Question

Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow.

The flight of the written word

In Abu’l Fazl’s words:

The written word may embody the wisdom of bygone ages and may become a means to intellectual progress. The spoken word goes to the heart of those who are present to hear it. The written word gives wisdom to those who are near and far. If it was not for the written word, the spoken word would soon die, and no keepsake would be left us from those who are passed away. Superficial observers see in the letter a dark figure, but the deep sighted see in it a lamp of wisdom (chirag-i shinasai ). The written word looks black, notwithstanding the thousand rays within it, or it is a light with a mole on it that wards off the evil eye. A letter (khat) is the portrait of wisdom; a rough sketch from the realm of ideas; a dark light ushering in day; a black cloud pregnant with knowledge; speaking though dumb; stationary yet travelling; stretched on the sheet, and yet soaring upwards.

1. Why were words considered as the lamp of wisdom?    
2. How has Abul Fazal related words with knowledge?    
3. How did Abul Fazal refer to the difference between a ‘common viewer's observation’ and the ‘observation of a learned person?    

Answer 1

1. According to him the spirit for rational thinking comes from the words.
2. Words have the power to shape and articulate ideas which in turn helps in enhancing knowledge.
3. 
   
   • Learned ones can put down their ideas in distinctive forms.
   • Learned ones observes things minutely and with vast vision and can express the same with the power of words.
   • Any other relevant point Any two points.