The Precipice

The Precipice O ne day a friend of mine came to see me unexpectedly, at an odd hour, and he did not even accept the offer of a cup of tea. He hurriedly said, “I have to reach home soon. My wife must be waiting for me.” And then, in a hurry, he started his scooter and set off. Barely half an hour later, the telephone bell rang. It was his wife. In a greatly agitated tone, she stammered, “Your friend....” I could hear her sobs and cries, and the meaning of the sentence could be guessed. Putting the receiver down hastily, I rushed to her house. Having said goodbye to me he had reached home, but while climbing the stairs he had stumbled and fallen down. Some people had carried him upstairs and the doctor was immediately called, but he could only declare him dead. When he rode off on his scooter, he had apparently set off for his home but, in truth, he was heading towards death. This is not an unusual event. Such events take place every day and in all kinds of places. On 25th May 1979, American Airlines Flight 191 took off from O’Hare International Airport, Chicago. Shortly afterwards it crashed and burst into flames. All 271 passengers were burnt to death. This particular accident happened with a small number of people, but such is going to be the fate of all human beings. All men who are on the move are actually heading towards death and destruction. Death is closer to man than life itself.