Monday, June 30, 2008

The things we see may be right from our perspective until we know the truth.

The train has started moving. It is packed with people of all ages, mostly with working men and women and young college guys and gals. Near the window, seated a old man with his 30 year old son. As the train moves by, the son is overwhelmed with joy as he was thrilled with the scenery outside......." See dad, the scenery of green trees moving away is very beautiful"

This behavior from a thirty year old son made the other people feel strange about him. Every one started murmuring something or other about this son. "This guy seems to be a crack.." newly married Anup whispered to his wife. Suddenly it started raining... Rain drops fell on the travellers through the opened window. The thirty year old son , filled with joy " see dad, how beautiful the rain is .."

Anup's wife got irritated with the rain drops spoiling her new suit. Anup ," cant you see its raining, you old man, if your son is not feeling well get him soon to a mental asylum.. and don't disturb public henceforth"

The old man hesitated first and then in a low tone replied " We are on the way back from hospital, my son got discharged today morning , he was a blind by birth, last week he got his vision, these rain and nature are new to his eyes.. Please forgive us for the inconvenience caused..."

The things we see may be right from our perspective until we know the truth.But when we know the truth our reaction to that will hurt even us. So try to understand the problem better before taking a harsh action.

This story exemplifies “Altruism.”

A reporter once asked a farmer to divulge the secret behind his corn, which won the state fair contest year after year. The farmer confessed it was all because he shared his seed with his neighbours.
“Why do you share your best seed corn with your neighbours when you're entering the same contest each year as well?” asked the reporter.
“Why sir, said the farmer, didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbours grew inferior corn, cross-pollination would steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbours do the same”.
This is so true with situations in our lives. Those who want to be successful must help their neighbours, friends, relatives to be successful.
Those who choose to live well must help others live well, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others find happiness, for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all.
This story exemplifies “Altruism.”
Meaning of Altruism: ‘Action that benefits another person, including comforting, helping, sharing, rescuing and cooperating. Acts of concern for other people without any hope of reward’.