533. A conversation Between Two Journalists

"This happened a few years back. There was a leader in a political party, who had come up from the ranks, through his dedication and hard work. After the demise of the President of the party, he became the party President. At that time, that party was not in power. But, it was widely expected that that party would win the next elections and come to power. He was expected to become the Chief Minister. The party won the elections, as expected. But he couldn't become the Chief Minister."

"Why?"

"He was defeated in the election. He lost by a huge margin."

"What happened after that?"

"His political career came to an end."

"Interesting. I won't ask you why he lost the election. I know the reason for his defeat."

"How could you know the reason? You don't even know who the person I talked about is. I didn't even mention in which state this had happened. Moreover, you have no interest in politics and you have not been following the political developments in various states of our country!"

"I don't know the person you talked about. But I will tell you the reason for his defeat, as per my assessment. Tell me whether I am right. Many people would have helped him in his growth in politics at various stages. But after coming up in the ladder of the hierarchy in his party, he would have forgotten those people and the help rendered by them. That was why, when he contested the election, his partymen did not work enthusiastically for his victory. Am I right?"

"You are on dot! We political journalists spend a lot of time in the field, gather information from various sources, like a bee gathering honey and then arrive at conclusions and make assessments. But you are stating the facts, as if you have witnessed the happenings from close quarters. How did you do this?"

"After all, I am also a journalist like you. While you focus on political developments, I concentrate on commerce and industry. A similar experience happened to an industrialist. He started his business in a small way and grew up to be a big industrialist. A lot of people helped him end encouraged him from the very beginning in various ways, from giving him orders and supplying goods on credit to helping him get a loan from a bank.  But, with success having gone to his head, he forgot the help done by various people. He was not only not grateful to those who had helped him, but didn't bother to be in touch with them as well.  He deluded himself that he attained success because of his intelligence and hard work. When he was at the pinnacle of success, he was lonely, with no friends or well-wishers. When, after a few years, the tide had turned and he began to face problems in his business, he couldn't seek help from anyone, since he had distanced himself from his benefactors. As it happens in the snakes and ladders game, he had a steep fall from the top and he could never rise again. It is by recalling this incident that I guessed what could have happened in the case of the leader mentioned by you."

"It is surprising that similar events have happened in two different fields!"

"If we check with people studying other fields, we may find similar stories. After all, facts of life should apply to all fields."

"From being a journalist, you seem to be evolving into a philosopher!"

Both laughed.

Thirukkural

Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 54

Avoiding Forgetfulness and Complacency

Verse 533 (in Tamil):

pochchAppARkku illai pugazhmai adhu ulagaththu
eppAl nUlOrkkum thuNivu.

Meaning:

There is no fame for those who are smug, lax or derisive:

scholars of all walks and beliefs concur on this.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'kaNdu pidiththadhu eppadi' by the same author.)

Verse 534 (Soon)
Verse 532