‘Trifles make perfection and perfection is no trifle.’
I was in the 8th
standard when I first read this quote, in my Moral Science book, I think. Yes, yes,
I had Moral Science as a subject, surprised as you might be at that. Anyways,
even after all these years this is actually the first thing that comes to my
mind when I see or read the word quote.
Somehow it has stuck with me. I don’t quite know why though. But, is it really
a surprise that I chose this one to start my quote challenge with? No, right?
I often find myself trying to
understand perceptions of people, and even of myself, keeping this very quote
in mind. In fact, I frequently reflect on my work, my contributions to my family
and areas I’m involved in keeping this as one of the basic tenets. You might
think I’m crazy and maybe you are right! But that's not the point, is it?
You would be surprised at the wisdom
this quote encompasses in itself. With everyone telling you to do more, to try
harder this quote tells you that your efforts, even if negligible or futile, weren't useless. It tells you that every effort, however inconsequential, is worthy of being appreciated. Well, that’s just one of the
connotations of this saying that I particularly identify with.
Remember the past week when the
#SelfieWithDaughter was the talk of the town? Well, the reactions of people
made me go back to this quote instantly. People need to understand that
anything constructive is never really futile. Yes, even without the faintest of
possibility of positive results. But I guess the enlightened choose to digress.
Yes, I too forget this sometimes and join the bandwagon of cynics. I’m human
and fallible after all.
I'm not saying that this particular trending twitter handle or any other twitter handle for that matter has solved the problem that women in India face, the female infanticide, dowry related deaths and so much more. Not at all. But why look at it with malice? Why not take part in it without thinking about any ulterior motives? What harm could it do? Tell me. Why not propagate a positive sentiment, even in an echelon you might think is immune to prejudice against women?
Well, I had posted a picture with my
father and my sister but did that make me a showoff or a buffoon? Did I become
shallow tweeting with this hashtag? I don’t think so. There will always be some
bad apples, but you need to see beyond that. Unless you see the worth in
positivity, you are most likely lost or you most probably haven’t heard of the
quote I just shared. And if I’m still wrong then I have a question or two for
you?
Why do you or I write or tweet on
social issues? Why do you go and sign online petitions? Do you think we are
affecting any change? I think apart from page views or re-tweets we are doing zilch,
so does that mean we should stop? No. Digress by all means but why the bitterness? Some people actually believe that they can bring about change, even if by a fraction, why club them with those rotten apples?
You should not let yourself be
stopped from taking the positive step because you think those rotten apples are
in the majority. No, my dear. Don’t limit the potential of anything, however trifling, to a politician or a bunch of Neanderthals. I know I too am guilty of doing that at numerous occasions. We all have bad peripheral vision at most times, can't help. Humans and fallible again, you see.
I wish just you and I recover from this bout of negativity. I’m not saying do it for someone else, do it for the changes you want to see. Do it because trifles, my dear, are not to be taken lightly. I'm not saying it is the only thing to be done or that one can wash responsibility with only such gestures but what does being venomous achieve? And do it because you cannot let those people who ruin every good act or gesture, no matter where it originates from, win.
I wish just you and I recover from this bout of negativity. I’m not saying do it for someone else, do it for the changes you want to see. Do it because trifles, my dear, are not to be taken lightly. I'm not saying it is the only thing to be done or that one can wash responsibility with only such gestures but what does being venomous achieve? And do it because you cannot let those people who ruin every good act or gesture, no matter where it originates from, win.
Well, that was me blabbering on a Friday but I do hope it does something more than getting me page views. What? Well, I really don't know. I have done my part, however trifling it might be.
***
Thank you Chicky Kadambari for tagging me in
this 3 day Quote Challenge and letting me combine a quote with something I
really wanted to say! I do hope I’m able to post for three continuous days.
Well, 1 down, 2 more to go! That’s always better than 3 more to go, what do you
say? And yes, I'm not tagging anybody because everyone I know has already been tagged. But you can take it up if you want to. All you need to do is:
- Post one of your favorite quotes (different quote on each day) on three consecutive days. The quote can be from your favorite book, author, or your own.
- Nominate 3 bloggers to challenge them.
- Thank the blogger, who nominated you.