karthikas_bs's review
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
A poignant and beautiful essay with abundant humility. Singh was a reader of his time and a engaging author, I've come to discover. Still in mourning of how two of his books he wrote in prison never saw the light of day.
twinklep1997's review
5.0
His views on this spoke just like the man he was. He could have given us the nation we needed and still need.
“Inquilab Zindabad” 💪🏼
“Inquilab Zindabad” 💪🏼
geena_'s review
An interesting looking into the mind of one the most notable shaheeds within our community who rejects the notion of organized religion, like it's perfectly logical especially given the conditions he grew up in and the man that he was
There are some points that I disagree with, especially how he approaches them, but one thing is evident his passion and pain comes through his words. I read the English translation and plan to read the Punjabi version once my reading speed improves and I believe that will be create an even more impact.
This is a strong essay with valid points, as I mentioned before there are ways he approaches her certain topics that I believe were kind of weak. For instance, he invokes the name of Charles Darwin and it becomes apparent he believes that science and faith are at odds when another, when I (as a biochemist and Sikh) do not believe that is true, I think that's a very black/white and simplistic way to look at both science and faith. However, in all I think it was an extremely good read and I would urge other Sikhs to read it as well and form their own opinions.
I'm not comfortable rating this personally, since it's not a book, but rather a personal essay
There are some points that I disagree with, especially how he approaches them, but one thing is evident his passion and pain comes through his words. I read the English translation and plan to read the Punjabi version once my reading speed improves and I believe that will be create an even more impact.
This is a strong essay with valid points, as I mentioned before there are ways he approaches her certain topics that I believe were kind of weak. For instance, he invokes the name of Charles Darwin and it becomes apparent he believes that science and faith are at odds when another, when I (as a biochemist and Sikh) do not believe that is true, I think that's a very black/white and simplistic way to look at both science and faith. However, in all I think it was an extremely good read and I would urge other Sikhs to read it as well and form their own opinions.
I'm not comfortable rating this personally, since it's not a book, but rather a personal essay
book_binger95's review against another edition
4.0
Reading about Bhagat Singh in history, watching films and documentaries on him was not in anyway parallel to having a slice of his own mind. This book contains of his own letters written to various people; close to him or people from authorities.
His first letter, 'Why I am an atheist', is what resonated with me the most. As he denies the existence of God, he is not arrogant, disrespectful or illogical. He is just extremely rational and logical and has supreme confidence in his own self; principles, abilities and knowledge.
Every letter he has written as a prisoner is a slap on the British face. Never has he ever mixed his language or become vague in his iteration. When he writes to his father, not to plead for mercy on behalf of his; it has the capacity to give you goosebumps thinking about the strength in his spine.
He's bold, emotional, knowledgeable and stubborn all at the same time.
Freedom fighters have always amazed me, made me bewilder about the conditioning of their minds, their goals and their resolution. Bhagat Singh stands tall ahead of the queue.
His first letter, 'Why I am an atheist', is what resonated with me the most. As he denies the existence of God, he is not arrogant, disrespectful or illogical. He is just extremely rational and logical and has supreme confidence in his own self; principles, abilities and knowledge.
Every letter he has written as a prisoner is a slap on the British face. Never has he ever mixed his language or become vague in his iteration. When he writes to his father, not to plead for mercy on behalf of his; it has the capacity to give you goosebumps thinking about the strength in his spine.
He's bold, emotional, knowledgeable and stubborn all at the same time.
Freedom fighters have always amazed me, made me bewilder about the conditioning of their minds, their goals and their resolution. Bhagat Singh stands tall ahead of the queue.
subhashini's review
5.0
Video review:
'நான் ஏன் நாத்திகன்? (Why I am an Atheist?)' - நூல் அறிமுகம் https://youtu.be/HpmUJgHR1hA
'நான் ஏன் நாத்திகன்? (Why I am an Atheist?)' - நூல் அறிமுகம் https://youtu.be/HpmUJgHR1hA
bookmanomkar's review
5.0
"One's reasoning may be mistaken and even fallacious. But there is a chance that he will be corrected because Reason is the guiding principle of his life. But belief, I should say blind belief is disastrous. It deprives a man of his understanding of power and makes him reactionary."
- Bhagat Singh, Why I am an Atheist
•
We all know the great freedom fighter, Bhagat Singh, by his revolutionary acts which shook up the British Raj but very few are aware of the thoughts behind making him a man who offered his life for Independence of our nation.
•
Why I am an atheist is an essay by Bhagat Singh written in Lahore Central Jail in reply to his religious friends who thought Bhagat Singh became an atheist because of his vanity. The clarity of thoughts he possessed at such an age of 22 is so remarkable. The reasoning he gave in the book with the support of logic reveals the practical philosopher inside him. Another thing which we realize from this book is his socialist convictions (which our dear education boards never took any effort to mention in school textbooks
- Bhagat Singh, Why I am an Atheist
•
We all know the great freedom fighter, Bhagat Singh, by his revolutionary acts which shook up the British Raj but very few are aware of the thoughts behind making him a man who offered his life for Independence of our nation.
•
Why I am an atheist is an essay by Bhagat Singh written in Lahore Central Jail in reply to his religious friends who thought Bhagat Singh became an atheist because of his vanity. The clarity of thoughts he possessed at such an age of 22 is so remarkable. The reasoning he gave in the book with the support of logic reveals the practical philosopher inside him. Another thing which we realize from this book is his socialist convictions (which our dear education boards never took any effort to mention in school textbooks
readwithshashank's review
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
It’s a short discourse by Shaheed Bhagat Singh about his atheist philosophy with supporting arguments. I agree with the overall concept that the concept of God helps people handle difficult situations where they need the additional mental support. I don’t however agree that believing in the Almighty is a sign of weakness, as is the interpretation in the book/ article. I fully agree on the need to be self reliant and believe in self, even in tough situations, yet I feel it’s ok to feel comfortable about an external power to guide, help and support. We could also believe in the support of a friend to stand by us in the times of need, only to find the person absent when most needed. I don’t think that makes the person believing in the friend weak; it’s actually the friend who’s weak.
I’m not very religious but I would just share the concept someone gave about Godmen (I’d let others decide on the applicability to God) - there might be something special about the people if they make their followers feel more comfortable, strong and happy. If a normal person can’t achieve that but they can, they deserve some credit for it.
I strongly believe that religion is a very personal choice and it’s not fair for me or anyone else to judge how others should behave. The only condition being that don’t misuse the religious angle to hurt others. As long as ‘live and let live’ is accepted, all types of people with different religious beliefs and atheists can happily co-exist.
I’m not very religious but I would just share the concept someone gave about Godmen (I’d let others decide on the applicability to God) - there might be something special about the people if they make their followers feel more comfortable, strong and happy. If a normal person can’t achieve that but they can, they deserve some credit for it.
I strongly believe that religion is a very personal choice and it’s not fair for me or anyone else to judge how others should behave. The only condition being that don’t misuse the religious angle to hurt others. As long as ‘live and let live’ is accepted, all types of people with different religious beliefs and atheists can happily co-exist.
shuchipt's review
3.0
How a person can argue such a rational and unapologetically honest discourse while imprisoned and waiting to be hanged at 22 is beyond me. While many of his reasonings are commonplace, to believe in them so boldly when your environment so strongly encourages otherwise is an act of bravery and clarity of another level.