Some books are to be tasted; others to be swallowed; some few to be chewed and digested The importance and utility of a book is determined by what it contains. If its contents are able to create a healthy interest for it in its readers or are able to convey to them a virtuous message, it may be considered worthy and hence acceptable. But, all books that we come across do...

There’s a divinity doth shape our ends, rough-hew them how we will The nature of our lives is predetermined. We cannot change it nor can we avoid facing our destiny. The claim that people often make about having altered destiny or having overcome fate, is absurd. We can claim to have changed anything only if we know fully what the thing really is. Since in the case of destiny, we do...

Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise Wisdom, despite its desirability, may be a liability in situations where it is not acceptable. In an uneducated society, in which people are not trained to appreciate or recognize differing opinions, preaching wisdom may be a dangerous exercise. Though Galileo could quite convincingly prove that the Earth, rather than be the center of the Universe, as many thought it was, was...

They are slaves who dare not be in the right with two or three The strength of our character is determined by our ability to stick to the path of truth and righteousness, irrespective of the consequences. Those who abandon their virtuous ideals in the face of threats, intimidation, or inducements, or when they find themselves in a minority, cannot claim to have either principles or integrity. Jesus Christ and Mahatma...

Revenge is a Wild Kind of Justice Violence or cruelty has no place in civilized societies where the rule of law is honored. In these societies, the laws and the means of applying them are sufficiently versatile to ensure that justice is delivered equitably, in a humane way. In the past, revenge and retaliation might have been the means to seek justice against wrongdoing or to settle scores with enemies. But,...

It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds More than the qualities that can be easily noticed, it is those that are less obvious that really matter. Beauty or smartness, which easily attracts the attention of people, has no importance unless it is backed up by such qualities as intelligence, courage, and integrity. Our ability to overcome difficulties is determined more by such qualities than by anything else. In...

Practice makes perfect If we use our skills and abilities often enough, we can improve and perfect them. Like tools left unused, they will, otherwise, become useless. The success of sportspersons, artists, and performers is not assured by their talent and promise alone. It is a regular and efficient practice that enables them to improve their performances and to achieve perfection in them. Practice can be so effective that, even if...

What Glows Slowly, Endures In some people, talents are visible from an early age and seem plentiful, unlike others, in whom they may not seem promising. But usually, talents that appear in abundance at a young age do not last long. The decline and disappear with the passage of time. On the other hand, those talents that are less active in the beginning, gain strength and vitality with time. Many children,...