Back
Well, well, well ... I am back after a long long time. It's almost six months since I blogged! So much has changed in this time. I changed my job for the first time in my life! I moved out of Bangalore and into Pune. Me and Poornima are staying together alone. So many things have changed in this time. Changing job was a period of confusion. Even now I sometimes dream (in sleep, not day-dream) that I am repenting quit a good company. I think, but I am not sure, that I did the right thing in quiting my previous job. The question is whether it is right place that I have landed into. Let's see how things turn out. As of now things are okay. They would get even better tomorrow when I book Getz!
Most people are too busy living life to ever put life in their living.
-- Doug Firebaugh
And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.
-- Abraham Lincoln
The best thing to do with the best things in life is to give them up.
Dorothy Day (1897-1980)
Writer and reformer
People who live well are experts at giving. They give their money; they give their time. They share their wisdom and their skills. They quickly say yes when asked to help. For them...to give is to love and to love is to live. It's a formula for a successful life.
Steve Goodier
Writer
-- Doug Firebaugh
And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.
-- Abraham Lincoln
The best thing to do with the best things in life is to give them up.
Dorothy Day (1897-1980)
Writer and reformer
People who live well are experts at giving. They give their money; they give their time. They share their wisdom and their skills. They quickly say yes when asked to help. For them...to give is to love and to love is to live. It's a formula for a successful life.
Steve Goodier
Writer
A quote
The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Results of a personality test
| Global Personality Test Results |
| Stability (56%) moderately high which suggests you are relaxed, calm, secure, and optimistic. Orderliness (70%) high which suggests you are overly organized, reliable, neat, and hard working at the expense too often of flexibility, efficiency, spontaneity, and fun. Extraversion (43%) moderately low which suggests you are reclusive, quiet, unassertive, and secretive. |
| trait snapshot |
clean, organized, dislikes chaos, semi neat freak, perfectionist, traditional, realist, fits in most places, enjoys managing others, risk averse, good at saving money, prudent, respects authority, high self control, hard working, does not like to stand out, follows the rules, finisher, resilient, takes precautions, cautious, honest, unfamiliar with the dark side of life, practical, dutiful |
personality tests by similarminds.com
A poem
I am not a big fan of poems. I can read one if it has good rhyming in it. I had posted one stanza of a peom in my cubicle when I was in MBT. It's only now that I searched on the Internet and got the entire poem. Here's how it goes.
The Sin of Omission
by Margaret E. Sangster
It isn't the thing you do;
It's the thing you leave undone,
Which gives you a bit of heartache
At the setting of the sun.
The tender word forgotten,
The letter you did not write,
The flower you might have sent,
Are your haunting ghosts tonight.
The stone you might have lifted
Out of a brother's way,
The bit of heartsome counsel
You were hurried too much to say.
The loving touch of the hand,
The gentle and winsome tone,
That you had no time or thought for
With troubles enough of your own.
The little acts of kindness,
So easily out of mind;
Those chances to be helpful
Which everyone may find—
No it's not the thing you do,
It's the thing you leave undone,
Which gives you the bit of heartache
At the setting of the sun.
The Sin of Omission
by Margaret E. Sangster
It isn't the thing you do;
It's the thing you leave undone,
Which gives you a bit of heartache
At the setting of the sun.
The tender word forgotten,
The letter you did not write,
The flower you might have sent,
Are your haunting ghosts tonight.
The stone you might have lifted
Out of a brother's way,
The bit of heartsome counsel
You were hurried too much to say.
The loving touch of the hand,
The gentle and winsome tone,
That you had no time or thought for
With troubles enough of your own.
The little acts of kindness,
So easily out of mind;
Those chances to be helpful
Which everyone may find—
No it's not the thing you do,
It's the thing you leave undone,
Which gives you the bit of heartache
At the setting of the sun.
