IDEALS

 

IDEALS

An ideal is defined as an idea or standard that seems perfect, and worth trying to achieve or obtain. For example: social, political, academic, democratic, religious, literary ideals.  

If some situation is ideal, it means it is perfect. Likewise, an ideal ruler is a perfect ruler.

Some positive synonyms of ‘ideal’ are: complete, supreme, absolute, consummate, exemplary, classic, etc. Negatively, they are unreal, utopian, unattainable, visionary, fanciful, romantic, imaginary, impracticable, etc.

Ideals are worth having. They provide a model to look at, to imitate , to follow, to pursue, to accept mentally, to achieve practically.

The American theologian Theodore Parker(1810-1860) said: Every man has, at times, in his mind the ideal of what he should be, but is not. In all men that seek to improve, it is better than the actual character. –No one is so satisfied with himself that he never wishes to be wiser, better, and more holy.

Some short thoughts on ideals are:  

*Ideals are the world’s masters.—J.G.Holland, American novelist (1819-1881).  **What we need most, is not so much to realize the ideal as to idealize the real. ---Frederick Henry, American divine (1805-1890).  ***We build statues of snow and weep to see them melt. ---Scottish novelist and poet, Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832).                          

Some progressive and ambitious persons have more than one ideal to follow from more than one field: such as politics, religion, sociology, sports, management,  literature, philosophy, etc.

 Finally, the following inspiring quotes for one and all:

We grow old by deserting our ideals.”

“Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.”

“Be strong in body, clean in mind, lofty in ideals.”

“Ideals are like the stars: we never reach them, but like the mariners of the sea, we chart our course by them.”

                                                *********

G.R.Kanwal

30 September 2024

WHAT IS LIGHT?

 

          WHAT IS LIGHT?

            Light is defined as the energy from the sun, a lamp, etc, that makes it possible to see things.

Some of the synonyms of this word are: brightness, illumination, brilliance, blaze, glare, radiance, luster, enlightenment, etc.

            Light may be dim or bright; thin or flimsy; superficial or trivial’ natural or artificial.

Metaphorically, it may mean knowledge, understanding, revelation,  approach, viewpoint, comprehension, awareness, elucidation, explanation, etc.

            The English essayist, scientist, philosopher and statesman Francis Bacon (1561-1626) said: The first creation of God, in the works of the days, was the light of sense; the last was the light of reason; and his Sabbath work, ever since, is the illumination of the spirit.

            Greek philosopher Plato thinks: Light is the shadow of God.

According to the English novelist Charles Dickens (1812-1870 ): Moral light is the radiation of the  divine glory.

The American Poet and critic James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) regards light as the symbol of truth.

The American historian Lord John R. (1810-94) had this to say: The light of nature, the light of science, and the light of reason, are but as darkness, compared with the divine light which shines only from the word of God.

            As a writer of this blog, I would wish all human beings, all the time and in all the future ages, to make every possible effort to turn all sorts of darkness into light.

Finally, this short but memorable quote: It is better to light a candle than curse darkness.     

                                    *********

G.R.Kanwal

29 September 2024         

 

              

 

 

 

OZYMANDIAS AGAIN

 

OZYMANDIAS AGAIN

‘Ozymandias’ is a famous sonnet written by the English romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) .

Shelley is rightly considered a rebel against the common conventions of society and his rebelliousness was undoubtedly based upon general humanitarian grounds, and upon his desire to regenerate mankind, then suffering from the evils of war.    

The sonnet which is given below is about the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II, the Greek name for the pharaoh.

According to a literary critic Shelley’s poem explores the ravages of time and the oblivion to which the legacies of even the greatest men are subject to become ephemeral.

It is unfortunate that the moral of the poem is forgotten age after age by the mighty rulers of the world and they continue to behave with their innate hubris.

THE POEM

I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: `Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed.
And on the pedestal these words appear -
'My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair! '
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.'

                                    ********

G.R.Kanwal

27 September 2024

 

THINKING

 

THINKING 

Thinking is a mental activity. To think is to have a particular idea or opinion about something or somebody.

The synonyms of ‘to think’ are : to believe, to feel, to reckon, to be under the impression, and all these words mean ‘ to have an idea that something is true or possible’.

