The Old Pattern Is Not Enough for Well-being   Captain Mohamed Hassan Al-Tahir  

Date: May 1, 2026

In the midst of Sudan’s troubled political reality—an external tragic context that has triggered internal psychological reactions—people have confined their minds and thinking to old patterns: Nasserist Arabism, nationalism, or Islamism. This makes it necessary to analyze these traditional modes of thought and open the mind to thinking beyond patterns for the sake of holistic well-being.

A pattern is the mental mold or repeated behavior adopted by an individual or group in facing situations. It is an attempt to simplify reality through ready-made rules, but often it becomes a constraint that limits creativity and adaptability to change.

The Paradox of Pattern vs. Reality:

Reality is inherently dynamic and complex, while a pattern is fixed and limited. The paradox arises when we try to impose an old pattern on a new reality—we encounter incompatibility. Politics, in particular, cannot be managed through rigid patterns, because it deals with:

– People and interests,

– Constantly changing circumstances and crises.

Examples show the danger of relying solely on patterns:

– Cain followed the pattern of jealousy and selfishness, leading him to the tragic decision of killing his brother, though wiser options were available.

– Joseph’s brothers succumbed to envy, throwing him into the pit, only to later discover that reality turned in Joseph’s favor.

– In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the hero followed the pattern of unchecked ambition, which led to crimes and collapse, because political reality was more complex than fulfilling a prophecy.

These cases reveal that clinging to Arabist, nationalist, or Islamist patterns without reading reality leads to catastrophic decisions. Sudan’s war has shown clearly that well-being cannot be achieved through Arabism (elitist opportunism excluding the masses), nor nationalism (chaotic, lacking values and ethics). Instead, an Aristotelian model is needed—placing Islam and nationalism against Arabism—so Sudan’s unique experience can emerge, purified from the errors of human experimentation, and grounded in the Qur’anic text and the distinct nature of the Sudanese person.

Old patterns of thought rely on repetition and rigidity, often forgetting, even when rooted in tolerant aspirations. What is required is wise politics that does not forget—politics based on flexibility, contextual reading, and pursuit of the public good. Wise politics must balance fixed principles with adaptability to change.

Politics is not merely managing interests; it is the art of achieving holistic well-being through necessary conditions such as security, justice, and economy. Well-being means people live dignified lives, feel safe, and have their dignity preserved. Wise politics, therefore, transcends old patterns to adopt a comprehensive vision that secures essentials and guarantees well-being.

Conclusion:

A pattern may be a starting point, but it is not the end of the road. Wise politics is what breaks the chains of pattern to create a more just and humane reality. May you remain in well-being.