Standing up to one's beliefs
Some years ago a friend of mine returned from an offical trip to US. He wanted to settle accounts of the trip with the company. The lady handling bills made him an offer. "Submit false inflated bills, and we'll split the extra amount". She made this offer to every employee and most of them probably accepted it, some with hesitation and some with glee. A person like me would politely declined it. But Amit Patil doesn't belong to any of these categories. He reported the matter to the company. Not that the company wasn't aware of what was going on. But everyone turned a blind eye to it. She was an influencial person and had good relationship with the CEO of the company. Nobody wanted to offend her. There was lot of pressure on Amit to back off. But he didn't. He pursued the matter and kept escalated the matter up to highest authorities in the company. It bore fruit. Because of his persistence, the company had to take action against the corrupt lady.
Later Amit explained to me, "I had to do it. I believed it was wrong. If I had not pursued the matter I would have fallen in my own eyes. I had to do it for my own sake if not for the company (or society or country)". How to say No, when you don't want to say Yes professes the same philosophy. Every time you don't stand up to what you believe in, you lower your self-esteem. I did exactly that today. I had to do something that was not pleasant, but I believed it was the right thing to do. And I failed to do it.
These days I frequently get BEST's a/c bus between Kanjur Marg and SEEPZ. Except at peak hours the bus is almost empty. At 3 p.m. today there were few people in the bus. There were two teenagers, taking cover on the last seat of the bus and kissing. This was the second time I had spotted them. I wanted to walk up to them and tell them politely, in a soft tone, that what they were doing wasn't good for them. I kept debating in my mind whether or not I should do that. My consciense told me that I should offer this elder brotherly advice, irrespective of how they react. But like the rest of crowd, I just ignored them and got down when the bus reached my stop. It was laziness or lack of courage or lack of sincerity. Or may be a combination of the three and something more. I don't know exactly why I didn't do it.
I felt bad. I know they will never cross my path again, because I am going to Bangalore tonight and won't be coming back soon. My good words may have made some better change in the lives to two young individuals. But I didn't have the courage to stand up to my beliefs. I ignored the dictates of my conscience. I was weak. My temerity has harmed me as much as my society. I want to become stronger than this.
Later Amit explained to me, "I had to do it. I believed it was wrong. If I had not pursued the matter I would have fallen in my own eyes. I had to do it for my own sake if not for the company (or society or country)". How to say No, when you don't want to say Yes professes the same philosophy. Every time you don't stand up to what you believe in, you lower your self-esteem. I did exactly that today. I had to do something that was not pleasant, but I believed it was the right thing to do. And I failed to do it.
These days I frequently get BEST's a/c bus between Kanjur Marg and SEEPZ. Except at peak hours the bus is almost empty. At 3 p.m. today there were few people in the bus. There were two teenagers, taking cover on the last seat of the bus and kissing. This was the second time I had spotted them. I wanted to walk up to them and tell them politely, in a soft tone, that what they were doing wasn't good for them. I kept debating in my mind whether or not I should do that. My consciense told me that I should offer this elder brotherly advice, irrespective of how they react. But like the rest of crowd, I just ignored them and got down when the bus reached my stop. It was laziness or lack of courage or lack of sincerity. Or may be a combination of the three and something more. I don't know exactly why I didn't do it.
I felt bad. I know they will never cross my path again, because I am going to Bangalore tonight and won't be coming back soon. My good words may have made some better change in the lives to two young individuals. But I didn't have the courage to stand up to my beliefs. I ignored the dictates of my conscience. I was weak. My temerity has harmed me as much as my society. I want to become stronger than this.
Today is National Youth Day
12th January happens to be Swami Vivekanand jayanti, and is celebrated in our country as National Youth Day. You can't open a newspaper on 14th Feb and not know that it's Valentine's Day. However you won't find a sentence in today's paper that says it's a National Youth Day, because it's Vivekanand jayanti. Such is the media. So be it! We know better than having expectations from the media. Enough of complaining. Instead, here's a good quote from the Swami Vivekanand:
"The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature. Have faith in yourselves! Our first duty is not to hate ourselves, because to advance we must have faith in ourselves first and then in God. He who has no faith in himself can never have faith in God."
"The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature. Have faith in yourselves! Our first duty is not to hate ourselves, because to advance we must have faith in ourselves first and then in God. He who has no faith in himself can never have faith in God."
