Albert Einstein's wife often suggested that he dress more professionally when he headed off to work. "Why should I?" he would invariably argue. "Everyone knows me there." When the time came for Einstein to attend his first major conference, she begged him to dress up a bit. "Why should I?" said Einstein. "No one knows me there!"
***********
"When I was young I found out that the big toe always ends up making a hole in a sock," Einstein once recalled. "So I stopped wearing socks." Einstein also alllegedly once declared: "Once you can accept the universe as matter expanding into nothing that is something, wearing stripes with plaid comes easy."
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Moooo.....
Two prisoners were climbing up to the roof of the prison in the middle of the night in their long-planned attempt to escape. The roof was at least 50 feet from the ground. A slight mistake could cause a fatal fall. When they reached to the top, they realized that the roof was made of thin layers of zinc sheets. Realization came a bit too late for the thin zinc sheets made a sound on impact against their heavy feet. The sound was loud enough to be heard by a guard down below. “Who goes there?” the guard called out. Trying to remove the guard’s suspicion, one of the prisoners mimicked a cat sound. “Meowww!”. The guard bought it. Then the zinc sheets made a sound again when they started to move. “Who goes there?” the guard called out again. This time he switched his flash light on and took out his pistol. In that moment of panic, the other prisoner sounded, “moooo!” They were captured immediately after.
When faced with insecurities, our foolishness shines.
When faced with insecurities, our foolishness shines.
Hypocrites
I always find it amusing to see friends who jog for miles each day but won’t move an inch to switch television channels manually.
**************
And a friend told me recently about his fundraising campaign for poor farmers. He approached a successful entrepreneur who told him that he had just secured a two million dollar project. However, the entrepreneur said that he would only be getting a ten percent profit cut which to him was a pretty small sum. At one point during their conversation, my friend told him about his fundraising campaign and was hoping the rich and successful entrepreneur would donate two thousand dollars. He said the amount asked was too big!
**************
And a friend told me recently about his fundraising campaign for poor farmers. He approached a successful entrepreneur who told him that he had just secured a two million dollar project. However, the entrepreneur said that he would only be getting a ten percent profit cut which to him was a pretty small sum. At one point during their conversation, my friend told him about his fundraising campaign and was hoping the rich and successful entrepreneur would donate two thousand dollars. He said the amount asked was too big!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Einstein on imagination
Take it from the smartest guy in the world: "Imagination is more important than knowledge"
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
The talking dog
A guy is driving around and he sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog for Sale." He rings the bell, and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes into the backyard and sees a Labrador retriever sitting there. "You talk?" he asks. "Yep," the Lab replies. "So, what's your story?" The Lab looks up and says, "Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young, and I wanted to help the government; so I told the CIA about my gift, and in no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders. Since no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping, I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running."
"But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I wanted to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired." The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.
"Ten dollars."
The guy says, "This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him so cheaply?"
"Oh he's such a liar. He didn't do any of that stuff!"
Sometimes we believe in labels more than the truth right before our eyes.
"But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I wanted to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired." The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.
"Ten dollars."
The guy says, "This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him so cheaply?"
"Oh he's such a liar. He didn't do any of that stuff!"
Sometimes we believe in labels more than the truth right before our eyes.
The blind and the deaf
Two men, one blind and the other deaf, were involved in a heated argument one day. The blind man attacked the deaf with verbal abuses. The deaf did the same using sign languages. But neither was offended for the deaf didn’t hear the abuses and the blind didn’t see the offensive sign languages thrown at his face.
Bad criticisms affect us only if we allow ourselves to ‘see’ and ‘hear’ where they come from.
Bad criticisms affect us only if we allow ourselves to ‘see’ and ‘hear’ where they come from.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Walking barefoot in a muddy puddle
Like most children, one of the things that I enjoyed was to walk barefoot in a muddy puddle after the rain. Every time it rained, I always hoped it would fall heavy enough to fill up those potholes on the ground. I loved the feeling of warm water and slippery mud massaging my feet. It was hypnotizing.
Yesterday I watched a little boy doing the same thing and ended up getting scolded and spanked by his mother whom I was pretty sure was as ‘guilty’ as her son when she was little. Obviously, she didn’t want him to dirty himself. From the look on the face of the boy, he was pretty hurt and confused. In that respect, she had ‘dirtied’ her son.
I reflect that our unhappiness is copied and pasted’ from someone or some experiences in the past. No wonder many adults always complain about blood pressure problem. Maybe what they need is to take off their shoes, walk barefoot into the muddy puddle of life, get dirty and feel the massaging effect of the water and mud on their feet.
Yesterday I watched a little boy doing the same thing and ended up getting scolded and spanked by his mother whom I was pretty sure was as ‘guilty’ as her son when she was little. Obviously, she didn’t want him to dirty himself. From the look on the face of the boy, he was pretty hurt and confused. In that respect, she had ‘dirtied’ her son.
I reflect that our unhappiness is copied and pasted’ from someone or some experiences in the past. No wonder many adults always complain about blood pressure problem. Maybe what they need is to take off their shoes, walk barefoot into the muddy puddle of life, get dirty and feel the massaging effect of the water and mud on their feet.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
A man and his dog
I was reading a blog entry about dogs a moment ago when a story suddenly came to mind. It goes like this:
A dog lover had a German shepherd. One day, he wanted to give it some pretty expensive liquid vitamins. He grabbed the animal by the neck, forced open its mouth and tried to push the spoonful of vitamins down its throat. After struggling to free itself, the dog ran away. Its owner was angry over the wasted vitamins spilled on the floor. But a few minutes later, the dog returned and licked the spoon and spilled liquid.
Sometimes our sincere attempt to right a wrong can be damaging.
A dog lover had a German shepherd. One day, he wanted to give it some pretty expensive liquid vitamins. He grabbed the animal by the neck, forced open its mouth and tried to push the spoonful of vitamins down its throat. After struggling to free itself, the dog ran away. Its owner was angry over the wasted vitamins spilled on the floor. But a few minutes later, the dog returned and licked the spoon and spilled liquid.
Sometimes our sincere attempt to right a wrong can be damaging.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
I prefer to be angry
A man was very angry with an old friend about some money the latter owed him.
“I tried to contact you so many times to ask for the money you borrowed from me but you never returned my calls. It appears to me that you never had the intention to pay back. What kind of a man are you? I’m very angry with you.”
“I’m terribly sorry. It’s not that I didn’t want to pay you back. I just didn’t have the money then. I just have enough in my wallet now. I’ll give it to you,” said the borrower.
“Keep the money,” said the man. “I prefer to be angry.”
“I tried to contact you so many times to ask for the money you borrowed from me but you never returned my calls. It appears to me that you never had the intention to pay back. What kind of a man are you? I’m very angry with you.”
“I’m terribly sorry. It’s not that I didn’t want to pay you back. I just didn’t have the money then. I just have enough in my wallet now. I’ll give it to you,” said the borrower.
“Keep the money,” said the man. “I prefer to be angry.”
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Intelligence in near-death situation
The line that separates intelligence and stupidity can really be thin one at the point of death :) This story just made me burst in laughter!
A doctor, a lawyer, a little boy and a priest were out for a Sunday afternoon flight on a small private plane. Suddenly, the plane developed engine trouble. In spite of the best efforts of the pilot the plane started to go down. Finally the pilot grabbed a parachute, yelled to the passengers that they had better jump, and bailed out.
Unfortunately there were only three parachutes remaining.
The doctor grabbed one and said "I'm a doctor, I save lives, so I must live," and jumped out.
The lawyer then said, "I'm a lawyer and lawyers are the smartest people in the world, I deserve to live!" He grabbed a parachute and jumped.
The priest looked at the little boy and said, "My son, I've lived a long and full life. You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. Take the last parachute and live in peace".
The little boy handed the parachute back to the priest and said, "Not to worry, Father. The 'smartest man in the world' just took off with my back pack."
