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,...

Little Drops of Water Make the Mighty Ocean Even with limited abilities and moderate efforts, we can make great achievements if we combine our efforts to work unitedly. All of humanity’s great achievements had modest beginnings. The signs of progress we experience, and the comforts we enjoy, are due to the cumulative efforts of past generations. Each of those generations played its part in making the world as we see it...

Good speakers are never great doers It is much easier to preach than to practice what one preaches. Whenever something needs to be done, we are more willing to suggest methods to do it, than to actually do it ourselves. Rarely is it realized that suggesting solutions is one thing whereas actually solving problems is entirely another. The more people tend to advise, the less willing they will be to act...