My Musings. I fully endorse the views articulated by Paul Coelho in his book..’The Alchemist’…..You work towards making your own destiny..You work and the whole world will conspire to fulfil your dreams.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Q 23. Death penalty…Right or wrong?
My Musings: I feel that the State should not have the right to take away someone’s life, but sometimes the crime committed by the criminal are so heinous, that the majority feeling that develops within the society is that there should be no mercy. The clemency should be given in most cases…..but I also get the feeling that thee country is right in keeping the Death penalty…..and not giving clemency in the ‘Rarest of Rare’ cases. Every case has to be seen to its merit. But then the mind again wanders to the same question…Do wee have a right to takee away someone’s life……whatever his crime? Are we also then not committing a crime? ANY ANSWERS
Q22. What or who defines Morality?
My Musings:- Morality differs across cultures…what is morally correct in one society may not be moral in another…for example….Public display of affection.. kissing etc is considered immoral in our society…but it is not so in the West….Societies that live together make their own rules…and if we are a part of some society….we have to live by those rules. Moral values have evolved over a period of time…and some basic moral values are common to all societies….being truthful, not to harm others, not to harbour jealousies, do things which are for the common good, respect for the elderly etc etc…Nobody teaches morality…it is what you imbibe from your parents, surroundings etc……
But then in a changing world there are bound to be contradictions…contradictions due to generation gaps, contradictions due to access to greater information being available…..and youngsters therefore making new choices….Is there a right for someone to field a moral brigade and burning Valentine’s day cards……celebrating Valentine day is a personal choice….who then defines morality in society? I don’t have an answer? Does anybody? ANY ANSWERS
Q21. Life after death……Near Death experiences? Is there something like it?
My Musings:- People who recount Near Death experiences….recount a Bright light coming to them……does it happen becoz of some sudden enhanced brain activity…or is there something beyond this living world…..
People state incidents of ghosts…spirits….and sincerely believe so….but no one…no one can say for certain about the existence of another life after death….I have no answers. Does anybody? ANY ANSWERS
Q 20. What is the next thing that may revolutionize the world? Industrial Revolution brought about vast changes in the living lifestyle of mankind….An
My Musings: Some of the fields where there is scope for dramatic changes…..
(a) Medicine….Biotechnology…..stem cell technology…..cure for terminal diseases like Cancer, Aids….
(b) Space travel……Manned missions to unexplored planets and stars……( Possibility of Space Wars???)
(c) Increased knowledge….and utilisation of ESP (Extra Sensory Perception)….?????
(d) Networking …as is evolving through the current Information age…..
(e) Energy Revolution???? As need is bound to drive it….Solar Energy…or Nuclear Energy???
(f) All weather clothing…which could adjust itself and keep you comfortable in any kind of weather…whether you are at the Arctic Pole or at the hottest spot in the
(g) Development of a ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang type of car/automobile….
(h) James Bond technological gizmos….
(j) Entertainment industry likely to have dramatic technological advances…..may be even …Three dimensional movies…..(maybe images projected on smoke screens) giving the semblance of reality…..
(k) Artificial Intellegence…..Robots…..
(l) Solo helicopters or Aerocars….traffic in Space
(m) Travel through time..???? (About this I have doubts though)Q19. How is the world likely to be different say 500 years from now….say in 2507???/
My Musings:- I let my imagination go wild……and some things which struck my mind are:-
(a) Nuclear energy ..replacing all other forms of energy…..which mean nuclear run …..transportation systems……no cars, buses, etc run on petroleum products…..invention of some form of a new vehicle, travelling at the speed of sound, with the ability to move on road, water and air……
(b) Drastic climatic changes……experiencing intense heat and intense cold….
(c) Man travelling with ease through space……and physically being able to explore beyond our galaxy…encountering some other life form existing in some other heavenly body…
(d) Being able to reach with reasonable ease…..to the deepest point in the ocean…the Mariana trench
(e) Cure for all the current ailment experienced by mankind today…..development of some new form of disease….
(f) A ‘Winged man’ replacing means of local transport in cities….’Aerocars’
(g) Discovery of a ‘Time Machine’…….
(h) Translators attached to Brains…. countering all language barriers across nations….
(j) Ability of humans to survive under water naturally with suitable life support systems……development of a city under the sea…..
(k) Robots performing all necessary tasks for men…..
(l) Virtual 3 dimensional images…..projected/portrayed on smoke screens….
