimonies to man’s ability to suppress his own kind.
Corruption corrodes institutions. Justice is often delayed or denied. Opportunities are hoarded by a few, while many are left to struggle with basic survival.
In many countries, human trafficking, forced labor, and child exploitation still persistnot as remnants of a cruel past, but as ongoing realities. And who is responsible? Again, it is man.
Perhaps one of the most ironic forms of man’s self-enemy behavior is his treatment of nature. The very air we breathe and the water we drink are being poisoned not by some extraterrestrial force, but by industries, policies, and choices made by humans.
Deforestation, pollution, climate changethese are not accidental. They are results of conscious decisions made in pursuit of short-term gains, ignoring long-term consequences. As glaciers melt, sea levels rise, and ecosystems collapse, humanity edges closer to self-destruction.
Yet, to say that all men are the enemies of one another would be an oversimplification. Even in the darkest times, there are those who resist hatred and violence. History is also filled with stories of compassion, resilience, and progress.
From peace activists and reformers to scientists and educators, many strive to heal the wounds inflicted by others. There are those who build bridges where others build walls, who plant trees where others burn forests, who speak for justice where silence reigns.
Recognizing the enemy within is the first step toward transformation.
If humanity is to survive and thrive, it must confront its destructive tendencies. Education, empathy, ethical leadership, and inclusive development are crucial. The media, too, has a roleto inform, to awaken, and to inspire.
(The writer is Lecturer in School Education Deptt currently posted at Govt Model Hr Sec School Sunjwan Jammu)