            The word ‘thinking’ is also used in the sense of : view, outlook, judgment, assessment, appraisal, evaluation, theory, conclusion, etc. For example, one may ask: “What’s the latest opinion about smoking?”

            The word ‘thought’ is used in the sense of: idea, opinion, notion, theory, line of thinking, aim, plan, purpose and design.  

            It is true to say that ultimately thoughts rule the world. There are times when impulses and passions have an upper hand, but they soon exhaust themselves, while thoughts which are constantly developing in the mind acquire the predominant place.

            Great thinkers are great philosophers and the ideas promoted  by them  become everlasting. 

German writer and philosopher Goethe (1749-1832) claimed that all truly wise thoughts have been thought already thousands of times; but to make them truly ours, we must think them over again honestly, till they take root in our personal experience.   

According to the Chinese King Confucius (c.551BCe-c.479 BCE) : Learning without thought is labour lost; thought without learning is precious.    

Finally, this short but meaningful quote: Words have the power to alter thinking.

                                                ********

G.R.Kanwal

26 September 2024  

LABOUR

 

          LABOUR

‘Labour’ is defined as work. Its synonyms are toil, employment, industry, exertion, struggle, endeavour, etc.

            Nobody can live without work. He has to use his hands and feet to accomplish some activity.

            Activity which uses one’s energy is not a curse. It is a blessing. It is necessary for maintaining not only physical but also mental health. Idleness may lead to death.

            Remember that you are God’s devotee on this earth and whatever you do is known to Him. Every action done by you  becomes your karma for ultimate punishment or reward.  

Here are some significant thoughts on labour, i.e. physical activity.  

*Labour was the primal curse, but it was softened into mercy, and made the pledge of cheerful days, and nights without a groan.------William Cowper, English poet(1731-1800).

**Labour is the divine law of our existence; repose is desertion and suicide. -----Gluseppe Mazzini. Italian politician (1805-1872).

***A man’s best friends are his ten fingers.-----Robert Collyer, American clergyman (1823-1912).

****Without labour nothing prospers. ----Sophocles, Greek Poet and philosopher (496BC?....).  

*****God intends no man to live in this world without working; but it seems to me no less evident that He intends every man to be happy in his work. ----John Ruskin, English writer and philosopher (1819-1900).

            Finally, this very short quote :  Work is no disgrace; the disgrace is idleness.

                                                ********

G.R.Kanwal

25 September 2024

 

 

INNOCENCE

 

 

                             INNOCENCE

Nothing is more attractive than the innocence of a new-born child. I believe that different faces tell different stories of good and evil, knowledge and experience, nobleness and corruption, simplicity and cunningness, guilt and innocence.

The French writer Voltaire (1694-1778) said: Face is the index of the mind.

It is also difficult to decide what is innocence and what is not innocence. According the English poet-dramatist William Shakespeare (1564-1616) : “ There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”

Different religions, societies, governments and moral systems have different views about innocence and guilt. Yet there is a way out to distinguish between good and evil, crime and the right deed. In certain cases: the heart is the best judge; conscience is another.

Experience makes people knowledgeable, not guilty. An experience which destroys your innocence is not worth having.

Innocence is the purity of the soul. So long as your soul is chaste, you are innocent.

Ignorance is not innocence. It is stupidity. Morally inspired knowledge is innocence.

The German poet, mystic and philosopher George Philipp Friedrich Freiherr von Hardenberg, pen name Novalis (1772-1801)  said: “ Innocence and ignorance are sisters. But there are noble and vulgar sisters. Vulgar innocence and ignorance are mortal, they have pretty faces, but wholly without expression, and of a transient beauty; the noble sisters are immortal. Their lofty forms are unchangeable, and their countenances are still radiant with the light of paradise. They dwell in heaven, and visit only the noblest and most severely tried of mankind. “

Finally, this famous quote: A clear and innocent conscience fears nothing. Power is no bless in itself, except when it is used to protect the innocent. It is better to risk saving a guilty man than to condemn an innocent one. The innocent and the beautiful have no enemy but time.”

                                                            *************

G.R.Kanwal

24 September 2024

 

LIMIT YOUR DESIRES

 

LIMIT YOUR DESIRES

A ‘desire’ is a strong wish to have or do something. What is desirable is that one would like to have or do or what is worth having and doing. The proverb :  First deserve then desire ‘  also needs consideration.

