The Difficulty of Being Good!
When i ordered Gurucharan Das' "The Difficulty of Being Good", i chose it because the title appealed to me. Nothing more. I hadn't read any reviews, in fact i had no background on the book, at all. It's one of the rare times, where i've bought a book just because the title sounds good. In the past, when i've made such choices, the only good writing was in the title! I'm not one to sit in judgement of others' works, but primarily any writing appeals to me only when i can find that connect with it.
It was then, with some apprehension that i began reading the book and i'm really happy that all those misgivings and apprehensions were totally misplaced. On so many levels that book appeals to me...that i'm going over and over some of the lines...And yes, of course, the recurring theme in the book of the difficulty of being good really resonates with me.
Yes, i think it is indeed difficult being good. I think sometimes, people, circumstances and incidents don't let you walk the path you choose. They pull you down to a level you never want to go...and somehow, one does fall into the trap and does stoop down...It somehow feels either you can let people take you totally for granted in an absolutely callous way or stand your ground...even if it means stooping down to convey your point.
The difficulty of making these choices...the difficulty of being good...yes these are the difficulties that we will always face. So, what choice do we have in such circumstances...do you meekly turn the other cheek or walk away with as much dignity as you can muster. Yes, sometimes, it is impossible to be good...to be absolutely true to your inner-conscience...so, when such a situation arises, it is better to leave with dignity and grace.
For, i think when you realize that people are pulling you down, it is best to distance yourself as quickly and as much as possible...Otherwise, there is every chance that you would start behaving no different from them...
For, in the end, one shouldn't lose sight of what one really one wants in life...Does one want to be good or right? Not that there is a dichotomy always! But therein lies the dilemma...that sometimes, we need to choose between the two...
But, all i hope, at all times, is to leave people and places better than when i found them...
Ralph Waldo Emerson, the famous American poet and essayist has said this a whole lot more beautifully and a couple of centuries back!
I quote him:
"To laugh often and much:
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded."
This to me, is the essence of "Being Good" then!
It was then, with some apprehension that i began reading the book and i'm really happy that all those misgivings and apprehensions were totally misplaced. On so many levels that book appeals to me...that i'm going over and over some of the lines...And yes, of course, the recurring theme in the book of the difficulty of being good really resonates with me.
Yes, i think it is indeed difficult being good. I think sometimes, people, circumstances and incidents don't let you walk the path you choose. They pull you down to a level you never want to go...and somehow, one does fall into the trap and does stoop down...It somehow feels either you can let people take you totally for granted in an absolutely callous way or stand your ground...even if it means stooping down to convey your point.
The difficulty of making these choices...the difficulty of being good...yes these are the difficulties that we will always face. So, what choice do we have in such circumstances...do you meekly turn the other cheek or walk away with as much dignity as you can muster. Yes, sometimes, it is impossible to be good...to be absolutely true to your inner-conscience...so, when such a situation arises, it is better to leave with dignity and grace.
For, in the end, one shouldn't lose sight of what one really one wants in life...Does one want to be good or right? Not that there is a dichotomy always! But therein lies the dilemma...that sometimes, we need to choose between the two...
But, all i hope, at all times, is to leave people and places better than when i found them...
Ralph Waldo Emerson, the famous American poet and essayist has said this a whole lot more beautifully and a couple of centuries back!
I quote him:
"To laugh often and much:
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded."
This to me, is the essence of "Being Good" then!
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