Where is the News?
A lot is said about the prolifiration of news channels in our country in the last decade. However I know very few tv channels that broadcast news. Most of the so-called "news channels" broadcast propoganda. Propoganda with an shockingly unabashed political bias. Free media in our country means freedom to the media to spread misinformation and lies.
What is true about tv channels is also true about the print medium. The media seem to have sold themselves to a particular political ideology, party or family. The worst thing about it is the absolute lack of introspection, and the hypocracy about the nobility of the profession. Rarely does one read an article questioning the media's role in the current state of affairs of the country.
What is true about tv channels is also true about the print medium. The media seem to have sold themselves to a particular political ideology, party or family. The worst thing about it is the absolute lack of introspection, and the hypocracy about the nobility of the profession. Rarely does one read an article questioning the media's role in the current state of affairs of the country.
Need IGNOU contact info
I have been trying to connect with IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) representatives in Mumbai for the last few days with futility. If you know have any contact information please let me know asap. Of coruse, I have browsed IGNOU web site.
Time for new year resolutions
It's the time of the year when you make new year resolutions. I don't make resolutions every year. Many a year it's just, "I will strive to do my best with renewed enthusiam". But this year, I have three specific resolutions to make:
1. Wake up early every morning
This is one thing that I have found impossible to put in practise. In no other activity has my failure been so thorough. Yet I have keep trying. I can't give up. I think this time I will succeed. Because now things have changed. I am now not just responsible for myself. So I feel a greater sense of responsibility. I am hoping for the best.
2. Plan my days well and follow the plan earnestly
Twenty four hours is too less time for a day. There are just too many things to do and too little time. The biggest reason for not getting things done on time lack of planning. I need to plan things well and execute to plan. I have been trying to do this for past 2-3 weeks, with varying degree of success. I think I know enough now to make progress on this point.
3. Concentrate better, think clearly, understand myself better, have healthy self-dialogue and maintain equanimity every moment
That's a tall order. But no one said that life is easy. Good progress needs monumental efforts. I need to make these habits my character. These things should come naturally to me, without any need to make efforts. I hope I will spend a lot efforts to make progress here. But I am not expecting miracles.
[Speaking of miracles, miracles never occur by chance. They are created one day at a time for decades before their effect is visible.]
Let me see how much progress I make and whether I am successful in fulfilling these resolutions.
1. Wake up early every morning
This is one thing that I have found impossible to put in practise. In no other activity has my failure been so thorough. Yet I have keep trying. I can't give up. I think this time I will succeed. Because now things have changed. I am now not just responsible for myself. So I feel a greater sense of responsibility. I am hoping for the best.
2. Plan my days well and follow the plan earnestly
Twenty four hours is too less time for a day. There are just too many things to do and too little time. The biggest reason for not getting things done on time lack of planning. I need to plan things well and execute to plan. I have been trying to do this for past 2-3 weeks, with varying degree of success. I think I know enough now to make progress on this point.
3. Concentrate better, think clearly, understand myself better, have healthy self-dialogue and maintain equanimity every moment
That's a tall order. But no one said that life is easy. Good progress needs monumental efforts. I need to make these habits my character. These things should come naturally to me, without any need to make efforts. I hope I will spend a lot efforts to make progress here. But I am not expecting miracles.
[Speaking of miracles, miracles never occur by chance. They are created one day at a time for decades before their effect is visible.]
Let me see how much progress I make and whether I am successful in fulfilling these resolutions.
Why don't we Progress
If con is opposite of pro, guess what is the opposite of Congress!
No wonder they want to implement reservations in private sector.
No wonder they want to implement reservations in private sector.
After a long time
I haven't written anything for a long time. There are a lot of things to write about. But first, here's one of our photographs from Mauritius. The view from up there was just exhilarating!!
Added on 7 Jan '06:
Many peoply who saw this photograph didn't fully understand it. Just above the date in red (20 11 2005) is a small motorboat that's pulling us. While we are there in the centre of the photograph, up in the air, hanging down the parachute. It's clear when click on it to ENLARGE.
