The Word 'Discipline'

The word ‘discipline’ is being used very commonly these days. People are heard saying that discipline in the country needs a check-up. We also say that such and such nation is very well disciplined. The word ‘discipline’ is derived from the Latin word ‘discipulus’ which means to learn or obedience. Thus a discipline is expected to follow his guru. When we talk of discipline we relatively speak or think of some rules and regulations and obedience of those is called ‘discipline.’ Non obedience of those rules will naturally mean indiscipline. T.P. Nunn says, “Discipline consists in the submission of one’s impulses and power to a regulation which imposes form upon chaos and brings efficiency and economy where there would otherwise be ineffectiveness and waste. Though part of our nature may resist this control, its acceptance must on the whole be willing acceptance, the spontaneous movement of a nature in which there is an inborn impulse towards greater perfection;” Every group or class or a social strata or a nation has certain beliefs, values, traditions, customs, etiquettes etc. and follow-up of those is obligatory for a person who has accepted that social group or nation. As long as person goes according to those set principles and norms he/she is said to be disciplined. As soon as he crosses those limits, he will be declared as indiscipline. K.G. Saiyidian rightly said, “I consider a person to be a good citizen if he can wisely and decently balance the claims of the self and the group to which he belongs and adjust there in a reasonable and amicable manner.” A disciplined person in one group may not be called disciplined in some other group, the simple reason being that different social groups have different norms of life. Each group thus may be having different codes of conduct. Let us take a simple example. Taking a cup of tea by the students in the class or smoking there or chewing a toffee are considered against the rules and regulations of an Indian class room situation but the same are within the likeable limits of an American School situation. So the rules and regulations vary from place to place and from country to country. Whatever may be the case, discipline certainly means obedience to law and order; it is subjection to authority. However, its broader concept is training of mind, manner and attitude.