What is desirable is morally and materially good, useful, agreeable, admirable, worthwhile, attractive, essential, sought-after and beneficial.

Some desires are like needs, wants and necessities which must be fulfilled to keep body and soul together. For example, water, food, clothing and shelter are indispensable wants. They are not luxuries. Wine is a luxury, so is ice-cream. They are not essential for life.

There are countless desires for humans to entertain. But they are not a source of joy or happiness. They create dissatisfaction. Only necessary desires bring peace of mind. Put your faith in the proverbs: “Simple living and high thinking “ and “Cut your coat according to your cloth” and be happy.  

The more you have, the more you want is a troublesome situation. Be contented. There lies your peace of mind. Greed is a curse.

Rome’s accomplished poet and philosopher Cicero (106 BC-43BC) says the thirst of desire is never filled, nor fully satisfied.

According to the  English orator and statesman Edmund Burke (1720-97) : “Those things that are not practicable are not desirable. There is nothing in the world really beneficial that does not lie within the reach of an informed understanding and a well-protected pursuit. There is nothing that God has judged good for us that he has not given us the means to accomplish, both in the natural and the moral world. If we cry, like children, for the moon, like children we must cry on.”

Finally, this true desire quote: “True desire in the heart for anything is proof that God already meant for it to be yours. “

                                                            ***************

G.R.Kanwal

23 September 2024

                                                           

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

 

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

To speak ‘ is to talk to somebody about  something or to have a conversation with somebody.

Speech which is the noun form of ‘speak’ means talk, dialogue, communication, conversation, discussion, address, discourse, lecture, etc.

The manner in which you speak is far more important than your speech itself.

The best way is to speak gently, softly, sweetly, appropriately, pleasingly, amusingly, relevantly, inspiringly, appreciatively, etc. 

To speak angrily, harshly, irrelevantly, excessively, hatefully, discouragingly, bitterly, inimically, hurtfully, is not only undesirable but also dangerous.

It is worthwhile to have a sweet tongue even for your rivals, competitors opponents, enemies and friends.

A good speech wins friends and influences people.

It is shocking to see influential people speaking bitterly and critically against not only each other but also their kith and kin and  predecessors.

Somebody rightly said: Speech is a faculty given to man to conceal his thoughts.

The English writer Sir Walter Raleigh (1552-1618) said: “According to Solomon (a monarch of ancient Israel) , life and death are in the power of the tongue; and as Euripides (ancient Greek Writer) truly affirmeth, every unbridled tongue in the end shall find itself unfortunate; in all that ever I observed I ever found that men’s fortunes are oftener made by their virtues, and more men’s fortunes overthrown thereby,  also, than by their vices. “

A German proverb says: Speech is silvern, silence is golden; speech is human, silence is divine.

Finally a very valuable quote:  Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

                                                            ***************

G.R.Kanwal

22 September 2024         

           

PATIENCE

 

          PATIENCE

‘Patience’ is defined as the ability to stay calm and accept a delay or something annoying without complaining. It also means the ability to spend to spend a lot of time doing something difficult that needs a lot of attention and effort.   

Some of the synonyms of ‘patience’ are: calmness, composure, self-restraint, equanimity, equilibrium, tolerance and endurance. 

A task requiring patience demands endurance, diligence, staying power, tenacity, singleness of purpose, doggedness, etc.

A person who is patient is calm, cool, serene, composed, tranquil, in-excitable, even-tempered, restrained, etc.

Some of the famous thoughts on patience are :

Everything comes if a man will only wait. He that can have patience, can have what he will. To know how to wait is the great secret of success. Never think that God’s delays are God’s denials. Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. Patience is the support of weakness; impatience is the ruin of strength.

According to a Chinese proverb : Patience is power; with time and patience the mulberry leaf becomes silk.

American theologian Nathaniel Emmons (1745-1840 0 said: Steady, patient, persevering thinking, will generally surmount every obstacle in the search after truth.

George Horne,the English Bishop (1730-92) believed: Patience strengthens the spirit, sweetens the temper, stifles anger, extinguishes envy, subdues pride, bridles the tongue, restrains the hand and tramples upon temptations.      

Finally, one of the popular quotes on this subject:  Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.