Unfortunately there were only three parachutes remaining.
The doctor grabbed one and said "I'm a doctor, I save lives, so I must live," and jumped out.
The lawyer then said, "I'm a lawyer and lawyers are the smartest people in the world, I deserve to live!" He grabbed a parachute and jumped.
The priest looked at the little boy and said, "My son, I've lived a long and full life. You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. Take the last parachute and live in peace".
The little boy handed the parachute back to the priest and said, "Not to worry, Father. The 'smartest man in the world' just took off with my back pack."
What do you hear?
A Native American and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking near Times Square in Manhattan. It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people. Cars were honking their horns, taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing, and the sounds of the city were almost deafening. Suddenly, the Native American said, "I hear a cricket."
His friend said, "What? You must be crazy. You couldn't possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise!"
"No, I'm sure of it," the Native American said, "I heard a cricket."
"That's crazy," said the friend.
The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing. He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure enough, he located a small cricket. His friend was utterly amazed.
"That's incredible," said his friend. "You must have super-human ears!"
"No," said the Native American. "My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you're listening for."
"But that can't be!" said the friend. "I could never hear a cricket in this noise."
"Yes, it's true," came the reply. "It depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you."
He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk. And then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within twenty feet turn and look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs.
"See what I mean?" asked the Native American. "It all depends on what's important to you."
His friend said, "What? You must be crazy. You couldn't possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise!"
"No, I'm sure of it," the Native American said, "I heard a cricket."
"That's crazy," said the friend.
The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing. He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure enough, he located a small cricket. His friend was utterly amazed.
"That's incredible," said his friend. "You must have super-human ears!"
"No," said the Native American. "My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you're listening for."
"But that can't be!" said the friend. "I could never hear a cricket in this noise."
"Yes, it's true," came the reply. "It depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you."
He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk. And then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within twenty feet turn and look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs.
"See what I mean?" asked the Native American. "It all depends on what's important to you."
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Who pushed me?
There was a King who had only one daughter. She was very beautiful. One day, he decided that it was time for her to get married. He knew that many young men in his country would want to take her as a wife. But he wanted no less than a brave man with nerve of steel as a potential son in-law. So he put up a test. In his palace there was a pond full of hungry alligators. He then summoned all the young men in the country. They came and gathered around the pond. Most of them were strong young men, mostly knights who had just returned from the battlefield. Each one of them was hoping to be the future son in-law of the King and heir to the throne. But none expected what was to happen. Then the King announced: "Anyone of you brave enough to jump into the pond and come out alive will not only get my daughter's hand in marriage but also anything you ask of me. Believe me, I shall give!" The offer was tempting but obviously not enough to make any of them take the suicidal plunge. Everyone was silent and could only look at one another. Inside the pond, the hungry alligators were swimming about on the surface, waiting for meal. As the minutes went by, suddenly there was a splash. Someone had actually jumped in! Just as everyone was aware of what had happened, a skinny young man was struggling out of the pond, fast enough to avoid the approaching alligators. The King was impressed. He summoned the young man to his presence."You're a very brave man," he said. "Now tell me what is your heart's desire and I shall give it to you as a reward." Puffing heavily and looking terrified, the thin young man said, "I just want to know who pushed me!"
What else can be valuable to us when death is imminent?
What else can be valuable to us when death is imminent?
The marriage expert
A man in his 40s went to see a marriage counselor to ask for some advice.
“Before I got married, my wife-to-be was the most beautiful person on the planet. But after we got married everyone else was beautiful except her. What’s wrong with me?” he asked.
“I don’t know,” replied the marriage counselor.
“What should I do then?” asked the man again.
“I don’t know,” he said.
“But aren’t you supposed to be a marriage counselor?”
“Yes. But I’m married too.”
“Before I got married, my wife-to-be was the most beautiful person on the planet. But after we got married everyone else was beautiful except her. What’s wrong with me?” he asked.
“I don’t know,” replied the marriage counselor.
“What should I do then?” asked the man again.
“I don’t know,” he said.
“But aren’t you supposed to be a marriage counselor?”
“Yes. But I’m married too.”
Thursday, March 20, 2008
The price of pretense
We hear this phrase all the time: be yourself. Well, the truth is we often pretend to be who we are not, consciously or unconsciously…and end up paying a painful price.
A fierce-looking and muscular guy, apparently a loan shark, came into a crowded and noisy coffee shop and called out in a booming voice.
“I’m looking for Leonard!” he said in an angry tone. Silence fell inside the shop. The customers were looking at one another, puzzled. “I’m looking for Leonard!’ he repeated, his voice growing louder. “Anyone of you here by the name of Leonard?” he asked as his eyes scanned every customer in the shop. All the customers kept quite and were frightened. Suddenly, a young man who was sitting at the corner calmly said without even looking at the loan shark, “I’m Leonard. What do you want?” In a flash, the loan shark pounced at him and threw heavy punches and kicks at him. The poor young man was bleeding all over but he hardly fought back. Finally, the assailant broke his fingers, gave one final kick on his ribs which also resulted in several more broken bones and a possible internal bleeding, and left the shop. The other customers, who were horrified by what had happened, came to help the young man. “Call the ambulance!” said one of them. Suddenly, the young man who was still lying on the floor, bleeding and obviously in terrible pain, started to speak. “I’ve got the better of him,” he said, half smiling. “Actually, I’m not Leonard.”
A fierce-looking and muscular guy, apparently a loan shark, came into a crowded and noisy coffee shop and called out in a booming voice.
“I’m looking for Leonard!” he said in an angry tone. Silence fell inside the shop. The customers were looking at one another, puzzled. “I’m looking for Leonard!’ he repeated, his voice growing louder. “Anyone of you here by the name of Leonard?” he asked as his eyes scanned every customer in the shop. All the customers kept quite and were frightened. Suddenly, a young man who was sitting at the corner calmly said without even looking at the loan shark, “I’m Leonard. What do you want?” In a flash, the loan shark pounced at him and threw heavy punches and kicks at him. The poor young man was bleeding all over but he hardly fought back. Finally, the assailant broke his fingers, gave one final kick on his ribs which also resulted in several more broken bones and a possible internal bleeding, and left the shop. The other customers, who were horrified by what had happened, came to help the young man. “Call the ambulance!” said one of them. Suddenly, the young man who was still lying on the floor, bleeding and obviously in terrible pain, started to speak. “I’ve got the better of him,” he said, half smiling. “Actually, I’m not Leonard.”
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The folly of institutionalised learning
A father was overheard teaching giving his teenage son some advice about education.
Father: You must study hard, son.
Son: Why?
Father: Well, so that you can go to the university someday.
Son: For what?
Father: So you can earn a degree and then go out to the world with a good job.
Son: Why would I need a good job?
Father: So you’ll make more money.
Son: If education is all about making money, I might as well learn to make it now.
The folly of institutionalized learning.
Albert Einstein once said: The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education
Father: You must study hard, son.
Son: Why?
Father: Well, so that you can go to the university someday.
Son: For what?
Father: So you can earn a degree and then go out to the world with a good job.
Son: Why would I need a good job?
Father: So you’ll make more money.
Son: If education is all about making money, I might as well learn to make it now.
The folly of institutionalized learning.
Albert Einstein once said: The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The brief history of medicine
2000 B.C. — Here, eat this root
1000 A.D. — That root is heathen. Here, say this prayer.
1850 A.D. — That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion.
1940 A.D. — That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill.
1985 A.D. — That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic.
2000 A.D. — That antibiotic doesn't work anymore. Here, eat this root.
1000 A.D. — That root is heathen. Here, say this prayer.
1850 A.D. — That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion.
1940 A.D. — That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill.
1985 A.D. — That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic.
2000 A.D. — That antibiotic doesn't work anymore. Here, eat this root.
Monday, March 17, 2008
The Mexican fisherman
The American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied, "Only a little while." The American then asked, "Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more fish?" The Mexican said, "With this I have more than enough to support my family's needs." The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?" The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life." The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing; and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat: With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor; eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles and eventually New York where you will run your ever-expanding enterprise." The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?" To which the American replied, "15 to 20 years." "But what then?" asked the Mexican. The American laughed and said that's the best part. "When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions." "Millions?...Then what?" The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."