(m) A complete networked world……various devices invented by mankind totally networked…..to provide amazing experiences to humans…
(n) Disparity …..whether it be on colour, caste, creed gender is still bound to be there…..because humans in this aspect can never improve…..how much ever someone may try….
(p) Life expectancy may further increase…or even drastically decrease depending on changing life styles….advancement in medicine…….maybe someone could even invent an elixir to enhance life…….an elxir to remain youthful forever…..
(q) Development of a system to network brains……extremely Knowledgeable society…..
(r) Marriage…I presume would be a broken institution…as couple’s demands of each other would increase manifold and it would be difficult to fulfil….
Q 18. Is internet chatting bad?
My Musings:-
My Musings:- It may be for impressionable minds, but if someone can handle it
Maturely, and understand when is the time to stop, then it should be ok. In earlier days, too there was this thing of making pen pals, I think only the medium has changed….yes….the privacy factor has increased manifold. When letters arrived…they could be monitored by elders….but on the internet…what is being discussed…what emails are being exchanged are password protected. For mature minds…..the internet is a great medium of learning…but yes for impressionable young minds…it could have lots of harmful effects.
Q17. Thoughts about the size of the Universe?
My musings:- Universe is infinite…..but then what is infinite…..? Surely one cannot imagine….a place where there are these planets..the sun..the moon….the stars….going on…and on….unending…..surely there has to be an end….but then…what exists at the end of the Universe…?
I was just thinking…..if an ant had brains….it is so small…..the Universe….for him would be a room….maybe a house…..maybe a city….but then there is the country..earth …planets….etc..of which he may never be aware of….things are relative in size…..and the earth is only a speck in the Universe…..so there is bound to be areas…which have remained unexplored…..but the question comes back…where is the end?
Another thought which cropped up in my mind…just now…is that….man is trying to make robots….he may even succeed in putting Artificial Intellegence…..and robots would become an entity of their own….similarly is it not possible…that someone…assembled us….and filled our brains with intelligence….
Another thought for my musings…..as can be seen there are so many unanswered queries…in our minds…..so I think…man since time immemorial….did not know these answers…so to satisfy his need for an answer….he created GOD…..and has been satisfying himself by saying that….God is the answer to all queries…
Now…isn’t it a beautiful circle…..God created Man……but then Man created God…as an answer to his queries…..My mind is now a jumble….as most minds in this earth are bound to be…..We talk of decluttering our minds to bring about clarity……how do we declutter these thoughts and where is the clarity? ANY ANSWERS
what can be done to eliminate this planet from Terrorism?
My musings I found it an extremely good question…and thought to include it in my musings.. Let us examine the causes first:-
(a) Unsatisfied aspirations of people, groups…..an unhappy childhood
(b) Religious, cultural differences and beliefs…..Religious fanaticism…socio economic differences
(c) Dispute on geographical boundaries…across nations
(d) Unemployment …leading to youth being misguided by anti social elements in society
(e) Poverty…..and terrorism being thought of as a way out
(f) Jealousies…
(g) Man’s desire…to wield power
Considering the above causes, some of the solutions which come to mind are: -
(a) A world govt…a world Parliament…with representation of all countries ..and groups…and decisions regarding the world taken through a democratic process…UN seems to be losing its relevance
(b) Education….creation of employment….
(c) Tapping the energies of the youth ….for constructive work
(d) Spreading awareness…about equality of religions…without any political motive.
(e) The Armed forces…are the most secular force in the country…perhaps the most disciplined….conscription could be thought off….two years compulsory service for all in some arm of the Defence…may help
(f) More stringent laws…punishment as a deterrent…quick judgements
(g) Give leadership, … to brilliant youth of tomorrow…by starting a movement…for a ‘Bright and Better ‘ tomorrow.
Q15. How do you execute to make India really ‘Incredible’?
My Musings: I think what we lack is ‘Execution’. Policies are made…there are people with good intentions too…of course we have to deal with corruption…but I think where we lack drastically…is ‘Execution’ We need to execute what we plan…..How do we change this? Can a charismatic leader bring about this change? The leader ….first thing should not order tabling of any further reports…..all educated Indians know what ails India…..the leader has to lead…and get his team to go the grassroot levels…..and execute….bring about change in one village…then in another…then another….till it is done. Mahatma Gandhi rallied the nation….to one common goal…and that is how we won our
Q14. What is my vision of an ‘Incredible India’?
