Reflections

My mother placed me in an educational institution when I was five, and I remained in one ever since! However, much learning is available away from organised set-ups. Sharing experiences is a wonderful human activity.

Friday, July 06, 2012

A spade is a spade.

If you ask me why I have opted for a career in education, out of which, I came out with flying colours, I would probably reply:

"To contribute to the educational process of my countrymen."
But closer to the truth would be otherwise. My mother, bless her soul, much preferred me to take a short-cut to a job to earn a salary to help her with the upbringing of my much younger brothers and sisters. Being the oldest in a numerous family constellation, even though dad worked around the clock to make both ends meet, the reason was, therefore, expediency.

If you ask your politician why s/he is in politics, a resounding reply would be:


“I am in politics to improve the welfare of my voters and make my country prosper !”


The real definition of the spade here might include many other exclusive considerations.


If you ask your favourite singer why s/he goes to all the trouble to sing, an emphatic reply would be:


“It is because I want to make music popular and therefore develop my emvironment’s culture.”


To describe properly the spade here might be: “I am trying to achieve personal gratification and move closer to my platinum disc !”


If you ask your farmers why they toil night and day to have a bountiful harvest, they might reply:


“We toil hard and sweat with the sun and struggle against severe weathering to produce food for the people of the community and keep them away from starving !”


But the spade in their barn would be better described by saying: “Food being a vital  and essential element for survival is put on the market hoping for good returns, no matter if the poorer in the community can afford the commodity or not !”


Instances framed on this line of thought can be a multitude. And there is not the need of being very clever to spot.


The description of our spades are given in such a way as to please our listeners. You must say what your listeners would like to hear, no matter how clean or dirty your spade is.


What is the truth, then ?


Nobody knows. Do not try to find out ! Where ignorance is bliss, it’s folly to be wise!”






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