Author unknown
Author unknown
Gandhi's shoes
As Gandhi stepped aboard a train one day, one of his shoes slipped off and landed on the track. He was unable to retrieve it as the train was moving. To the amazement of his companions, Gandhi calmly took off his other shoe and threw it back along the track to land close to the first. Asked by a fellow passenger why he did so, Gandhi smiled. "The poor man who finds the shoes lying on the track," he replied, "will now have a pair he can use."
In the same boat
Two men were out on the ocean in a boat.
One of them began drilling in the bottom of the boat, and the other, aghast said "What are you doing? Stop drilling!".
And the first man replied: "It's all right. I'm only drilling on my side."
One of them began drilling in the bottom of the boat, and the other, aghast said "What are you doing? Stop drilling!".
And the first man replied: "It's all right. I'm only drilling on my side."
Just a different perspective
A newly-elected minister in-charged of rural development went to visit one of the remotest villages in the state. He travelled for many days by car, by boat and on foot. As he surveyed the bleak but inspiring landscape, he turned to the village headman and said: "You're very remote here, aren't you?". He responded: "Remote from what?"
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The Creation story
The Creator gathered all of Creation and said,
"I want to hide something from the humans until they are ready for it. It is the realization that they create their own reality."
The eagle said, "Give it to me, I will take it to the moon."
The Creator said, "No. One day they will go there and find it."
The salmon said, "I will bury it on the bottom of the ocean."
"No. They will go there too."
The buffalo said, "I will bury it on the Great Plains."
The Creator said, "They will cut into the skin of the Earth and find it even there."
Grandmother Mole, who lives in the breast of Mother Earth, and who has no physical eyes but sees with spiritual eyes,
said, "Put it inside of them."
And the Creator said, "It is done."
Source: A Sioux Indian story
"I want to hide something from the humans until they are ready for it. It is the realization that they create their own reality."
The eagle said, "Give it to me, I will take it to the moon."
The Creator said, "No. One day they will go there and find it."
The salmon said, "I will bury it on the bottom of the ocean."
"No. They will go there too."
The buffalo said, "I will bury it on the Great Plains."
The Creator said, "They will cut into the skin of the Earth and find it even there."
Grandmother Mole, who lives in the breast of Mother Earth, and who has no physical eyes but sees with spiritual eyes,
said, "Put it inside of them."
And the Creator said, "It is done."
Source: A Sioux Indian story
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Things aren't always what they seem
Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family.
The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.
As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it.
When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem."
The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest.
When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.
The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.
"Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied.
"When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it."
"Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem."
Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way they should. If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You might not know it until some time later...
Source unknown
The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.
As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it.
When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem."
The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest.
When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.
The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.
"Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied.
"When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it."
"Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem."
Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way they should. If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You might not know it until some time later...
Source unknown
Monday, March 10, 2008
Thomas Edison's burnt factory
It was a cold December night in West Orange, New Jersey. Thomas Edison's factory was humming with activity. Work was proceeding on a variety of fronts as the great inventor was trying to turn more of his dreams into practical realities. Edison's plant, made of concrete and steel, was deemed "fireproof". As you may have already guessed, it wasn't!
On that frigid night in 1914, the sky was lit up by a sensational blaze that had burst through the plant roof. Edison's 24-year-old son, Charles, made a frenzied search for his famous inventor-father. When he finally found him, he was watching the fire. His white hair was blowing in the wind. His face was illuminated by the leaping flames. "My heart ached for him," said Charles. "Here he was, 67 years old, and everything he had worked for was going up in flames. When he saw me, he shouted, 'Charles! Where's your mother?' When I told him I didn't know, he said, 'Find her! Bring her here! She'll never see anything like this as long as she lives.'"
Next morning, Mr. Edison looked at the ruins of his factory and said this of his loss: "There's value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God, we can start anew."
What a wonderful perspective on things that seem at first to be so disastrous. A business failure, divorce, personal dream gone sour . . . whether these things destroy an individual depends largely on the attitude he or she takes toward them. Sort out why it happened, and learn something from the blunders. Think of different approaches that can be taken.
Start over.
On that frigid night in 1914, the sky was lit up by a sensational blaze that had burst through the plant roof. Edison's 24-year-old son, Charles, made a frenzied search for his famous inventor-father. When he finally found him, he was watching the fire. His white hair was blowing in the wind. His face was illuminated by the leaping flames. "My heart ached for him," said Charles. "Here he was, 67 years old, and everything he had worked for was going up in flames. When he saw me, he shouted, 'Charles! Where's your mother?' When I told him I didn't know, he said, 'Find her! Bring her here! She'll never see anything like this as long as she lives.'"
Next morning, Mr. Edison looked at the ruins of his factory and said this of his loss: "There's value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God, we can start anew."
What a wonderful perspective on things that seem at first to be so disastrous. A business failure, divorce, personal dream gone sour . . . whether these things destroy an individual depends largely on the attitude he or she takes toward them. Sort out why it happened, and learn something from the blunders. Think of different approaches that can be taken.
Start over.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Whatever the boss says it is
Come Saturday, Malaysians will go to the polls to elect a new Government. Under the democratic system, they are free to choose a Government they believe credible to rule. And thinking about this big word “CHOICE”, I remember a story:
Enter first applicant. "You understand that this is a simple test we are giving you before we offer you the job you have applied for?" "Yes." "Well, what is two plus two?" "Four." Enter second applicant. "Are you ready for the test?" "Yes." "Well, what is two plus two?" "Whatever the boss says it is." The second applicant got the job.
Which comes first, orthodoxy or the truth?
Source: Anthony de Mello
Enter first applicant. "You understand that this is a simple test we are giving you before we offer you the job you have applied for?" "Yes." "Well, what is two plus two?" "Four." Enter second applicant. "Are you ready for the test?" "Yes." "Well, what is two plus two?" "Whatever the boss says it is." The second applicant got the job.
Which comes first, orthodoxy or the truth?
Source: Anthony de Mello
Monday, March 3, 2008
Breaking of silence
Four monks decided to meditate silently without speaking for two weeks. By nightfall on the first day, the candle began to flicker and then went out.
The first monk said, "Oh, no! The candle is out."
The second monk said, "Aren't we not suppose to talk?"
The third monk said, "Why must you two break the silence?"
The fourth monk laughed and said, "Ha! I'm the only one who didn't speak."
The first monk said, "Oh, no! The candle is out."
The second monk said, "Aren't we not suppose to talk?"
The third monk said, "Why must you two break the silence?"
The fourth monk laughed and said, "Ha! I'm the only one who didn't speak."
Sleeping pills
The patients in a hospital were given medicines at specific hours in the day. One of them, who was sound asleep, was awakened by a nurse who wanted to give him his sleeping pills.
Sometimes we take things so blindly that we miss out seeing reality.
Sometimes we take things so blindly that we miss out seeing reality.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Those who know say nothing
A father tells his children that sometimes things people know may never be put in words. But on the other hand, most would put so many words about things they don’t now. He says that knowing the difference is a sign of wisdom. And he tells them this:
“Those who know do not say. But those who say do not know.”
“Wow! That’s deep. What do you mean by that, dad?”
“Do you know the fragrance of a rose?” he asks.
They all know.
He says, “Now put it in words.”
All are silent.
“Those who know do not say. But those who say do not know.”
“Wow! That’s deep. What do you mean by that, dad?”
“Do you know the fragrance of a rose?” he asks.
They all know.
He says, “Now put it in words.”