Added on 7 Jan '06:
Many peoply who saw this photograph didn't fully understand it. Just above the date in red (20 11 2005) is a small motorboat that's pulling us. While we are there in the centre of the photograph, up in the air, hanging down the parachute. It's clear when click on it to ENLARGE.
Quote
Only actions give to life its strength, as only moderation gives it its charm.
Jean Paul Richter (1763-1825)
Writer and humorist
Jean Paul Richter (1763-1825)
Writer and humorist
Back at home
I am back in India after a gap of five weeks ... sans my baggage. I hope it doesn't miss the flight from Zurich today unlike yesterday, and reaches here safe and sound. I earnestly hope so.
It matters not what you do ...
... but how well you do it. As I mature, I am realising that it doesn't matter so much what work you do, as much as how well you do what you do.
There's the CEO of a company, who is all stressed out because of his incompetence at doing the job, and has made life miserable for himself as well as for others, at work and at home. And there's the housemaid, who is so good at her work, that it is she who runs the family, because no one can move a thing without her aid. The latter is leading a more productive and happier life than the former. The maid is contributing more to the society than the CEO. It's better to be a housemaid, who is good at her job than be a CEO, who is bad at his. This is a simple truth that we need to realise, because many of us are struggling to climb the so-called corporate ladder.
I have often experienced that once I realise something, it becames my second nature. It gets ingrained in my actions as if I knew it all along. This is one more thing that I need to keep this in my mind. I should not judge people by their visiting cards. A person's designation doesn't matter at all. The only way to judge a person's success is to know how well he does what he has chosen to do.
There's the CEO of a company, who is all stressed out because of his incompetence at doing the job, and has made life miserable for himself as well as for others, at work and at home. And there's the housemaid, who is so good at her work, that it is she who runs the family, because no one can move a thing without her aid. The latter is leading a more productive and happier life than the former. The maid is contributing more to the society than the CEO. It's better to be a housemaid, who is good at her job than be a CEO, who is bad at his. This is a simple truth that we need to realise, because many of us are struggling to climb the so-called corporate ladder.
I have often experienced that once I realise something, it becames my second nature. It gets ingrained in my actions as if I knew it all along. This is one more thing that I need to keep this in my mind. I should not judge people by their visiting cards. A person's designation doesn't matter at all. The only way to judge a person's success is to know how well he does what he has chosen to do.
Another quote for the day
There is no path to truth, it must come to you. Truth can come to you only when your mind and heart are simple, clear, and there is love in your heart; not if your heart is filled with the things of the mind.
J. Krishnamurt
J. Krishnamurt
Quote for the day
Learn to be silent. Let your quiet mind listen and absorb.
Pythagoras (c. 580–c. 500 B.C.)
Pythagoras (c. 580–c. 500 B.C.)
Missed Ganapati :-(
Today is Ganesh Chaturthee. And I am in Belgium. While aai, baba, Purnima, Chandragupta, Rachana, Aparna, bhaukaakaa, leelaakaaku, Hari kaakaa, Padma kaaku, akkaa aatyaa are all in Bangalore. This is the second year in a row (and the only two years) when I have missed Ganapati. Last year I was in Korea. Last year it wasn't so bad as this time. This year, with everybody in Bangalore (and Sameer, Megha, Kalyani) to come on weekend, it's really very sorry that I should miss Ganapati. This year's Ganapati would possibly be the best Ganapati in last twenty years and quite likely the best in next twenty years as well. And I am missing it all.