                                                ****************

G.R.Kanwal

20 September 2024

 

HUMOUR

 

          HUMOUR

Humour is the quality which makes something funny or amusing. It is also the ability to laugh at things that are amusing. Furthermore,   it  stands for the state of one’s feelings or mind at a particular time.

If a person is out of humour , he is in a bad mood. If one humourless, he/she lacks the ability to laugh at things that other people think are amusing.

For good health and constant happiness,  it is desirable to be always  good-humoured.

A humorous story or event is funny, comic, witty, jocular, amusing, laughable, hilarious, ridiculous, absurd, ludicrous; and a humorous person is one who is funny, amusing, entertaining, witty, jocular, etc.

If you are not humorous, you are, serious, grave, solemn, earnest, un-smiling, un-laughing, pensive, stern, grim, long-faced, etc.

  The English novelist William  Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863) said: Good humour is one of the best articles of dress one can wear in society.

According to the American divine Henry Giles (1809-82) : “Wit may be a thing of pure imagination, but humour involves sentiment and character , ---Humour is of a genial quality; dwells in the same character with pathos, and is always mingled with sensibility.”

Another American divine George Cheever (1807-90) said: For health and the constant enjoyment of life, give me a keen and ever present sense of humour; it is the next best thing to an abiding faith in providence.

Finally, a famous quote : Life is nothing without a good sense of humour.

                                                            ********

G.R.Kanwal

19 September 2024

 

 

 

 

 

R E S T

 

R E S T

‘Rest is defined as : leisure, ease, inactivity, relaxation, repose, respite, time off, breathing-space, interval, vacation, etc.

It is necessary not only for human beings, animals and birds but also for tools, instruments, machines, engines, technical gadgets, etc.

Denial of rest causes fatigue, illness, disorder, restlessness, stoppage, breakage, dissolution, etc.

Unused objects get rusted; they shine in use; but become unsafe if over-used without rest and relaxation.

Greek philosopher and historian (Born 1^st Century CE) said: Rest is the sweet sauce of labour.”

According to the English divine  F.W.Robertson (1816-53): True rest is not that of torpor, but that of harmony; it is not refusing the struggle, but conquering in it; not resting from duty, but finding rest in it.

   Scottish novelist George Macdonald (1824-1905) has this to say: “Certainly work is not always required of a man. There is such a thing as a sacred idleness----the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected.”

Finally, look at the following lines from the poem Leisure written by the  Welsh poet W.H.Davies (1871-1940):

“What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare……

No time to see, in broad daylight,

Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,

And watch her feet, how they can dance.

 

Davies ends his poem with the following lines:

“A poor life this if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

                 *************

G.R.kanwal

18 September 2024                     

NEGLIGENCE

 

          NEGLIGENCE

Negligence is defined as the failure to give somebody or something enough care or attention. Its result is dangerous. It may cause weakness,  injury, illness, breakage, deterioration, loss, downfall, accident, damage, destruction, collapse and even death.

Some synonyms of negligence are: dereliction of duty, carelessness, inattention, indifference, oversight, omission, failure, disregard, default, shortcoming, etc.

The English writer Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) said  that a person who thinks that he can afford to be negligent, is not far from being poor.

According to the English poet-playwright William Shakespeare  (1564-1616) in persons grafted in a serious trust, negligence is a crime.

The American author and statesman Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) believes that a little neglect may breed great misfortune; for want of a nail the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost, and for want of a horse the rider was lost, being overtaken and slain by an enemy, all for want of a little care about a horse-shoe nail.  

The simple antonyms of negligence are: care, caution, carefulness, cautiousness, attentiveness, awareness, responsibility and heedfulness.

Finally, here is an important quote: Most relationships do not die from natural causes. They are killed by selfishness, neglect, lack of consideration, lies and secrets.

                                    ***********

G.R.Kanwal

17 September 2024   

 

ORDERLINESS

 

 

ORDERLINESS

Order is necessary in nature as also in all worldly things. It means the arrangement or disposition of the parts or components of any set up  according to a particular sequence, pattern or method.  Lack of these qualities leads to disorder which may be not only unseemly but also dangerous. No machine works efficiently without necessary orderliness.

The synonyms of order and orderliness are many : neatness, tidiness, harmony, system, method, organization, uniformity, regularity, symmetry, pattern, arrangement, grouping, systematization, structure, sequence, lay-out, etc.