All are silent.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Buying monkeys
A friend from Kuala Lumpur sent this story to me today. It's hilarious and, if read carefully, we may take a hint to our foolish nature. Don't we buy monkeys sometimes and get nothing in the end except, well, monkeys? Thanks Julie for sharing the story.
Once upon a time in a village, a man appeared and announced to the villagers that he would buy monkeys for RM10.The villagers seeing that there were many monkeys around, went out to the forest and started catching them. The man bought thousands at RM10 and as supply started to diminish, the villagers stopped their effort. He further announced that he would now buy at RM 20. This renewed the efforts of the villagers and they started catching monkeys again. Soon the supply diminished even further and people started going back to their farms. The offer rate increased to RM 25 and the supply of monkeys became so little that it was an effort to even see a monkey, let alone catch it! The man now announced that he would buy monkeys at RM50! However, since he had to go to the city on some business, his assistant would now buy on behalf of him.In the absence of the man, the assistant told the villagers. Look at all these monkeys in the big cage that the man has collected. I will sell them to you at RM35 and when the man returns from the city, you can sell it to him for RM50." The villagers squeezed up with all their savings and bought all the monkeys.Then they never saw the man nor his assistant, only monkeys everywhere!! !
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The idiot called back
A drunken man was walking on the street with burnt marks on his ears. His friend asked what happened. "My wife left the hot iron on when she left. So when the telephone rang I wrongly picked up the hot iron.""Oh, I see, but the other ear?"
"The idiot called back."
Source: Anthony de Mello
Source: Anthony de Mello
Isn't it funny to catch ourselves 'drunk' from our own foolishness sometimes. And laughing about it can be healthy.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Your faith was strong, but you needed proof
Once I asked my good Danish friend, TJ, what her favourite song was, and she said, "Hallelujah". I listened to the song, originally composed by Leonard Cohen, and was instantly moved by the melody and lyrics. My favourite line is this:
Well your faith was strong but you needed proof....
Aren't we all like that sometimes? We profess our faith in the divine, in someone or in the system. But ironically, we need proof to support our belief. I'm listening to the song as I'm writing now just to remind myself of my foolish human nature.
The price of YOU
A father wanted to teach his teenage children a lesson about self value. He started by holding up a RM50 note. "Who would like to have this RM50?" he asked. Hands started going up.
He said, "I am going to give it to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the RM50 note up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. "Well", he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air. "Guys, we have all learned a very valuable lesson", he said, "No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth RM50.
Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless.... and especially to those who love you.
He said, "I am going to give it to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the RM50 note up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. "Well", he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air. "Guys, we have all learned a very valuable lesson", he said, "No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth RM50.
Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless.... and especially to those who love you.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
The pursuit of stupidity
Allow me to break the sequence of my storytelling. But first of all, I'd like to congratulate another good Danish friend, AC, for having been offered a job as social worker. I believe the world needs more caring people to work in this challenging field. As for my contribution, I'll stick to writing. And speaking of writing, someone asked me yesterday why I remain as one despite all its financial securities and headaches. My answer to her question was stupidity. I notice a funny pattern in my life that in order to get one thing right, I'll have to make ten stupid mistakes. So, to get two things right, I must commit twenty. Stupidity. Isn't that what defines our thinking and actions? So, here I am making yet another stupid mistake by becoming a writer and writing all the stuffs about human stupidity in simple stories. Oh, Albert Eistein said this once:
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
She talked to me
To my good friend, TJ from Copenhagen, Denmark, who has just become a social worker, CONGRATULATIONS! Here's a story for you:
A centre for people with physical disabilities was organising an opening of a new wing. A local politician was invited to officiate the ceremony. Several members of the press came too and also distinguished members of the community. In his speech, the politician talked about the government's concern for people with special needs and how he, as an elected representative, would always make sure they get maximum assistance. Next, it was the priest-in-charge's turn to deliver his message. He reminded the community to always have faith in God for He would choose the right people with good heart as leaders. Their speeches were received with loud applause from the invited guests. During reception, one of the reporters interviewed a physically-disabled old man who was the most senior member in the centre.
"Sir, what's your respond to the speeches we heard earlier?"
"For all I know, the politician was actually talking to you guys, the press. He was looking for good publicity. And the priest was talking to the politician for he was hoping to get more of the government's money. But one social worker who was sitting in front turned to to look at me for a moment. She smiled and winked. She talked to me and I understood her."
Sometimes, the simplest gesture can make a big difference. But again, it can be misinterpreted in a different culture.
A young western woman was in Hong Kong recently for a short holiday. She went to a Chinese restaurant for lunch one day and while waiting for the food to be served she saw a skinny stray dog standing outside. She felt pity for the animal and wanted to do something. She called the waiter to her table and asked him to cook some food for the dog, and that she would pay the bill. But because she didn't know a word of Chinese, she made up a sign language by pointing at the dog, her mouth and belly, apparently trying to tell the waiter to feed something to the hungry dog. The waiter nodded and dashed back to the kitchen. After several minutes, he came out with a huge plate of dog meat cooked in soy sauce.
A centre for people with physical disabilities was organising an opening of a new wing. A local politician was invited to officiate the ceremony. Several members of the press came too and also distinguished members of the community. In his speech, the politician talked about the government's concern for people with special needs and how he, as an elected representative, would always make sure they get maximum assistance. Next, it was the priest-in-charge's turn to deliver his message. He reminded the community to always have faith in God for He would choose the right people with good heart as leaders. Their speeches were received with loud applause from the invited guests. During reception, one of the reporters interviewed a physically-disabled old man who was the most senior member in the centre.
"Sir, what's your respond to the speeches we heard earlier?"
"For all I know, the politician was actually talking to you guys, the press. He was looking for good publicity. And the priest was talking to the politician for he was hoping to get more of the government's money. But one social worker who was sitting in front turned to to look at me for a moment. She smiled and winked. She talked to me and I understood her."
Sometimes, the simplest gesture can make a big difference. But again, it can be misinterpreted in a different culture.
A young western woman was in Hong Kong recently for a short holiday. She went to a Chinese restaurant for lunch one day and while waiting for the food to be served she saw a skinny stray dog standing outside. She felt pity for the animal and wanted to do something. She called the waiter to her table and asked him to cook some food for the dog, and that she would pay the bill. But because she didn't know a word of Chinese, she made up a sign language by pointing at the dog, her mouth and belly, apparently trying to tell the waiter to feed something to the hungry dog. The waiter nodded and dashed back to the kitchen. After several minutes, he came out with a huge plate of dog meat cooked in soy sauce.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
So called faith
One of the things I always find amusing is to hear people talk about faith. Unless tested, well, it's just an empty proclamation...Check this out:
A man accidently fell down a cliff but managed to grab a branch half way the fall. He was still far from safe as the valley below was a few hundred metres away. If he let go, he would certainly fall to his death. But again, there was no way for him to climb back up. In such desperate moment he prayed aloud.
"Lord, please help me in my hour of need," he cried. "You know I'm a man of faith and I believe that you, and you alone, who can help me now."
Suddenly the clouds opened and out came a voice. "Do you really believe that I can help you?"
"Yes! Yes! You know how big is my faith in you," said the man as he struggled to hand on.
"Ok. Now let go of the branch," the voice commanded.
"What? Are you crazy?"
It takes a childlike heart to believe...
A village in Borneo was experiencing a severe drought. Villagers went to see the shaman to pray for rain. "I'll do it," she said. "But all of us must have faith in the ritual I will perform." She then instructed them to bring anything to express their faith. All of them brought religious items except for one young boy. He brought an umbrella.
A man accidently fell down a cliff but managed to grab a branch half way the fall. He was still far from safe as the valley below was a few hundred metres away. If he let go, he would certainly fall to his death. But again, there was no way for him to climb back up. In such desperate moment he prayed aloud.
"Lord, please help me in my hour of need," he cried. "You know I'm a man of faith and I believe that you, and you alone, who can help me now."
Suddenly the clouds opened and out came a voice. "Do you really believe that I can help you?"