My Musings: We are not yet ‘Incredible’ as we are trying to project in the ‘Incredible India’ Campaign. To become really Incredible I think the following agenda needs to be pursued vigorously
(a) 100 % educated population
(b) Health care for all
(c) No discrimination on basis of caste, creed, religion, gender
(d) Economic power such that it is in the first five in the world – Agriculture/Manufacturing/Services. And achieving a status where there is no community or person living in Poverty.
(e) Land of peace- People living in prefect harmony
(f) Nil corruption/Vigilant police force.
(g) Military might to have global reach-( R & D, Space Research etc)
(h) Vibrant tourism Industry
(j) Environment for entrepreneurs- Banking sector to be of world-class standards
(k) Per capita Income to reach 2000 to 3000 dollars per month.
(l) Vibrant Democracy- but Presidential form/Two Party system
(m) Energy, Power, Telecom, Entertainment to reach the most interior village clusters.
(n) World class Infrastructure- for Travel- Roads, Rail, Air
(p) Protection of Environment-Beaches/Forests/Wildlife
(p) Decongestion of Metros
(q) Dignity of labour
(r) Encouragement to traditional culture art & craft and Sports.. Protection of our ancient monuments to make a tourist aware of the rich Indian Heritage.
Is the above achievable within a reasonable time frame. I think it is possible. I t simply requires the right people at the right places. But some how I feel it is still a long way to go for us to really become ‘Incredible India’. What do you say? ANY ANSWERS
A Q13. Comment on India Poised campaign that was launched by TOI.
My musings: One
Q12. Euthanasia….Ethical or unethical?
My musings: My take if a person is suffering from a terminal illness…and suffering pain…euthanasia should be allowed. There was a time when the medical field was not that advanced….life could not be prolonged, through life support systems…and it is because of this…suffering could never have been as prolonged as it is these days….the counter argument is that one cannot lose hope …and all attempts should be made…till the last breath..to save life….but my question is at what cost? …. through so much of suffering and pain to the individual. Why not leave the decision to the individual himself? A real ethical dilemma with no answers. ANY ANSWERS
Q 11. Why do people gossip? To pull down people…or to show off ..or ..just to pass time..or to be mean? Is it related to gender? Do women gossip more
My musings: I feel people gossip for all of the above….some people have the tendency to show off…they feel that they know everything about everyone….they take a hint, or some detail of an activity…and then blow it out of proportion….to impress upon others that they are all knowing. Some do it to take revenge….a sleazy gossip about an adversary is surely going to harm his or her reputation….and with this in mind they indulge in gossip…..some do it because they have nothing better to do. The majority is of the third kind….they gossip because they have nothing better to do….you could say an idle mind becomes the devil’s workshop. One will be surprised that gossip mongering reduces drastically when people are employed constructively….And yes gossip mongering is not a gender issue….the guys indulge in it as much as women do….only they do it in a different manner…..women love to talk….and men love to make fun…..both boil down to the same thing. My take is that one must realise …that we all gossip at some time or the other…..this may then tend to hurt some ones feelings…. So all of us should try to avoid it….gossip germinates when one does not have anything better to do….so why don’t we at that time take up an activity that is constructive…..pursue a hobby….read a book….and such activity opens up so many topics for discussion…when we meet another human being….and then that leaves no time for gossip. My belief…if one takes up some constructive activity….it reduces one’s desire to gossip. Agree or disagree? ANY ANSWERS
Q10. What is education all about? Grades or knowledge? Or knowledge for productive use?
My musings: Education has got nothing to do with grades……There are lots of my counterparts, friends, cousins etc, who were first divisioners in school..in X and XII but …as life progressed their knowledge is restricted to their field of expertise….their profession. I presume….that my general awareness of the world… of various happenings…be it any field is better. Because…for me knowledge meant learning and not grades. I may have not been a first divisioner of my time…..but whatever I learnt…I did so….because of the interest to know about the subject. No excuses for bad grades. Yes grades…do help in assessing what one has learnt…and maybe at the time, maybe I was not mature enough to understand the importance of learning…..but then learning has to be permanent and a continuous process. Knowledge is surely required by your profession….and it should be put to productive use….but no harm in learning new things…every day…and broadening your horizons. These days avenues for gaining knowledge are limitless… newspapers, books, .libraries, internet, etc…even travelling teaches you so much. I have travelled to so many places in
Q9. What does spirituality mean to you?