Orderliness ensures not only proper arrangement and functioning of things and set ups but also peace, beauty, and escape from wastage of time.

The most important idea to be noted is “Order is heaven’s first law.” ---English poet Alexander Pope (1688-1744) .

According to the English poet Robert Southey, (1774  -1843) :”Order is the sanity of the mind, the health of the body, the peace of the city, the security of the state.---As the beams to a house, as the bones to the body, so is order to all things.”

The American theologian and minister Tryon Edwards (1809-94) advises: Have a time and place for everything, and do everything in its time and place, and you will not only accomplish more, but have far more leisure than those who are always hurrying as if vainly attempting to overtake time that had been lost.                 

Finally, this positive quote on orderliness: A good system shortens the road to the goal.

                                                **********

G.R.Kanwal

16 September 2024

 

THE PEN

 

THE  PEN

The pen is defined as an instrument made of plastic or metal used for writing with ink.

This instrument is as old as any kind of writing in any part of the world especially its language, history and religion.  It is useful for drafting documents, jotting down notes, writing essays, stories, novels, poems, events, etc. In fact, it is an implement for writing or drawing with ink or a similar fluid. Its forms are many --- fountain pen, ball-point pen, felt-tip pen, marke pen, etc.

A man of pen is a writer. The pen represents his personality. The signature of a person is his name as he usually writes it, for example at the end of a letter, order, notice, contract, agreement, receipt, cheque, etc.

Pens are instruments of power and authority. The saying that the pen is mightier than the sword means people who write books , poems, etc.have a greater effect on history and human affairs than soldiers and wars.    

French emperor Napoleon (1769-1821 ) said : There are only two powers in the world, the sword and the pen; and in the end the former is always conquered by the latter.

According to the English author Thomas Bowne (1605-1682): Scholars are men of peace; they bear no arms but their tongues are sharper than the sword; their pens carry further and give a louder report than thunder. I had rather stand in the shock of a basilisk than in the fury of a merciless pen.

Finally, let us say: The pen is the tongue of the mind; and also: take away the sword; states can be saved without it.

                                                            ******

G.R.Kanwal

 15 September 2024

 

                                                   

IMITATION

 

IMITATION

‘Imitation’ is a universal phenomenon.  It is the main source of learning. Right from childhood till old age , we imitate others for any activity, art or skill.

            Dictionaries define imitation as: a copy of something,  or the act of copying something , or the action of using someone or something as a mode,  or copying the words, facial expressions, or actions of another person.

It is not  wrong to say that sometimes imitation is flattering, but often it is just annoying.

            Some of the synonyms of imitation are: artificial, mimicry, mockery, caricature, aping, impersonation, reproduction, counterfeit, forgery, fake, artificial, sham, pseudo, phoney, simulated , man-made, etc.

            In literature, where an idea has been represented as a piece of art,  and that piece of art , like a painting,  has been re-expressed as a literary form, the act  that has taken place is : imitation of imitation, twice removed from reality.

The English orator and statesman  Edmund Burke (1729-97) says it is by intimation, far more than by precept, that we learn everything; and what we learn thus, we acquire not only more effectually, but more pleasantly.---This forms our manners, our opinions , our lives.

            The Swiss theologian John Caspar (1741-1801) believes that it is a poor wit who lives by borrowing the words, decisions, mien, inventions, and actions of others.

            According to the Swiss theologian Alexander R.Vinet (1797-1847} “Imitation causes us to leave natural ways to enter into artificial ones; it therefore makes slaves. “

            Finally, a fulsome quote on the subject:

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: Fist, by reflection, which is noblest; second by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. It is better to fall in originality than to succeed in imitation. All art is but imitation of nature.”

                                    **********

G.R.Kanwal

11 September 2024

 

IGNORANT

 

          IGNORANT

            An ignorant person lacks knowledge or information about something. He is seldom liked anywhere.

There are lots of pleasant and unpleasant synonyms of the word ignorant. Some of these are: unaware of, unfamiliar with, unconversant with, unacquainted with, unconscious of, uninformed about, unenlightened about, inexperienced in , blind to, naïve about, uneducated, illiterate, stupid, ill-mannered, crude, vulgar, insensitive, etc.

            All said and done, it is not a virtue to be ignorant. An ignorant man is uncomfortable in every society. He may create occasions for anger, hatred, repulsion, quarrelsomeness and even bloody fight.