"Yes! Yes! You know how big is my faith in you," said the man as he struggled to hand on.
"Ok. Now let go of the branch," the voice commanded.
"What? Are you crazy?"
It takes a childlike heart to believe...
A village in Borneo was experiencing a severe drought. Villagers went to see the shaman to pray for rain. "I'll do it," she said. "But all of us must have faith in the ritual I will perform." She then instructed them to bring anything to express their faith. All of them brought religious items except for one young boy. He brought an umbrella.
Change
One of the things we hear a lot during elections is change. Have you ever read this story?
Once upon a time there lived a king who ordered his citizens to carpet every inch of the country's land so he could walk comfortably.
One of his wise ministers came to him and said, "Your Majesty, wouldn't it be easier for you to just wear a pair of slippers?"
Change starts from within...But often it takes maturity to understand what this means. Here's a phrase I stumbled upon some time ago.
When we're young, we're idealistic about changing the world.
When we're old, we want to change the young.
Sounds familiar?
Once upon a time there lived a king who ordered his citizens to carpet every inch of the country's land so he could walk comfortably.
One of his wise ministers came to him and said, "Your Majesty, wouldn't it be easier for you to just wear a pair of slippers?"
Change starts from within...But often it takes maturity to understand what this means. Here's a phrase I stumbled upon some time ago.
When we're young, we're idealistic about changing the world.
When we're old, we want to change the young.
Sounds familiar?
Leaders vs followers
Soon, Malaysians will vote for a Government that would look into their interest as citizens. They will choose leaders who they think have what it takes to represent them; be their voice to be heard. I used to be in the thick of the action during elections when I was still a newspaper journalist, covering the stories and events. I'm interested in only one story now: the foolishness of it all. I found this interesting article that speaks a lot about leadership. Let's ponder a moment:
When leaders make a mistake, they say, "I was wrong."
When followers make mistakes, they say, "It wasn't my fault."
A leader works harder than a follower and has more time;
a follower is always "too busy" to do what is necessary.
A leader goes through a problem;
a follower goes around it and never gets past it.
A leader makes and keeps commitments;
a follower makes and forgets promises.
A leader says, "I'm good, but not as good as I ought to be;"
a follower says, "I'm not as bad as a lot of other people."
Leaders listen;
followers just wait until it's their turn to talk.
Leaders respect those who are superior to them and tries to learn something from them;
followers resent those who are superior to them and try to find chinks in their armor.
Leaders feel responsible for more than their job;
followers say, "I only work here."
A leader says, "There ought to be a better way to do this;"
followers say, "That's the way it's always been done here."
Monday, February 18, 2008
The fish
Two fish were swimming when they saw a piece of meat dangling before them. The younger fish darted toward it with an open mouth. The older fish cried out, “Stop! You can’t see it, but there is a hook inside that meat. It is connected by an invisible line to a pole outside the water. There is a man holding the pole. If you eat the meat, the hook will catch in your jaw and the man will pull you out of the water. He will cut you open with a knife, roast you on a fire and eat you. Then he will throw your remains to his cat.” The young fish stopped. The two of them swam away. But when the young fish was alone, he thought to himself, “Let me investigate for myself how accurate these claims are.” He went back to the meat, swam around it, above and below it. He swam as far as he could in widening circles around the meat. After a long search, he said to himself, “I’ve looked far and wide, and I haven’t found any sign of a man, a pole, a knife, a fire or a cat. In fact, I’ve found no trace of anything outside this water we live in. These must just be stories.” He went back to the meat and ate it. The hook caught in his jaw, he felt himself being yanked out of the water. He saw a pole, a man and a knife, but at that point his knowledge was useless.
The Chinese numbers
A friend shared to me this story over coffee this morning.
The Chinese numbers one, two and three are pretty easy to write. 一 yī (one), 二 èr (two) and 三 sān (three). Well, that's what a young boy thought. His father tried to teach him to write a number each day going from one to ten. By the time he had mastered writing the number three, the boy decided that he had no more need of his father's help.
"It's so easy," he confidently said. "All I have to do is to draw lines."
"Alright then, write the number 100," his father said.
The boy did as told. It took him more than an hour to write all the one hundred lines.
The Chinese character for the number four is 四 sì.
He wouldn't have gone through all the trouble if he had learnt to write the simple number four.
The Chinese numbers one, two and three are pretty easy to write. 一 yī (one), 二 èr (two) and 三 sān (three). Well, that's what a young boy thought. His father tried to teach him to write a number each day going from one to ten. By the time he had mastered writing the number three, the boy decided that he had no more need of his father's help.
"It's so easy," he confidently said. "All I have to do is to draw lines."
"Alright then, write the number 100," his father said.
The boy did as told. It took him more than an hour to write all the one hundred lines.
The Chinese character for the number four is 四 sì.
He wouldn't have gone through all the trouble if he had learnt to write the simple number four.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Gotta keep on swimming
I watched a crowd walking in the streets and wondered what their life stories could be. Many, many stories for sure. But if I categorized them, I would find that some stories tell of the optimistic souls and the other half, pessimistic. The fact of life is that life goes on no matter what our troubles are. So, it's best to remain positive all the time; to keep on swimming...
Two frogs fell into a deep cream bowl. One was an optimistic soul.
But the other took the gloomy view.
"We'll drown," he lamented,
and with a last despairing cry,
he flung up his legs and said "Goodbye."
The other frog said with a steadfast grin,
"I can't get out but I won't give in,
I'll just swim around till my strength is spent,
then I'll die the more content."
Bravely he swam to work his scheme,
and his struggles began to churn the cream.
The more he swam, his legs a flutter,
the more the cream turned into butter.
On top of the butter at last he stopped,
and out of the bowl he gaily hopped.
Just move on no matter what...
A prisoner of war tried to keep his sanity by singing. He sang all day, all night in his prison cell. Irritated by his singing, his captors cut his tongue. But that didn't stop him. So, he hummed the melody of his songs. This time, they removed his vocal chord. That silence him indeed. But not long afterwards, his captors found him dancing to the beat of his songs he played in his mind. He danced all day, all night. Irritated by his silent dance movements, they amputated his legs and arms. But soon after, they saw him moving his head forward and backward to the melody of the songs in his heart. Finally, the chopped his head. But his 'music' stayed with his fellow prisoners who, inspired by his outstanding courage, launched an attack against their captors and escaped to freedom.
Friday, February 15, 2008
The magic jar
I was on my way out to town this morning when I realised that two of my car tyres had been stolen. The thief/thieves also took away the toolbox. I will have to spend a lot of money to replace the tyres. But with only little hard-earned money left in my hand from a recent freelance writing job I did, I'm left to wonder how I could ever purchase the new tyres. The kids must go to school next week and I need to move about to do my work. So, I'm desperate for tyres. To cool mysef from anger, I searched for a story (by the way, anger is one better short of danger). Here's what I recalled:
A theft had occured in a village. Villagers went to see a priestess who was known for her wisdom and asked if she could perform some black magic on whoever was responsible. She told them that black magic was not a good thing and suggested another way. That evening, she called all the villagers together at her house. "Here's a magic jar." Then she gave the following instruction. "I want all of you to touch it. The jar will tell who among us is the culrprit." When all had understood, she turned off the light. After the last person had touched the jar, she turned the light back on. Apparently, she had smeared the jar with charcoal. Everyone who touched it had their their fingers blackened by the charcoal except the thief who did not do it for he was afraid that the so called magic jar would identify him. The police were later called to arrest him.
We think that we could hide in the dark but sometimes, it's in darkness that our true identity is revealed.
A theft had occured in a village. Villagers went to see a priestess who was known for her wisdom and asked if she could perform some black magic on whoever was responsible. She told them that black magic was not a good thing and suggested another way. That evening, she called all the villagers together at her house. "Here's a magic jar." Then she gave the following instruction. "I want all of you to touch it. The jar will tell who among us is the culrprit." When all had understood, she turned off the light. After the last person had touched the jar, she turned the light back on. Apparently, she had smeared the jar with charcoal. Everyone who touched it had their their fingers blackened by the charcoal except the thief who did not do it for he was afraid that the so called magic jar would identify him. The police were later called to arrest him.