Twenty most memorable experiences of Korea trip
1. Hustle and bustle of the absolutely incredible Myeong Dong
2. My first day at Samsung headquarters at City Hall
3. Strolling in the serene Namsansol in autumn
4. Walk in City Hall area
5. View of Building 63 in morning from the train as it crosses Han river
6. My last bus ride from Suwon to Seoul
7. Commuting by the Subway
8. Talking in Korean English
9. The warmth and friendliness of Korean people
10. Visit to Iteawon on weekend evening
11. Experience of first snowfall
12. Walk from Ganganam to i2 office
13. Skiing at Jisan
14. Veiw from Seoul tower
15. Night ferry on Han river
16. Fireworks on Han river attended by six lakh people
17. Strolling in the serene Namsansol in winter
18. Trek to the beautiful Kwanaksan shrine
19. Ice skating
20. Eating menu item number 6 at Pop Eyes
Very few photographs of Korea trip
Though the Korea trip was so memorable for me, there are very few photographs that I have from the trip. On April 18, 2004, I wrote a blog carrying or not carrying camera on a vacation. My memorable trip to Korea validates what I wrote then.
Although I do not have any snaps of the most memorable places of Korea, I feel don't feel sorry for it at all. Having snaps would have made difference to me. After all what could a photograph capture? Can it capture the freshness of air at Namsangol? Can it capture the serenity of that place? Can it capture the sound of the flowing stream or the chillness of frozen lake? A photograph can capture the crowds of Myeong Dong. But can it capture their hustle and bustle of the place? Can it capture the shouts of the hawkers or the music being played at different shops? Can it capture the smell of the food being sold?
A camera could have captured the decor and the rooms of Han Suites. But could it have told us about the hospitality of the staff? A camera could have captured the whiteness of the snow at Jisan Forest Skiing Resort, but could it have captured the pain in my knees? Could a camera ever capture the kindness and friendliness of the people of Korea?
What then is the use of the camera? After all all these memories are indelibly etched in my brain. A photo album can be lost. Negatives can get spoilt. Hard disk may crash. But the images impressed on my mind will never ever fade. Their freshness will forever be the same. Whenever I think of Korea all the beautiful images come up to mind as if it were yesterday. And I know that all these memories are pleasant because I fought all the daily battles with awesome courage and conviction. That gives me the peace of mind that makes these memories pleasant.
Korea trip anniversary
It's exactly one year since I went to Korea. One year back on this day I had checked-in at Han Suites, with no idea what was in store for me. I went to Korea with no expectations. I went with my mind open to anything that would come my way. As I look back on those phenomenal five-and-half months in Korea, I am filled with immense pride and satisfaction.
When I wrote my good-bye mail at the end of the project, Ms Chanee Park replied, "Suwon was not an ideal place for a foreign consultant to work in. However, you managed yourself so well, and I respect you for that. In addition, you have my respect for your kindness and endurance". Wasn't she writing my mind?!!
About a month back, I met an old acquaintance who had spend a month in Korea. The moment Korea proped in our discussion, he chuckled, "Korea is a deadly place. I was there for a month. I ran away as I quickly as I can!" Such a stark contranst to the way I carried myself in Korea.
I will always have very very inspiring memories of Korea. If I can achieve every day of my life what I did in Korea, I would be very very proud of myself.
I do not know how much I will travel in my life, how many places will I see. But I know one thing for sure. No matter how many places I see, the memories of Korea will forever be fresh in my mind. Not because Korea is a great place, but because when I think of Korea, I am reminded of my own greatness. I beg your pardon for such unabashed haughtiness, which is in contrast to my usual humility and modesty. Yet it's true, if courage has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If perseverance has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If commitmet has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If beauty ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If steadiness has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If friendliness has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If self-satisfaction has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If triumph has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If achievement has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it.
I am so glad that Korea happened to me!!
Quote for the day
To know a little less and to understand a little more: That, it seems to me, is our greatest need.
--James Ramsey Ullman
--James Ramsey Ullman
Antique Store
If you go to a fashion store and ask, "What's new?", do you go to an antique store and ask, "What's old?"
CPIM Result
Cleared the first two papers of CPIM that I had taken.
Basics of Supply Chain Management: 311/330
Master Planning of Resources: 310/330
:-)
Basics of Supply Chain Management: 311/330
Master Planning of Resources: 310/330
:-)
Compassion
As I think about it, I realise that compassion is a very important virtue that needs to be developed.
My favourite dialogue ...
... from The Bridge on the River Kwai comes from unlikely Major Shears.
