The Book of Life

pages of wisdom poverty, they had no proper place to study, very few books, and constant noise that distracted them. Yet they overcame all these challenges and earned distinction in their chosen subjects. (Hindustan Times, New Delhi, May 26, 1987) Abundance of resources often makes people careless, while scarcity awakens concern and effort. Having too much can lead to idleness, while having less drives a person to action. In this sense, one may call the person facing scarcity more fortunate. Obstacles can become steps to progress—if one knows how to use them that way. AN INCIDENT I n 1940, a landlord in eastern U.P. grew angry with a village cobbler. The cobbler had delayed repairing his shoes. He was summoned to the landlord’s house. The landlord stood with a stick in hand and ordered him to take off his shirt. The cobbler obeyed immediately. He not only removed his shirt but also turned his back toward the landlord and sat silently, making it easy for him to strike. At first, the landlord was furious at the sight of him. But when the cobbler said nothing and quietly sat with his bare back exposed, the landlord felt pity. He put his stick aside and let him go, saying, “Go,