We think that we could hide in the dark but sometimes, it's in darkness that our true identity is revealed.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Today you voted
A friend forwarded me this story today. I find it humorous, so I'd like to share it with you. P.S. it's election fever in Sabah!
While walking down the street one day a Malaysia Boleh Minister is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance. "Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you." "No problem, just let me in," says the man. "Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity." "Really, I have made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Yang Berhormat "I'm sorry, but we have our rules," says St. Peter. And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and dressed in the finest batik there is. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then indulge themselves on lobsters, caviar and the most expensive food there is. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises. The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him. "Now it' s time to visit heaven." So, 24 hours pass with the Yang Berhormat joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St.Peter returns. "Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity." The Yang Berhormat reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think Ai yam better off in hell." So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above. The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't understand," stammers the Yang Berhormat. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?" The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning." "Today you voted."
Sunday, February 10, 2008
We've heard these before, haven't we?
Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
To handle yourself, use your head; To handle others, use your heart.
Anger is only one letter short of danger.
If someone betrays you once, it's his fault; if he betrays you twice, it's your fault.
Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people.
God gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into it's nest.
He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses more; He who loses faith, loses all.
Beautiful young people are acts of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.
Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.
The tongue weighs practically nothing, but so few people can hold it.
To handle yourself, use your head; To handle others, use your heart.
Anger is only one letter short of danger.
If someone betrays you once, it's his fault; if he betrays you twice, it's your fault.
Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people.
God gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into it's nest.
He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses more; He who loses faith, loses all.
Beautiful young people are acts of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.
Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.
The tongue weighs practically nothing, but so few people can hold it.
Who is rich and who is poor?
One day a wealthy father took his son on a trip to a rural village so that the son could see how the poor indigenous people lived. They stayed overnight in a house of a poor villager and his family. When they got back from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?" "Very good, Dad!" "Did you see how poor people can be?" "Yes I did!" "And what did you learn?" The son answered, "I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have six. We have a pool, they have the river. We have imported lamps in the house; they have the stars. We buy our vegetables and fruits in the market; they get theirs free from the farm and forest." When the little boy was finished, the father was speechless. His son then added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are!"
Saturday, February 9, 2008
The tale of the two clocks
The world needs some form of a final authority to ensure public public order. But does it really? Ponder the following stories.
Once upon a time, a famous inventor invented what he called a clock. No one questioned the authority of the clock in telling the time for it was the only one available in the world. Well, until another inventor invented another clock. From that time onwards, no one was sure of the time.
***************
"You're late," said a man to his friend.
"No, it's you who are early," replied his friend.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Making a difference
Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean. As he got closer he called out,"Good morning! What are you doing?" The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish in the ocean." "I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?" "The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them in they'll die." "But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!" The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said, "It made a difference for that one."
The Chinese New Year - a time to impress the guests
It's always fascinating to see how people celebrate a festive season like the Chinese New Year. In my part of the world, visiting families, relatives and friends is a norm. While this practice is hailed as something good, some couldn't help the tendency of wanting to impress, to show off. A new curtain, an expensive furniture set, a latest fashion or a plasma TV - anything that makes one feels good about oneself. So long, of course, the other party takes notice and makes a good comment. Sometimes, it's the children who become an object for showing off. During my Chinese New year visits, I was amused by the following observations:
"Mom, my dress is too tight!" complained a six-year old daughter to her mother.
"Just bear it. You look pretty in that dress," said the mother.
Who cares about comfort. It's looking good that matters. But at the expense of whose happiness?
"Don't you dare play outside and dirty yourself," a young mother warned her three-year old son.
"But I want to play with my friends," the boy insisted.
"Not today. It's Chinese New Year!" said his mother.
Isn't it a day when children are suppose to be happy? In some cases, they get hurt instead.
"Where did you put your eyes!" a father scolded his son who, while playing, accidentally broke an expensive jar. "Don't you know that this thing is expensive?"
Obviously, at his young age, he couldn't have known. What broke that day was his son's vulnerable heart. It was a priceless item he could ever afford.
Then again, some parents simply got too carried away in projecting their children.
"You have two beautiful children. How old are they?" a guest asked a young mother.
"Oh, the professional golfer is five and the Olympic swimmer is seven."
Oh, please......
"Mom, my dress is too tight!" complained a six-year old daughter to her mother.
"Just bear it. You look pretty in that dress," said the mother.
Who cares about comfort. It's looking good that matters. But at the expense of whose happiness?
"Don't you dare play outside and dirty yourself," a young mother warned her three-year old son.
"But I want to play with my friends," the boy insisted.
"Not today. It's Chinese New Year!" said his mother.
Isn't it a day when children are suppose to be happy? In some cases, they get hurt instead.
"Where did you put your eyes!" a father scolded his son who, while playing, accidentally broke an expensive jar. "Don't you know that this thing is expensive?"
Obviously, at his young age, he couldn't have known. What broke that day was his son's vulnerable heart. It was a priceless item he could ever afford.
Then again, some parents simply got too carried away in projecting their children.
"You have two beautiful children. How old are they?" a guest asked a young mother.
"Oh, the professional golfer is five and the Olympic swimmer is seven."
Oh, please......
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
I was mugged
A young woman saw an old man walking down the street with only one shoe. Thinking that he might be a homeless poor who had found the shoe in a rubbish bin somewhere, she was moved by compassion and approached the old man.
"Oh, you poor soul. It must be difficult to walk with only one shoe," she said.
Before the old man could open his mouth to speak, the young woman started talking about how bad the society had become.
"We take things for granted forgetting that there are people who don't even have a shoe to wear. What a sick world!" she lamented.
"Thanks for your concern, miss. But I didn't find this shoe. I was mugged earlier this morning. They tried to take everything from me including my shoes. But I managed to flee after they removed the other shoe. I'm on my way now to lodge a report to the police."
Pressumptions can be embarassing as it is dangerous.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Good luck or bad luck?
It's Chinese New Year's Eve today. Traditionally, this festive season is always associated with good luck. Who wouldn't want Lady Luck on their side all year long? Thus it's the time of year where experts in the art of Feng Shui demonstrate the how-to in staying in luck and avoid miseries and tragedies. I've nothing against this ancient wisdom but at the same time I find myself with more questions than answers. If people were to ask me if my life was blessed with good luck or condemned to perpetual bad luck, my safe answer would be: Maybe.
Which reminds me of a story...
There was once a farmer. One day his horse ran away and his neighbours, upon hearing about it came to his house. They said, "Oh, what a bad luck." The farmer replied, ""Maybe".
About few days later, the horse came back, bringing with it a whole herd of wild horses. His neighbours heard and came to his house. They said, "Oh, what a good luck." The farmer replied, "Maybe."
One day, the farmer's son fell from one of the horses while trying to tame it and broke his leg. The neighbours, all hearing about the incident came to visit his son. As they stood watching him, they said, "Oh, what a bad luck." And the farmer replied, "Maybe."
During this time war broke out and the army wanted all the able young men they could find to fight for their country. They went to every corner of the country to draft young men into the military. But knowing that there was no way the farmer's son could fight, they left him be. The neighbours, on hearing the news, came to the farmer's house and said, "Oh, what a good luck." The farmer replied, "Maybe."
Perhaps there's goodness in bad luck? Read the following story...
"I hate to tell you that you seem to pull bad luck like a magnet. You were born poor. In fact, there was not even a proper place for your mother to deliver you. People wanted to kill you immediately after. Even as we speak, there are people who are after your neck. Many people hate you so much that they want to see you dead. You're surrounded by people whom society despises and you know what, those closest to you can't be trusted at all. They will run away at the time you need them most. Worse, your family think you're out your mind. And you're going to die a slow and painful death. By the way, what's your name? "
"Jesus Christ."