"You and Colonel Nicholson, you're two of a kind, crazy with courage. For what? How to die like a gentleman... how to die by the rules... when the only important thing is how to live like a human being".
"You and Colonel Nicholson, you're two of a kind, crazy with courage. For what? How to die like a gentleman... how to die by the rules... when the only important thing is how to live like a human being".
The Shawshank Redemption
Saw The Shawshank Redemption yesterday. And The Bridge on the River Kwai still remains the best English movie I have seen!
Another English movie that has impressed me a lot is Out of Africa. I admired the scenic photography of Africa and the undaunted spirit of one courageous woman.
Another English movie that has impressed me a lot is Out of Africa. I admired the scenic photography of Africa and the undaunted spirit of one courageous woman.
Ginger Tea
Arun Khamesra once asked me whether I ordered tea or coffee when I eat out, and I had answered, "Depends". After complaining that I answered every question with a "depends", he asked me to elaborate on my answer. I explained, "Good tea is better than good coffee, but bad tea is worse than bad coffee." So what I ordered depends on whether I am expecting the place the serve good or bad tea.
I had almost given up drinking tea in office because the tea made out of tea-bags is bad tea. In the new office, however, we have a vending machine that serves out so-called "ready-made" tea, as against "tea-bag tea" that we got in the old office. Not only is it ready-made, it's cardamom tea. Hence I have fallen into habit of regularly drinking in office. And sometimes I am lucky to even get Good-day biscuits along with it [which, if no one's around, I dip in the teacup. yuck if are looking, but yummy to taste! :-)]. Yesterday I was a bit disappointed (and angry) that they had replaced the vendoning machine with a new one that didn't have Cardamom Tea. Today I was relieved to see a chit of paper pasted on one of the options that said "Cardamom Tea". And to my great delight, the one below it said "Ginger Tea"! wow!! That's the ultimate!! I am so glad. Who cares how much I draw at the end of the month?!
I had almost given up drinking tea in office because the tea made out of tea-bags is bad tea. In the new office, however, we have a vending machine that serves out so-called "ready-made" tea, as against "tea-bag tea" that we got in the old office. Not only is it ready-made, it's cardamom tea. Hence I have fallen into habit of regularly drinking in office. And sometimes I am lucky to even get Good-day biscuits along with it [which, if no one's around, I dip in the teacup. yuck if are looking, but yummy to taste! :-)]. Yesterday I was a bit disappointed (and angry) that they had replaced the vendoning machine with a new one that didn't have Cardamom Tea. Today I was relieved to see a chit of paper pasted on one of the options that said "Cardamom Tea". And to my great delight, the one below it said "Ginger Tea"! wow!! That's the ultimate!! I am so glad. Who cares how much I draw at the end of the month?!
Seven days in a train!
From Moscow to Vladivostok, the Rossiya covers more than 9,200 kms in seven days!
"Along the way through Siberia the scenery ranges from mundane to spectacular, but it is always interesting. Like staring at a fire, looking out of a train window can keep one occupied for hours and prove to be very relaxing. The overworked and overstressed members of our modern economy should consider a long train ride as a recuperative experience".
The experience on world's longest train ride should be surely interesting. Though seven days in a train does seem to be intimidating, I think the train would be made comfortable for such a journey, like Palace on Wheels or Deccan Odyssey (not sure whether it is running now).
"Along the way through Siberia the scenery ranges from mundane to spectacular, but it is always interesting. Like staring at a fire, looking out of a train window can keep one occupied for hours and prove to be very relaxing. The overworked and overstressed members of our modern economy should consider a long train ride as a recuperative experience".
The experience on world's longest train ride should be surely interesting. Though seven days in a train does seem to be intimidating, I think the train would be made comfortable for such a journey, like Palace on Wheels or Deccan Odyssey (not sure whether it is running now).
A Knot and a Nautical Mile
1 nautical mile is 1/(60*360) th the circumference of earth at the equator. It is approximately equal to 1.85 kms.
1 knot is the speed of 1 nautical mile per hour.
1 knot is the speed of 1 nautical mile per hour.
