Machiavelli: Ends versus Means
‘It is far better to be feared than loved if you cannot be both’, such and more is the devious logic of Niccolo Machiavelli in his most famous and also most hated book across centuries, The Prince. The 15th century master’s shrewd intellect shows through this realpolitik treatise, perhaps as a means undertaken to justify […]
Read MorePassion, Compassion, Values and Beliefs: Siddhartha
Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha is a classic by the virtue of portraying the author’s own intense efforts to understand life and its experiences through his protagonist, whose name means ‘one who has found the meaning of his existence’. As the seminal work of Hesse, published in 1922, its lucidity is in complete contrast with the depths […]
Read MoreRashmirathi-II
The fourth chapter refers to the meeting between Karna and Lord Indra where Karna makes the ultimate sacrifice which I have referred to in the beginning of my blog. The chapter brings out the principles that Karna has sworn by: ‘Bhuj ko chhod na mujhe sahara kisi aur sambal ka, bada bharosa tha, lekin is […]
Read MoreRashmirathi – I
“Chakit, bheet chahchaha uthe kunjon me vihag bichare, disha sann rah gayi dekh yah drishya bheeti ke mare! Sah na sake aaghaat, surya chhip gaye sarak kar ghan me, ‘sadhu, sadhu!’ ki gira mandra goonji gambhir gagan me” (The amazed birds chirruped in fear, even the directions were stunned; even the sun went behind the […]
Read MoreFeed…back!
Folks, here’s my feedback on your feedback: thanks, it was lovely! It’s like this – when you set out to accomplish something you are passionate about, it’s always nice to meet a few compliments on the way. It’s nicer still when you encounter well-meant, constructive criticism, which helps you go farther than you had imagined […]
Read MoreCheshire Cat
Cheshire Puss, she began ‘Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?’ ‘That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,’ said the Cat. ‘I don’t much care where-‘ said Alice. ‘Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,’ said the Cat – so long as I […]
Read MoreA Beginning…
There is always a first time and there are no second chances. With my first blog ever, I make this foray into a very well-populated community characterized by shared experiences and a zeal for attention. As a professor, I try to guide my students on the path of knowledge, on which I too continue to […]
Read More