Monday, February 4, 2008
We invented them
It's always fascinating to see how the young people these days have become so techno savvy. I read a story not long ago which I would like to share. It's about a young teenager who commented about the older generation's ignorance about the latest techno gadgets.
"You guys are so old fashioned," he said to his father. "You know nothing about computers, video games, cellphones and all the stuffs that make our lives so easy.'
"I agree," said the father. "But don't forget it's us, the so called old fashioned generation, who invented them."
But they also invented all the troubles that the younger generations often get themselves into....
"Who taught you to smoke and drink?" an father asked his teenage daughter.
"It's you, dad."
"You guys are so old fashioned," he said to his father. "You know nothing about computers, video games, cellphones and all the stuffs that make our lives so easy.'
"I agree," said the father. "But don't forget it's us, the so called old fashioned generation, who invented them."
But they also invented all the troubles that the younger generations often get themselves into....
"Who taught you to smoke and drink?" an father asked his teenage daughter.
"It's you, dad."
The universal language
A young man vying to become an election candidate was told that he would stand no chance of winning the votes of the people for he could not speak their mother tongue. A few weeks later the election was held and the voters polled their votes. He won.
"How did you do it?" asked one of his curious campaigners. "You hardly spoke their language."
"Well, when they laughed, I laughed too. When they cried, I did the same. And when they came to me with all their problems, I hardly understood what they were saying. I tried not to fall asleep for that would be rude. But I kept nodding my head," he explained.
Who needs words when the body already says so much.
"How did you do it?" asked one of his curious campaigners. "You hardly spoke their language."
"Well, when they laughed, I laughed too. When they cried, I did the same. And when they came to me with all their problems, I hardly understood what they were saying. I tried not to fall asleep for that would be rude. But I kept nodding my head," he explained.
Who needs words when the body already says so much.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Seeing through our own dirty window
I've come across this story once and I think it's something worth pondering...especially for those who live across annoying neighbours.
A housewife is observing her neighbour's house through the glass window of her house.
"Look at their dirty house," she tells her husband. "Don't they ever clean it?"
Her husband comes to take a look and notices that it's their own glass window that has not been wiped clean of dust.
There's nothing wrong with reality. Only our perception that needs a clean up.
A housewife is observing her neighbour's house through the glass window of her house.
"Look at their dirty house," she tells her husband. "Don't they ever clean it?"
Her husband comes to take a look and notices that it's their own glass window that has not been wiped clean of dust.
There's nothing wrong with reality. Only our perception that needs a clean up.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Look who's talking
Obviously trying to show off to his friends his concern over the decline of their indigenous language, a man scolds his teenage son.
Man: "You can't even speak your own mother tongue. That's shameful!"
Son : "Why are you scolding me in English?"
We tend to forget that our children are mirrors of ourselves.
Man: "You can't even speak your own mother tongue. That's shameful!"
Son : "Why are you scolding me in English?"
We tend to forget that our children are mirrors of ourselves.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The indigenous villager and the businessman
An arrogant businessman wanted to survey a land he had acquired for a palm oil plantation. Since he was not sure of its location, he sought the help of an indigenous villager to take him there. The journey took a few hours on foot through the forest.
"What do you do for a living?" he asked the old villager as they were walking.
"Farming," he replied.
"Do you know about the economy?" asked the businessman.
"No."
"Well, that's too bad for you'll always be poor," he proudly said.
After a few minutes of silence, the arrogant businessman posed another question to the villager.
"Our country is about to hold the general election. Do you know anything about politics?"
"No."
"That's too bad for you'll lose your rights."
Silence. Then another question.
"Do you know anything about technology?"
"No."
"Then you'll always be backward," he said.
Not long afterwards, a poisonous snake bit the businessman's leg. He panicked and screamed.
The villager, who was walking few metres in front, quickly ran to check on him.
"Do you know anything about wild herbs that we could use to treat this," asked the villager.
"Are you stupid! Of course not!" he cried, apparently annoyed with the question.
"Well that's too bad for you'll lose your life."
"What do you do for a living?" he asked the old villager as they were walking.
"Farming," he replied.
"Do you know about the economy?" asked the businessman.
"No."
"Well, that's too bad for you'll always be poor," he proudly said.
After a few minutes of silence, the arrogant businessman posed another question to the villager.
"Our country is about to hold the general election. Do you know anything about politics?"
"No."
"That's too bad for you'll lose your rights."
Silence. Then another question.
"Do you know anything about technology?"
"No."
"Then you'll always be backward," he said.
Not long afterwards, a poisonous snake bit the businessman's leg. He panicked and screamed.
The villager, who was walking few metres in front, quickly ran to check on him.
"Do you know anything about wild herbs that we could use to treat this," asked the villager.
"Are you stupid! Of course not!" he cried, apparently annoyed with the question.
"Well that's too bad for you'll lose your life."
Friday, January 25, 2008
The egret and the water buffalo
Rice farmers in Sabah used to rely on water buffalos to work in the rice fields. Not anymore now for the younger generations of the rice farming community, the indigenous people, prefer to work within the comfort of air-conditioned offices, to say it generally. So, like their old masters, most buffalos here have long retired. People have need for them only as sacrificial animals especially on weddings and when there is a death in the family. Sometimes they are slaughtered when someone has violated a customary law. Most of the time, however, they end up in Chinese coffee shops as meat balls in a noodle soup called, ngau chap. Their tasty insides included.
In spite of all these, they seem to be contented with life. They move about from one grazing field to another munching the sweet grasses as the days go by to the time when they too will...Oh poor thing. They eat all the time and eating seem to be a meditative experience. The constant presence of egrets who feed on some organisms on their backs (probably ticks) is hardly a distraction.
Why am I saying this? Oh, a story.
An agret was approaching a buffalo to climb on its back to feed. As the buffalo started to move he accidentally stepped on the poor bird's foot. Screaming in pain, the egret managed to deliver a strong kick with his other foot on the buffalo's balls. Of course, the kick from his skinny leg was hardly felt by the huge and tough beast. But it so happened at that very instant the buffalo was standing right under a durian tree and by sheer coincidence one of the spiky fruits, dubbed the king of fruits by Malaysians, fell from ten metres right on top of his head. The buffalo screamed out loud from the pain just as the time the egret's kick landed on his testicles.
"There you are! Taste your own medicine!" cried the bird who thought that it was his kick that hurt the buffalo.
The pre-election fever is already felt in Malaysia including Sabah. As the battle for power to rule is picking momentum the king makers - the voters - are ready to use their democratic right to choose the next government. But does every single vote really count in deciding for change? Or is it just an egret's kick from a skinny leg that is hardly felt by the strong buffalo?
In spite of all these, they seem to be contented with life. They move about from one grazing field to another munching the sweet grasses as the days go by to the time when they too will...Oh poor thing. They eat all the time and eating seem to be a meditative experience. The constant presence of egrets who feed on some organisms on their backs (probably ticks) is hardly a distraction.
Why am I saying this? Oh, a story.
An agret was approaching a buffalo to climb on its back to feed. As the buffalo started to move he accidentally stepped on the poor bird's foot. Screaming in pain, the egret managed to deliver a strong kick with his other foot on the buffalo's balls. Of course, the kick from his skinny leg was hardly felt by the huge and tough beast. But it so happened at that very instant the buffalo was standing right under a durian tree and by sheer coincidence one of the spiky fruits, dubbed the king of fruits by Malaysians, fell from ten metres right on top of his head. The buffalo screamed out loud from the pain just as the time the egret's kick landed on his testicles.
"There you are! Taste your own medicine!" cried the bird who thought that it was his kick that hurt the buffalo.
The pre-election fever is already felt in Malaysia including Sabah. As the battle for power to rule is picking momentum the king makers - the voters - are ready to use their democratic right to choose the next government. But does every single vote really count in deciding for change? Or is it just an egret's kick from a skinny leg that is hardly felt by the strong buffalo?