Missing company in Bangalore
The only reason I could endure "War of the Worlds" was that I had not seen a movie in a theatre in last six months. I want to go to movies more frequently and but don't have company. On Saturday I forced Sateesh to accompany me, but I won't succeed in that again. I wish Purnima were here. And going to movies is not the only fun thing that we could do together. I love to ramble on weekends. I miss good company. Weekends in Bangalore is an agnoy. More so when you have great company 1,500 kms away.
Khalil Gibran - On Houses
Today is a "floater holiday". I came to office, not to work but to spend time for some other good purpose. And I did spend it well. I read Khalil Gibran's "The Prophet" on the Net. I had read it in parts earlier. I had really enjoy his words on children. Never before had I heard more truer words on parenthood and children. I wanted to reproduce those words here, until I read his writing on houses, parts of which I post here.
And tell me, people of Orphalese, what have you in these houses? And what is it you guard with fastened doors?
Have you peace, the quiet urge that reveals your power?
Have you remembrances, the glimmering arches that span the summits of the mind?
Have you beauty, that leads the heart from things fashioned of wood and stone to the holy mountain?
Tell me, have you these in your houses?
Or have you only comfort, and the lust for comfort, that stealthy thing that enters the house a guest, and becomes a host, and then a master?
Ay, and it becomes a tamer, and with hook and scourge makes puppets of your larger desires.
Though its hands are silken, its heart is of iron.
It lulls you to sleep only to stand by your bed and jeer at the dignity of the flesh. It makes mock of your sound senses, and lays them in thistledown like fragile vessels.
Verily the lust for comfort murders the passion of the soul, and then walks grinning in the funeral.
But you, children of space, you restless in rest, you shall not be trapped nor tamed.
Your house shall be not an anchor but a mast.
It shall not be a glistening film that covers a wound, but an eyelid that guards the eye.
You shall not fold your wings that you may pass through doors, nor bend your heads that they strike not against a ceiling, nor fear to breathe lest walls should crack and fall down.
You shall not dwell in tombs made by the dead for the living.
And though of magnificence and splendour, your house shall not hold your secret nor shelter your longing.
For that which is boundless in you abides in the mansion of the sky, whose door is the morning mist, and whose windows are the songs and the silences of night.
And tell me, people of Orphalese, what have you in these houses? And what is it you guard with fastened doors?
Have you peace, the quiet urge that reveals your power?
Have you remembrances, the glimmering arches that span the summits of the mind?
Have you beauty, that leads the heart from things fashioned of wood and stone to the holy mountain?
Tell me, have you these in your houses?
Or have you only comfort, and the lust for comfort, that stealthy thing that enters the house a guest, and becomes a host, and then a master?
Ay, and it becomes a tamer, and with hook and scourge makes puppets of your larger desires.
Though its hands are silken, its heart is of iron.
It lulls you to sleep only to stand by your bed and jeer at the dignity of the flesh. It makes mock of your sound senses, and lays them in thistledown like fragile vessels.
Verily the lust for comfort murders the passion of the soul, and then walks grinning in the funeral.
But you, children of space, you restless in rest, you shall not be trapped nor tamed.
Your house shall be not an anchor but a mast.
It shall not be a glistening film that covers a wound, but an eyelid that guards the eye.
You shall not fold your wings that you may pass through doors, nor bend your heads that they strike not against a ceiling, nor fear to breathe lest walls should crack and fall down.
You shall not dwell in tombs made by the dead for the living.
And though of magnificence and splendour, your house shall not hold your secret nor shelter your longing.
For that which is boundless in you abides in the mansion of the sky, whose door is the morning mist, and whose windows are the songs and the silences of night.
The strenght of the tyrant
Praise the strenght of the hand, Purnima, but not one that strangles the throat. Read this and then we'll talk.
A question on macroeconomics
If a country has high per-capita GDP compared to other contries, but does not a comparatively high per-capita income, what can we infer from it?
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Economics
Stopping at signals
Does one become less restless and impatient if one switches off the engine at the signal?
Materialism
The number of people leading a materialistic life is so large that oftentimes we tend to believe that that is the correct way to live.
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