Dr.K.VEERAMANI
Living to learn and learning to live are two different arts for a lovable life. Right from our childhood until we breathe our last we go on learning throughout our life, but have we really learnt to live? Where are the lessons? All around us. Who is to teach us? Like “Do it yourself” type books available in English, we
have to teach ourselves, the art of living and learn to live wisely. In commemoration of Vaikom Satyagraha, novelist Perumal Murugan has composed a
lyric which says – “Periyar advised us to use our own mind power and think.” Renowned Carnatik Musician and progressive person T.M.Krishna has composed music for it and sung mellifluously. When I heard it I was delighted like all others who enjoyed it and applauded. It made me ask myself – “Shall we not follow
Periyar’s advice and learn to live using our own brain power and intellect?”
Character is more important than health and wealth. Most of our women waste time andmoney in their hunt for beauty, appearance and glamour which are not permanent. They must enrich their knowledge, which would be with them forever.
Some people live only to eat. They invite biological problems. There are others who call themselves benevolent donors and philanthropists but ignore their aged parents. Science and technology make our life easy but their misuse results in suicidal deaths. Not learning to live causes meaninglessness of life.
Ten vital points cropped up in my mind which I would like to list for the lovable life of my readers:
1. Learn to consider a higher level of intellect as good as sense of beauty.
2. Always prefer culture and good conduct to money and materials.
3. Pack up, make-up and seek the maskless truth.
4. Use science for constructive purposes – not for destructive purposes. Avoid misuse of science and technology.
5. Imbibe humanism. Stay away from vain glory, pride and futile ego. Avoid betraying others. You would reap, what you sow. The evil that you do would
return as boomerang and ruin you at last.
6. Stay away from the hunt for fame. Name and fame are brought; never bought. The hunter may be hunted at last. Beware!
7. Do not waste time and energy craving for posts and positions. When you do not get what you like, try to like what you get.
8. Drive away thought of vendetta, revenge and vengeance. Driving nail on your own coffin is sheer lunacy.
9. Never mistake a friend for a foe and foe for a friend. Be slow in judging characters.
10.Ungrateful people and those who breach our trust are venomous serpents. Stay away from such toxic forces.
I am tempted to add the eleventh commandment – keep sycophants and flatterers at an arm’s distance. Those who smile at your face could also be the ones who stab at your back
