bachao senti-man se!

Hmm.... Abhinav in his senti-man mode again! I need to be saved from this super-hero! :P

Anyway, what is this book about? I didn't quite like the sermonisitc (if there is such a word), pessimistic, overall darkish tone of the excerpts that you've posted. Not presenting a very positive view on life... perceptions of an overly pragmatic person (atheist as well). That said, the text is written quite well and is thought provoking. More on that later.

On a different note... well of course.. there is no place like home and none in the world like family. But of course, it is natural for one to take them for granted. Do you guys remember Gandhiji's talisman? It is not really connected with the thread of discussion, but I, as a personal pratice, do apply a variation of it whenever I feel disappointed or seem to take things for granted. Here is the original:

"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man [woman] whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him [her]. Will he [she] gain anything by it? Will it restore him [her] to a control over his [her] own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj [freedom] for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."

I imagine the face of the poorest person that I've seen, but yet, with a smile on his/her face; I've seen many such people. And then I cannot help but feel a deep sense of heartfelt gratitude towards God for blessing me with all that I have.... friends, family, health and wealth.

On a completely different, leg-pulling note, here's another quote directed towards you-know-who:
"A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave"
- Gandhiji

Carpe Diem! Let it out! :P