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Treat the pain, not the swell
Call it superstitious beliefs or what but in Sabah many people would consult individuals who claim to have supernatural powers of healing when they are sick, especially terminal illnesses. Some go for other reasons like wanting to find out if their spouses are unfaithful. Anyway, someone in the family told me last night about a popular medium who would sometimes reveal a patient's dark secrets for he believes that healing of the physical wellbeing starts with the spirit. Despite his can of worms-opening approach many still go to him out of desperation. He attends to his patients of all walks of life all day long. Yet, many avoid him for obvious reasons. Some even pooh-pooh his ability and accuse him of being a phony. I, however, am not in the position to judge their claims as well as the medium's ability.
But what captures my attention is the kind of reaction people have toward healing. I remember a story:
A young woman golfer sliced the ball into a garden of flowers and as it was her only ball left for she had lost the rest in the previous holes, she was determined to find it.
As she was looking through the flowers, an angry bee stung her lower lip. She continued playing the remaining holes and by the time she returned to the club house she felt a throbbing pain on her swelling lip. Her golf buddies however noted that the swollen lip looked kind of sexy on her, like Julia Roberts' they said.
On her way home, she drove to a clinic, told the doctor what happened and sought treatment.
"By the way doctor," she said inside the treatment room. "Can you just treat the pain and leave the swell as it is?"
But what captures my attention is the kind of reaction people have toward healing. I remember a story:
A young woman golfer sliced the ball into a garden of flowers and as it was her only ball left for she had lost the rest in the previous holes, she was determined to find it.
As she was looking through the flowers, an angry bee stung her lower lip. She continued playing the remaining holes and by the time she returned to the club house she felt a throbbing pain on her swelling lip. Her golf buddies however noted that the swollen lip looked kind of sexy on her, like Julia Roberts' they said.
On her way home, she drove to a clinic, told the doctor what happened and sought treatment.
"By the way doctor," she said inside the treatment room. "Can you just treat the pain and leave the swell as it is?"
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The trouble about knowing
Last year, my team and I were in a remote village in Sabah to conduct a writing and photography training for an indigenous community under the United Nations Development Programme's Promotion of Tropical Forest grant. The villagers, mostly poor farmers, were very hospitable to us all throughout our stay. We had our sessions in the day as there was no electricity supply to the village. During the night the old wooden house where we stayed was only lighted by two or three oil lamps, so it was still pretty dim. After the long training sessions we always looked forward to having a nice meal in the evening prepared by the wonderful womenfolk. We had rice, vegetables picked from the forest, fish caught from the river and occassionally wildboar meat from a recent hunt. Something about eating in the dark that simply increased our appetite. And we never mind the stray dogs who always joined in (the house had no doors to keep them out). Except for their smell, we could not see them clearly anyway. We enjoyed dinner time so much that we took our time eating while talking to our hosts for hours mostly about the problems and issues they were facing.
On the third day of our stay, the village headman brought a battery-powered lamp to increase visibility in the house. It was during dinner time. The hall was much brighter no doubt but what we saw instantly spoiled our appetite. The poor dogs had skin disease and one even had what looked like a long piece of thread coming out from its behind. It did not take us long to realise it was a worm! We were still looking forward to dinner time during the rest of our stay but we ate less and as quickly as we could before the dogs would arrive.
Come to ponder about that experience now, I'd say that the light of knowledge can do more harm than good. Well, we know that already, don't we?
But then again, ignorance can be dangerous.
Here's another dog-related story I once read, at least, similar to it.
A group of foreign tourists were on a bus trip to one of the villages in Sabah. The bus broke down on the way and while it was being repaired, the passengers decided to go to a nearby food stall to eat. Although they were not used to the local food served by the shop, they ate anyway as they were starving. Not long afterwards, a skinny dog came. They took pity and threw him some of their food. The dog ate like he had not eaten in weeks.
After the bus was repaired they continued their journey. On they way they saw the same dog lying dead by the roadside. Just before he died the dog vomitted every last meal he just had. Thinking he had died of food poisoning, all the tourists started to get ill. They were rushed to the nearest hospital. The doctor was puzzled as to the cause of their illness after he could not find anything to suggest food poisoning.
The dog was actually hit by a car. He did not die of food poisoning.
On the third day of our stay, the village headman brought a battery-powered lamp to increase visibility in the house. It was during dinner time. The hall was much brighter no doubt but what we saw instantly spoiled our appetite. The poor dogs had skin disease and one even had what looked like a long piece of thread coming out from its behind. It did not take us long to realise it was a worm! We were still looking forward to dinner time during the rest of our stay but we ate less and as quickly as we could before the dogs would arrive.
Come to ponder about that experience now, I'd say that the light of knowledge can do more harm than good. Well, we know that already, don't we?
But then again, ignorance can be dangerous.
Here's another dog-related story I once read, at least, similar to it.
A group of foreign tourists were on a bus trip to one of the villages in Sabah. The bus broke down on the way and while it was being repaired, the passengers decided to go to a nearby food stall to eat. Although they were not used to the local food served by the shop, they ate anyway as they were starving. Not long afterwards, a skinny dog came. They took pity and threw him some of their food. The dog ate like he had not eaten in weeks.
After the bus was repaired they continued their journey. On they way they saw the same dog lying dead by the roadside. Just before he died the dog vomitted every last meal he just had. Thinking he had died of food poisoning, all the tourists started to get ill. They were rushed to the nearest hospital. The doctor was puzzled as to the cause of their illness after he could not find anything to suggest food poisoning.
The dog was actually hit by a car. He did not die of food poisoning.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Expert advice
A doctor informed a patient that he was suffering from severe depression.
"Is it serious?" asked the frightened patient.
"I'm afraid so," said the doctor.
"Can you treat it?"
"I'm afraid not," he replied. "But do you always get headaches?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Because that I can treat."
"Is it serious?" asked the frightened patient.
"I'm afraid so," said the doctor.
"Can you treat it?"
"I'm afraid not," he replied. "But do you always get headaches?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Because that I can treat."
The politician
The Supreme Court of Species was in session. A huge crowd comprising all the different living species on the planet turned out to witness the hearing for it was rarely held. Before the session began, the judge asked the prosecutor what the charge was.
"For saying bad things about others so to make him look good, Your Honour," he answered.
The judge then turned to the accused in the dock.
"What species are you!" he asked.
"I'm a human being," replied the accused.
"Occupation?" asked the judge again.
"Politician."
"For saying bad things about others so to make him look good, Your Honour," he answered.
The judge then turned to the accused in the dock.
"What species are you!" he asked.
"I'm a human being," replied the accused.
"Occupation?" asked the judge again.
"Politician."
People have stopped thinking
A storyteller once said to a young successful young man.
"The problem wth most people today is that they have stopped thinking."
"I strongly disagree," replied the young man. "I think every minute."
"That's what I mean. You're only reacting to my words, not thinking."
"The problem wth most people today is that they have stopped thinking."
"I strongly disagree," replied the young man. "I think every minute."
"That's what I mean. You're only reacting to my words, not thinking."
Monday, January 21, 2008
The storyteller
There was a storyteller who lived in a small village. He was shunned by fellow villagers who disliked his stories. They claimed that his stories were nothing more than ridiculous tales, untrue and at times, an insult to their intelligence. But children loved him. Whenever they saw him walking in the village, they swarmed him and asked him to tell them a story or two. There was always something magical in the way he told his stories for they made the children wonder and ponder; ask questions than seek answers; laugh and cry sometimes. They did not care if his stories were true or not. They did not have to believe. They only enjoyed listening to him. And they did not feel insulted for they had no pride nor prejudices to defend. Years passed, they stopped coming to him. That was then when they grew up.
*******
There's this saying:
The mind is a like parachute. It only works when it's open.
*******
There's this saying:
The mind is a like parachute. It only works when it's open.
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