            The English poet-dramatist William Shakespeare (1564-1616) said: Ignorance is the curse of God; knowledge the wing wherewith we fly to heaven. “

 It is another way of saying knowledge is power.

An other thinker claims that it is better to be a beggar than ignorant; for a beggar only wants money, but an ignorant person wants humanity.

            According to the English poet Alexander Pope 1688-1744 “There never was any party, faction, sect, or cabal whatsoever, in which the most ignorant were not the most violent; for a bee is not a busier animal than a blockhead. “

            Pope also said in one of his maxims: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Finally, one of the most positive quotes about ignorance  by the English poet and classical scholar Thomas Gray (1716-1771) reads as follows :

”Where ignorance is bliss ‘tis folly to be wise. “

                                                **********

G.R.Kanwal

10 September 2024

 

BRAVERY

 

          BRAVERY

‘Bravery’ is both a physical and moral trait. If you show the strength  to fight with your opponent or enemy physically, you display physical bravery. But if you fearlessly expose a dishonest man that he is dishonest and get him arrested legally, you express your moral courage.

Some synonyms of bravery are: courage, daring, fearlessness, fortitude, gallantry, grit, heroism, mettle, spirit, valour, boldness, audacity, guts, nerve, etc.

A brave person is one who is willing to do things which are difficult, dangerous and painful and is not afraid of the consequences.   

The phrase “Brave New World’ is used to refer, often ironically, to a new and hopeful period in history resulting from major changes in society.

In the famous classic of the English writer and philosopher Aldous Huxley (1894-1963)  Brave New World  (Pubished in 1932) “individuality is forbidden and the World State revolves around science and efficiency. In this new society emotions and individuality are conditioned out of children at a young age and there are no lasting relationships”

French General Francis de La Noue (1531-91) said: The bravery founded on hope of recompense, fear of punishment, , experience of success, on rage, or on ignorance of danger , is not common bravery, and does not deserve the name,--True bravery proposes a just end; measures the dangers, and meets the result with calmness and unyielding decision. “   

Finally, this famous quote: One man with courage makes majority.

G.R.Kanwal              **********

9^th September 2024

 

HUMILITY

 

HUMILITY

Humility is defined as the quality of not thinking that you are better than other people.  It is also the quality of thinking that you are not as important as others.

Some common synonyms of humility are ---- modesty, meekness, self-effacement, unpretentiousness and unobtrusiveness.

Humility is a spiritual virtue. It generates love and affection, companionship and friendliness. Arrogance becomes the cause of estrangement  and repulsion.

Humility wins friends; arrogance loses them.

It is true to say that to be humble is to make a right estimate of one’s self. The French critic Nicolas Boilleau (1636-1711) said: There is but one road to lead us to God ----humility; all other ways would only lead astray; even   were they fenced in with all virtues.“

According to the English clergy William Mountford (1816-1885) : It is from out of the depths of our humility that the height of destiny looks grandest. Let me truly feel that in myself I am nothing  and at once , through every inlet of my soul , God comes in , and is everything in me.

The Persian poet Sheikh Saadi Shirazi (12o9/10---1291/92?)  thinks that the beloved of the Almighty are the rich who have the humility of the poor , and the poor who have the magnanimity of the rich.

Finally, some of the best quotes on the subject are: “Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.” “We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.” True humility is intelligent self-respect which keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves. It makes us modest by reminding us how far we have come short of what we can be, “  

                                    ************

G.R.Kanwal

8^th September 2024  

 

A V A R I C E

A V A R I C E

‘Avarice’ is defined as extreme desire for wealth. Its exact or approximately exact synonyms are: greed, acquisitiveness, covetousness, materialism, selfishness, self-interest, meanness and miserliness. Whereas greed is difficult to control , avariciousness is almost impossible to get rid of. Consequently, it is dangerous. It goes on becoming limitless.

Fictional stories bearing the title : How Much Land Does A Man Need and   The Golden Touch are a couple of examples  of stupid and fatal greed.   

            It is not only individuals whose greed-based desires get enhanced with age but also whole countries and nations. The Acquisitive Society Published in 1950 and written by R.H.Tawney is a classic in which the author criticizes the selfish individualism of modern industrial societies. According to editorial reviews of this book R.H.Tawney argues that capitalism corrupts via the promotion of economic self-interest, leading to aimless production in response to greed and insatiable acquisitiveness.

