Changing Style

Great persons have said many great things for reasons best known to them …but surely they did not have the slightest idea that their thoughts would be later displayed everywhere. ‘Quotable quotes’ of great people are invariably put down in a nice decorative print, properly enclosed within a pair of inverted commas. These Quotes and thoughts are invaluable and priceless and are perhaps the brightest black jewels!

These Quotable quotes and great thoughts really improve the aesthetics of the surroundings of any work place, when displayed in a colorful style. However they should not be only viewed as ordinary decorative articles like beautiful flower vases, or any other commercial ornamental articles. If this is not borne in mind, the great thoughts will simply remain hanging on the walls . On the other hand , excessive zeal in practicing these quotes can be dangerous and will not yield the desired results.

“Your actions could be harmful if your purpose is harmless”. This was one Quote , the truth of which I learned by experience. In the learning process I was almost in danger of losing some of my vital organs. It happened one fine evening while I was having dinner with one of my old pals. The place where we were dining was quite decent with plenty of sweet scented beauties around for us to admire. I was enjoying the scrumptious chicken dish while focusing my attention on some of those beauties , my action and purpose both being harmless ! My friend was happily giving me a lecture and unwarranted advice, quoting his own examples of how he tackled difficult situations and indirectly suggesting to me about how stupid I was. Poor chap! Little did he know how wise I was! He also did not know that I am one of those fortunate ones who can tolerate any nonsense while tucking in a good meal …so while I was enjoying the chicken leg thoroughly my friend’s advice dished out a monotonous drone, succeeded in preventing me from enjoying the music and the ambivalence. I recollected another quote “Ignorance is the biggest insult” and so I shut my ears. Some steaming hot filter coffee /espresso/cappuccino or an Ice cream  for desert is what I relish after every good dinner. So despite my friend’s continuous chirping I ordered some coffee. Thus unknowingly, I started practicing another great thought - “Patience is a great virtue!”

While sipping coffee, I was rather amused every time , the short listed beauty unnecessarily, played with her hair. My friend, who has almost become my foe by then, was still disturbing my happiness, in the candle lit romantic atmosphere. Suddenly the music was switched off and I was almost forced to pay attention to my friend’s mono-logs. Disinterested in his illogical banter, I started concentrating on a different type of music…..a humming sound of two mosquitoes.! This music was more interesting than my friend’s non-stop chatter. I soon I started following the trajectories of my newly acquired flying friends. One of them landed on the left cheek of my friend . Soon the second creature joined its brother….Before I could say “Blink”, a great idea struck in mind! ...Here was my chance to do a good deed . So what if I have to slap my friend in the bargain ?...... My purpose was harmless though the action would prove harmful. Moreover, I knew another Quote ”Opportunity knocks on the door only once and if not  used it never returns”. I got up on my feet to be in a strategic position to slay those miserable insects and was about to practice two great thoughts in one stroke of action ……but my friend was too quick for me. He misunderstood…or I should say correctly understood my intention and actions and reacted so violently that I almost lost my teeth. I did not know the purpose behind my friend’s actions but his action was really harmful! Perhaps he knew “The best way of defense is to attack” !!

Needless to say that I am extremely cautious now while practicing any great thoughts, after nursing my painful jaw for several days.

Quotes like “Better late than Never” , “Time is Money” ,”Many drops make an Ocean” etc. tend to cause irritation as all these are used only for preaching. Not a soul practices them. This could be because in order to practice any great thing ,one has to change his/her style of functioning and the truth is for changing one’s style, utmost determination and dedication is required, unlike preaching .There is always an inherent resistance in almost each of us to any change…. though “Change is the only constant thing in this world” !

The other day, I read in TheTtimes Of India-

“In matters of grave importance , Style and not Sincerity is the vital thing “

How very true is this!. Sincerity is necessary but that alone will do little wonders .These days many people have realized this and are in the process of changing their styles. I too want to

change mine…but while doing so I do remember my aching jaw !