My musings: Spirituality to me does not mean…simply going to a temple, mosque, gurudwara or a church. Spirituality to me means something more. It means a belief in something, a supernatural force, which binds this universe together. Every one will agree that there are unanswered questions, in life…how did life begin? When did it begin? Who was responsible? The Big Bang theory which the scientists propound? Or was it God? Or was it some unknown force? ….Well these questions….have remained unanswered over centuries….every one however, has some belief, whether it be on God or science. Some believe in life after death some don’t. But no one actually knows. So my take on spirituality is …yes there is some force….and everyone is entitled to his or her belief. Some say one can achieve salvation if you travel to holy sites…that is you come out of this cycle of life and death….well such people are entitled to their belief…but my take is….forget about life after death…we don’t know…whether there is something like re incarnation or not. Think of this life…..Be good to people…think good about everyone…..never be selfish…..serve the poor if you can….never disrespect a human….never degrade a class…..never think of your servant or someone else as lowly…..we are all equals. Treat every one humanely…..and you will be surprised at the positive energy which flows around you. In this life there will be people who may wrong you….forgive them…don’t think of ever taking revenge….such teachings are common to all religions….and hence I feel that all religions ….are directing you to the same goal of happiness & contentment in this life……Be content with what you have…and don’t ever envy others. My belief is that you are a better off in being nice to people in this world….yes going to temples, mosques, gurudwara, church….does bring positive thoughts in your mind….so one must go…..but don’t be a hypocrite……don’t go if you harbor ill feelings for others…or for your selfish interests. My question now is Do pilgrimages help other than making you think good for that period of time? But should not all of us be good all the time? ANY ANSWERS.
Q8. Love, lust, sex, fantasy-what role do they play in life ?
My musings: Love is the most beautiful emotion which I have experienced in my life- love from my mother, father, wife, kids. They have loved me selflessly and so have I…..I though do get confused at times…does love also mean being over possessive……when I see wife, getting close to a guy….I feel jealous….even though there may be nothing to it…..similarly when my wife sees me being over friendly with someone of the opposite sex…she does not like it….possessive nature I guess. But then one should be allowed his or her space….love should be unconditional….and one cannot become over bearing and demanding. As regards lust…here I am referring to lust for sex….and not meaning greed…..I think men lust for sex…whereas woman search for love in sex. For men sex is physical…for woman sex is emotional. Being a physical need men tend to stray……and then blame it on animal instincts.
Sex is something real beautiful…..and if handled maturely….is also the best stress buster. If some one is unfaithful…..it is the most hurting thing for the other partner…….rather than being unfaithful….no harm in indulging in a little bit of fantasy…..you can fantasise…..and role play…..at the same time be sincere to your partner. What say you? ANY ANSWERS
Q7. Are men and woman equal – physically, mentally?
My musings: A lot of people will answer – yes- some one will even say woman these days perform better than men as they have various different roles to play…that of a mother, a wife, a daughter in law, a professional….and a lot of adjectives are added. Well a lot of adjectives can be added to men as well…he plays the role of a father....a brother…a son in law…a provider…a caretaker. Well more than adjectives, as I see as far as mental capability go….both men and women are equal….physically women need to understand that they are the weaker sex….no need to quote example of ladies climbing the Himalayas, flying jet planes, or reaching North & South poles. These women do it because of their mental ability- their will power. With will power any human being can do what one set out to achieve- no gender difference here. Women quote example that they are physically stronger as they give birth to a child. Well true….Such a comparison however cannot be made as man physiologically cannot give birth and therefore you cannot judge whether he would be able to bear such pain…When I say men being physically stronger…I mean the average man… he would be physically stronger in a fight and could hurt a woman…he could hurt her sexually as well…the man therefore loves the feeling of protecting his woman from others the female gender is weaker across various species of animals…so why the argument…and this is not because of any fault of the woman…that’s the way her constitution has been built by God. I know woman today want to leap frog in the world today…they too have desires to achieve…I feel not only does she have the capability….but also the mental constitution……but she must do so understanding her limitations. Agree with me or not? ANY ANSWERS.
Q6. Family life or profession? How do I decide priority?