            According to the English poet Abraham Cowley (1618-67)  : “Poverty wants some things, luxury many, avarice all things.”

Another English author Daniel Defoe (1661-1731) says: “All the good things of the world are no further good to us than as they are of use; and of all we may heap up we enjoy only as much as we can use, and no more.”

The Roman orator Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 B.C.) has this to say  : “Avarice, in old age, is foolish; for what can be more absurd than to  increase our provisions for the road the nearer we approach to our journey’s end? “

               Finally, here is a great quote to remember:  There is no calamity greater than lavish desires. There is no greater guilt than discontentment. And there is no greater disaster than greed.

G.R.Kanwal

7 September 2024                                                 *******

 

 

FUNCTIONS OF TEACHERS

 

FUNCTIONS OF TEACHERS

There is nothing which lies outside the functions of teachers. Their domain consists of imparting knowledge, cultivating skills, forming attitudes, developing values, building character, providing enlightenment, producing wisdom, etc.

Mothers are the first and incomparable teachers of children all over the world.

Teaching is the profession of educationists and education is not stagnant. Its scope, methodology and infrastructure change and expand rapidly.

Teachers are not totally free to adopt their functions. By and large, they are bound by the curricula and techniques formulated by their societies or states.

In one of his Unpopular Essays published in1950,, British mathematician, philosopher and public intellectual Bertrand Russell says: “In former days a teacher was expected to be a man of exceptional knowledge or wisdom, to whose words men would do well to attend. In antiquity, teachers were not an organized profession, and no control was exercised over what they taught. It is true they were punished afterwards for their subversive doctrines. Socrates was put to death and Plato is said to have been thrown into prison, but such incidents did not interfere with the spread of their doctrines. “

In modern times, education has become one of the biggest professions with an astounding number of schools, colleges and universities with all sorts of general and professional subjects all over the world.

Finally, according to Russell, in modern times : “Teachers are more than any other class the guardians of civilization. They should be intimately aware of what civilization is., and desirous of imparting a civilized attitude to their pupils.”                            *********

G.R.Kanwal

6 September 2024

 

  

TEACHERS DAY

 

TEACHERS DAY

            Today is 5^th September. It was on this day that Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born in 1888. His death occurred in 1975. He was an Indian statesman, distinguished author, great philosopher of comparative religion and pre-eminent academic.  He served as the second President of India from 1962 t0 1967. Bharat Ratna was one of the many awards he received in India and abroad. It was he who suggested to his students that his birthday should be dedicated to honouring all the teachers.     

            Quoted below on this occasion is  A LETTER FROM ABRAHAM LINCOLN TO HIS SON’S TEACHER. The writer was then the President of America (1861-1865). What he has written in this letter is the summary of an ideal teacher’s functions  which are relevant for centuries to come.

“My son starts school today. It is all going to be strange and new to him for a while and I wish you would treat him gently. It is an adventure that might take him across continents. All adventures that notably include wars, tragedy and sorrow. To live this life will require faith, love and courage.

….teach him that for every enemy, there is a friend. He will have to know that all men are not just, that all men are not true. But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero, that for every crooked politician, there is a dedicated leader.

Teach him if you can that 10 cents earned is of far more value than a dollar found. ….Teach him to learn how to gracefully lose, and enjoy winning when he does win.

Teach him to be gentle with people, tough with tough people. Steer him away from envy if you can and teach him the secret of quiet laughter. Teach him if you can ---how to laugh when he is sad, teach him there is no shame in tears. Teach him there can be glory in failure and despair in success. Teach him to scoff at cynics.

Teach him if you can the wonders of books, but also give him time to ponder the extreme mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and flowers on a green hill. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if every one tell him they are wrong.

Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowds when everyone else  is doing it. ………

Teach him to sell his talents and brains to the highest bidder but never to put a price on his heart and soul. Let him have the courage to be impatient, let him have the patience to be brave. Teach him to have sublime faith in himself, because then he will always have sublime faith in mankind and God.

Abraham Lincoln closes his letter with the following words:

“This is the order, teacher but see what best you can do. He is such a nice little boy and he is my son.”

                                                            ***********

G.R.Kanwal

5 September 2024