I stand amongst the last few people guarding the citadel of subtlety. With me are a few brave warriors who value, cherish and fight for subtlety. It is a tough battle, but if it was easy then it would not have been a battle. Some might feel that this article has no point, but if you feel that, then you validate the title of this blog.
Most people like clarity, even in our humour. They kill the jokes a hundred times over with explanations and elaboration. The not said often has more value, enjoy it and appreciate it. Imagination is a powerful tool to appreciate subtlety. A little guessing never hurt anyone. By no means do I recommend deliberate obfuscation, but a little cloud cover makes the atmosphere beautiful.
As an ardent admirer of the unspoken I request more support in my sojourn to promote greater subtlety.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Dreams
“Dreams are not those you get while sleeping. Dreams are those that don’t let you sleep”. This is what Indian boxer Akhil Kumar said after he beat the world champion at the Beijing Olympics.
Probably even he does not know how powerful this statement is. If you dissect it carefully it talks about three aspects. First is the importance of dreaming, nothing new here. Second is the implicit burning desire to achieve your dream, again lot of people talk about it. The third and most critical message this statement sends is that don’t rest unless you have achieved your dream. Motivation without direction and direction without motivation is of little use. To be a success these two drivers have to walk together.
A not so wise man once commented, “To achieve something you need to dream and to dream you need to sleep”. This not so wise man happens to be me.
People often miss the second and third message of Akhil’s statement. There could be various reasons for this. A large number of people are scared of achieving the dream because all their life they live to achieve that dream but they are scared that after they get it, life will lose its meaning. It is like their secret source of power which drives them in life. To these people I say, dream more again and again.
To the people who don’t have a dream, find one.
Probably even he does not know how powerful this statement is. If you dissect it carefully it talks about three aspects. First is the importance of dreaming, nothing new here. Second is the implicit burning desire to achieve your dream, again lot of people talk about it. The third and most critical message this statement sends is that don’t rest unless you have achieved your dream. Motivation without direction and direction without motivation is of little use. To be a success these two drivers have to walk together.
A not so wise man once commented, “To achieve something you need to dream and to dream you need to sleep”. This not so wise man happens to be me.
People often miss the second and third message of Akhil’s statement. There could be various reasons for this. A large number of people are scared of achieving the dream because all their life they live to achieve that dream but they are scared that after they get it, life will lose its meaning. It is like their secret source of power which drives them in life. To these people I say, dream more again and again.
To the people who don’t have a dream, find one.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Why i will be nice..
This incident took place over a year back. It left a strong impression on me and hence i decided to share it.
Really weird thing when I was returning home from work.. I took a cab from Metro to my place and went thru marine drive.. the fare was 24 bucks.. so i gave the guy the money and he says "Saab dus rupaiya wapas le lo, aaj bahut dhanda kar liya (there was a bus strike in Mumbai that day)... Mein taxi Girgaum me park karne wala tha to waise bhi ussey direction mein ja raha tha, aaj ke liya itna paisa bahut hain"..
Coming from a poor man, I was stunned.. I obviously argued with him and said, this is his money.. So for about 5 min we were arguing in the middle of the road...But he refused.. And i saw the satisfaction of anhonest man in his eyes.... Can u imagine a Mumbai cabby taking less money.. Its a good turn that will pass on...
This incident has left a lasting impression on me.. Its made me realize that greed is not all pervasive.. Kindness, humility and honour are still alive.. It is upto me to display these characteristics in the future.. I truly hope more people proudly display these traits more often..
Really weird thing when I was returning home from work.. I took a cab from Metro to my place and went thru marine drive.. the fare was 24 bucks.. so i gave the guy the money and he says "Saab dus rupaiya wapas le lo, aaj bahut dhanda kar liya (there was a bus strike in Mumbai that day)... Mein taxi Girgaum me park karne wala tha to waise bhi ussey direction mein ja raha tha, aaj ke liya itna paisa bahut hain"..
Coming from a poor man, I was stunned.. I obviously argued with him and said, this is his money.. So for about 5 min we were arguing in the middle of the road...But he refused.. And i saw the satisfaction of anhonest man in his eyes.... Can u imagine a Mumbai cabby taking less money.. Its a good turn that will pass on...
This incident has left a lasting impression on me.. Its made me realize that greed is not all pervasive.. Kindness, humility and honour are still alive.. It is upto me to display these characteristics in the future.. I truly hope more people proudly display these traits more often..
