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The Weight of Words: When Titles Overshadow Substance
In the hallowed halls of a leading Indonesian university, an unexpected announcement reverberated through the campus. The rector, a distinguished professor in his own right, declared his intention to abandon the use of his professorial title. This decision, while seemingly simple, sent ripples through the academic community and beyond.
At first glance, one might wonder why someone would willingly relinquish a title earned through years of hard work and dedication. The rector’s stated reason was to foster closer collegial relationships, breaking down the invisible barriers that titles can erect between peers. However, beneath this noble intention lies a deeper, more complex issue that resonates far beyond the ivory towers of academia.
The professor’s title, once a mark of scholarly achievement, has in recent years become something of a double-edged sword. As its prestige grew, so did the desire to attain it, sometimes at any cost. The race for titles began to overshadow the true spirit of academic pursuits — the quest for knowledge and the advancement of human understanding.
This phenomenon is not unique to the halls of higher learning. In the spiritual realm, we see a similar pattern unfolding. Take, for instance, the Islamic title of “Hajj.” Originally a marker of one’s pilgrimage to Mecca, it has in some circles become a status symbol, sought after more for its social cachet than its spiritual significance.
Even more telling is the use of the title “Habib,” a term of respect for those claiming descent from the Prophet Muhammad. In some communities, this title is used liberally, sometimes without regard for the authenticity of the lineage claim. The weight of the word begins to overshadow its true meaning and purpose.
As we navigate this landscape of titles and honors, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The rector’s decision to step away from his professorial title is more than a personal choice; it’s a statement about the values we wish to uphold in our institutions and society at large. It’s a call to reexamine our motivations, to question whether we seek titles for the right reasons or merely for the status they confer.
But change is never simple, especially when it challenges long-standing traditions…