My musings: My experience tells me if you have to do well in your profession….you do have to sacrifice somewhere in your family life. People will say…one can draw a balance…and even quote their examples …saying that I have done well in my profession…and I have maintained a balanced family life….my question is not about balance…..but how do I decide priority? For example..What should I attend…an important meeting where my presence will influence decisions in my organisations favour and thus help my growth…or attend my daughters stage performance that will bring utmost happiness to her? How do I tackle these dilemmas on a day to day basis? ANY ANSWERS.
Q5. Is talent inbuilt or can one train oneself…say to be a good musician…a good artist/ painter…a good dramatist etc?
My musings: There may be something in the genes…..talent I some how feel is inborn…it just needs to be developed. But that does not mean…that the other person cannot learn….my belief is that he can….only thing is that he may have to put more effort….and depending on the effort that he puts he may overtake the guy who has the inborn talent. Is it then logical to identify what one is talented in…at a younger age….and develop the same so that both the individual and the society get to gain….this seems like a logical solution…..but my question is in life which is better….To be a Jack of all trades or a Master of one? ANY ANSWERS.
Q4. What are the best and worst qualities in human beings?
My musings: If you start listing down traits…they may number to more than 100. But some good traits which I consider all humans should possess….are Honesty, Humility, Sincerity, Affability, Being sensitive to others feelings, No Ego, Place your self in the others shoe…and understand why the person is behaving the way he or she is…Being responsible for your actions, abiding by the truth….if Truth is going to hurt somebody….dealing with it in a mature manner…And what constitutes …’Bad” ..?? Selfishness….considering self before society….Jealousy…Greed…Being Irresponsible….uncontrollable emotions of Anger/self pity….But can humans control their emotions? My experience tells me…no….but one can practice and learn this art…that is either through meditation….or anything that may help. And if you take an individual…nobody…I mean NOBODY can be called good…nor Bad…Every individual has both good and bad qualities…and during an interaction….it depends…on what side you see of the man. There are instances…of people having split personalities…..can such people control themselves…or can they be controlled? ANY ANSWERS
Q3. How do we judge people?
My musings: By their actions….by what they do…by what they say...but should we take what people say at face value? What about people playing politics? Extremely polite …but they do not forget to backstab you when they have the opportunity. Is playing politics warranted? ANY ANSWERS.
Q2. In an organisation how to you reach the highest position?
My musings: Hardwork, Determination, Skill, Being forthright, Knowledge, Being passionate about work, etc etc, etc. Does Psycophancy, favoritism, one upmanship…play a part? My experience tells me they certainly do….Not because the Boss is “ Bad” but because he fails to realise that these forces too are at work….Do we then join in the melee?….No…I feel I am answerable to my conscience….Better this way…because when I see myself in the mirror….I stand with pride. But then should we leave it at that? What about ambition? Should I not be ambitious and pursue, what I desire, at whatever cost? ANY ANSWERS.
Q1. What is it that decides the success of an enterprise? And can I start a successful venture?
My Musing: I have asked this question to many and the responses have ranged from Good Leadership, Efficient Management, Financial prudence, Discipline…nobody….no one ever attributed it to ethical behaviour….Once I mention “Ethics”……this then is cited as one important contributing factor…Can I then do business? Many people who know me….tell me…no….you don’t have it in you to be a successful businessmen…..I can be a leader...I can manage…Yes I can be financially prudent too…I am disciplined….but then I cannot run a business….And this is primarily because I cannot handle ethical dilemmas….to handle these you have to be ruthless…Is it really so? ANY ANSWERS.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Blogging-Lets begin
Blogging....I heard lots of people trying this out..maybe just to see how they write...to share their ideas with the world..or maybe simply as timepass. For me. it was all three above...
I recently met a relative, and told her that I pass a lot of time on the PC, her first question was...why...? Do you blog? I fell short of words, because how could I tell her, that though I did spent some time in gaining knowledge through 'Wikipedia' etc, but majority of the time I was wasting on 'Social Networking Sites'.
Thought the social networking sites have their charm, but blogging would be something new....
I was motivated to try...and well here I am...its a beginning and lets see how it goes....
I recently met a relative, and told her that I pass a lot of time on the PC, her first question was...why...? Do you blog? I fell short of words, because how could I tell her, that though I did spent some time in gaining knowledge through 'Wikipedia' etc, but majority of the time I was wasting on 'Social Networking Sites'.
Thought the social networking sites have their charm, but blogging would be something new....
I was motivated to try...and well here I am...its a beginning and lets see how it goes....
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