Monday, August 11, 2008
Quick Gun Feedback
I was invited for a preview screening of a English remake of a Tamil movie.. The producers wanted to get feedback on the movie before its commercial launch.. So before the movie, i was part of a focus group which focussed on the promotional aspects of the movie.. After the movie 400 people were asked to fill a quantitative questionnaire.
Honestly the less said about the movie the better..
The purpose of this article is more to analyze the method and relevance of the feedback.
The objectives of a movie maybe many, it could be to entertain, provide a message, medium of artistic performance etc etc.. Hence a movie has to be targetted at a specific audience. It is upto the movie makers to decide how to translate the idea from his head to the screen.
the real question is about the usefulness of the feedback..
- Negative Feedback, i really doubt if the producer would be willing to change the product after its complete.
- Selection of respondents. wrong sampling can make the director change his mind on the movie. (if the sample consisted of more people like me, the movie would never be released)
It was a really random experience to be paid for a movie and fill out a questionnaire at the end of the show. It was a bit surreal. I realize now, that a film critic has to suffer a large number of stupid movies and then write about it.
Finance is a safer option!!
Honestly the less said about the movie the better..
The purpose of this article is more to analyze the method and relevance of the feedback.
The objectives of a movie maybe many, it could be to entertain, provide a message, medium of artistic performance etc etc.. Hence a movie has to be targetted at a specific audience. It is upto the movie makers to decide how to translate the idea from his head to the screen.
the real question is about the usefulness of the feedback..
- Negative Feedback, i really doubt if the producer would be willing to change the product after its complete.
- Selection of respondents. wrong sampling can make the director change his mind on the movie. (if the sample consisted of more people like me, the movie would never be released)
It was a really random experience to be paid for a movie and fill out a questionnaire at the end of the show. It was a bit surreal. I realize now, that a film critic has to suffer a large number of stupid movies and then write about it.
Finance is a safer option!!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Written Script
AIN; the legendary warrior of the woods,
Lay wounded in the muck by the river bank.
His body carried many a scar,
Warm blood trickled out of his open wounds.
Each painful breath blew away some dust.
The shooting pain made everything numb.
He lay there, smelling the sweet soft soil,
Thinking he is soon going to be a part of it.
With great pain he looked towards Heaven,
Gasping aloud, “Is this my script’?
Then there was lightning, thunder rumbled in the distance.
The wind whistled through the trees
Droplets from heaven gently caressed the warrior.
The storm grew harder, the river got restless.
The pain heightened his awareness, arousing some fear.
The darkness seemed all encompassing.
Then rays of light journeyed to Earth.
AIN – The Warrior, managed a wry smile.
He knew his Maker had answered.
Destiny demanded a new victory tomorrow.
Lay wounded in the muck by the river bank.
His body carried many a scar,
Warm blood trickled out of his open wounds.
Each painful breath blew away some dust.
The shooting pain made everything numb.
He lay there, smelling the sweet soft soil,
Thinking he is soon going to be a part of it.
With great pain he looked towards Heaven,
Gasping aloud, “Is this my script’?
Then there was lightning, thunder rumbled in the distance.
The wind whistled through the trees
Droplets from heaven gently caressed the warrior.
The storm grew harder, the river got restless.
The pain heightened his awareness, arousing some fear.
The darkness seemed all encompassing.
Then rays of light journeyed to Earth.
AIN – The Warrior, managed a wry smile.
He knew his Maker had answered.
Destiny demanded a new victory tomorrow.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Opening Thoughts
So ive finally decided to write.. an impulse decision spurred by some arbid comments..
i used to write earlier but never shared my work. so in a sense im coming out of the closet. (pun unintended)
Im a bit volatile and irrational at times, so its not surprising that the blog makes its debut during the strategic management class.. so while i listen to some stupid presentation of a companies vision i decide to put down some of my own stupid thoughts.
so this space is gona be my area for making sarcastic comments, observations and theories..
till the next time.. cheers..
p.s. for any complaints about the blog layout contact aditya patil
Comments and critcism welcome,,
i used to write earlier but never shared my work. so in a sense im coming out of the closet. (pun unintended)
Im a bit volatile and irrational at times, so its not surprising that the blog makes its debut during the strategic management class.. so while i listen to some stupid presentation of a companies vision i decide to put down some of my own stupid thoughts.
so this space is gona be my area for making sarcastic comments, observations and theories..
till the next time.. cheers..
p.s. for any complaints about the blog layout contact aditya patil
Comments and critcism welcome,,
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