When Applause Drowns Insight: The Loneliness of Wisdom in an Age of Noise

When Applause Drowns Insight: The Loneliness of Wisdom in an Age of Noise

There are moments in history—and many more in our present—when popularity rises like a roaring tide and wisdom stands quietly on the shore, unheard. When applause becomes louder than insight, when numbers matter more than nuance, the wise are often ignored, misunderstood, and left lonely. Yet this is not a new tragedy; it is an ancient human pattern, repeating itself with changing costumes and technologies.

Echoes from Older Days: Wisdom as a Solitary Lamp

From Socrates drinking hemlock for questioning popular beliefs, to Galileo being silenced for stating that the Earth moves, history is crowded with examples where popularity overpowered wisdom. The masses often chose comfort over truth, familiarity over challenge. In ancient India, sages withdrew to forests not because they despised society, but because society often failed to listen. Even in epics, the voice of wisdom—Vidura in the Mahabharata, for instance—was respected in words but ignored in action.

Literature captures this poignantly. Shakespeare’s King Lear banishes the honest Cordelia and trusts flattering voices instead. The result is chaos. The message is clear: when wisdom is sidelined for popularity, decline is not immediate but inevitable.

The Contemporary World: Metrics over Meaning

Today, wisdom competes not in quiet assemblies but in a marketplace of likes, shares, and followers. Social media rewards immediacy, not depth; emotion, not reflection. Popularity is quantifiable, wisdom is not. Algorithms amplify what excites, not what enlightens. As a result, the thoughtful voice—measured, cautious, complex—often loses to the loud, simplistic, and sensational.

Psychologically, this aligns with herd behaviour. Humans, wired for survival, often equate popularity with safety: if many believe it, it must be right. This cognitive shortcut once helped tribes survive but now misleads societies. The wise person, who questions the herd, risks isolation. Loneliness becomes the tax wisdom pays for integrity.

Human Behaviour, Survival, and the Scientific Lens

Neuroscience explains why popularity seduces us. Dopamine rewards approval; critical thinking demands cognitive effort. The brain prefers ease over examination. From an evolutionary standpoint, conforming increased chances of survival. Yet civilisation advances not by conformity alone, but by those who dared to think differently—often at personal cost.

Science also shows that minority opinions, when correct, improve group decisions. Wisdom ignored today may become tomorrow’s truth. The tragedy lies not in wisdom being lonely, but in society suffering for not listening sooner.

Pros and Cons of Popularity Dominating Wisdom

Pros:

– Popularity creates unity and rapid mobilisation.

– It provides emotional comfort and a sense of belonging.

– Simple messages are easily understood and widely adopted.

Cons:

– Oversimplification of complex truths.

– Marginalisation of experts and elders.

– Long-term harm masked by short-term approval.

– Loneliness and discouragement of the wise, leading to intellectual stagnation.

When the Wise Are Left Lonely—Then What?

Then wisdom waits. It does not shout; it endures. It survives in books, in quiet mentors, in reflective minds, and in the conscience of time. Popularity is seasonal; wisdom is perennial. Societies that learn to balance both flourish. Those that do not, repeat history’s mistakes with modern tools.

When claps replace the calm of thought,
And noise outshines the true,
The wise may walk a lonely path,
Yet still they light the view.

For crowds may cheer the fleeting now,
And crowns may rest on pride,
But time bows only to the truth
That wisdom keeps alive.

Listen soft, beyond the roar,
Where quieter truths begin—
For what is ignored in noisy days
May yet be the way we win.

In the end, popularity may win moments, but wisdom wins eras. The question is not whether the wise will be lonely—but whether society will learn to seek them before it is too late.

When Noise Became a Shield: The Night Geese Outwitted an Empire

When Noise Became a Shield: The Night Geese Outwitted an Empire

History is often written in the clang of swords and the silence of graves, yet sometimes it is preserved in the cackle of a bird. The saying “The cackling of geese saved Rome” springs from an episode that appears modest on the surface but profound in meaning. It reminds us that survival does not always depend on brute strength or celebrated heroes; sometimes it hinges on alertness, instinct, and the courage to respond to an unexpected warning.

The Story from Antiquity: When Rome Almost Fell

The incident dates back to 390 BCE, during the Gallic invasion of Rome. After a crushing defeat at the Battle of the Allia, Rome lay vulnerable. The Gauls advanced, plundering much of the city. The last Roman resistance retreated to the Capitoline Hill, a natural fortress believed to be secure.

One night, under the cover of darkness, the Gauls attempted a stealthy climb up the steep cliffs of the Capitoline. The Roman guards, exhausted and complacent, failed to notice the enemy’s approach. Dogs—often trusted as sentinels—remained strangely silent.

But the sacred geese of Juno, kept near the temple atop the hill, erupted into loud, frantic cackling. Their alarm woke Marcus Manlius Capitolinus, a Roman soldier, who rushed out, raised the alert, and pushed back the attackers. Rome survived—not because of the military might alone, but because of a bird’s instinctive response.

Whether every detail is historically precise or slightly embellished by Roman historians like Livy matters less than the enduring truth it conveys: vigilance can come from unexpected quarters.

Authenticity and Symbolism: Fact, Fable, or Both?

From a historical standpoint, the episode sits at the intersection of fact and allegory. Ancient historians often infused narratives with moral lessons. The geese symbolised divine protection—Juno’s watchful presence over Rome.

Yet, from a practical angle, the story is entirely plausible. Geese are naturally highly territorial, sensitive to unfamiliar sounds and movements, and prone to vocal alarm. Even today, they are used as guard animals in farms and sensitive installations.

Thus, the authenticity of the event lies not merely in archaeological certainty, but in behavioural truth—a truth repeatedly confirmed by observation and science.

Human Behaviour and Survival: Lessons Beyond the Hill

This episode mirrors a recurring pattern in human behaviour:

– Complacency breeds vulnerability. The guards slept; the dogs failed.

– Marginal voices often perceive danger first. The geese, disregarded as mere birds, sensed what trained soldiers missed.

– Survival depends on responsiveness, not hierarchy.

Psychologically, humans are wired to filter out routine noise but react sharply to sudden, unusual signals. The geese disrupted the silence—forcing attention. In modern terms, they acted as an early warning system, breaking cognitive inertia.

Many personal, organisational, and societal failures occur not because warnings were absent, but because they were ignored, ridiculed, or dismissed.

Scientific Perspective: Instinct as Intelligence

From an ethological (animal behaviour) standpoint:

– Geese have acute auditory perception.

– They exhibit collective alarm behaviour, amplifying threat signals.

– Their reaction is instinctive, rapid, and unbiased by fatigue or overconfidence.

Neuroscience tells us that instinctive responses often bypass overthinking. Humans, burdened by assumptions and fatigue, sometimes override their own intuition. Animals do not.

In this sense, the geese represent raw intelligence without ego—a form of wisdom modern humans often undervalue.

The Contemporary World: Are We Listening to the Geese?

In today’s context, the “geese” are everywhere:

– Scientists warning about climate change

– Teachers sensing emotional distress in children

– Whistle-blowers flagging institutional corruption

– Elders cautioning against reckless haste

Yet, like the Roman guards, we are often too tired, too proud, or too distracted to listen.

We trust sophisticated systems, technologies, and credentials—but crises frequently erupt from blind spots those systems fail to cover. The lesson remains timeless: alerts do not always arrive in polished language or authorised uniforms.

Pros and Cons of the Lesson

Pros

– Encourages humility and openness to unconventional warnings

– Highlights the value of instinct, intuition, and vigilance

– Reinforces collective responsibility for survival

– Promotes interdisciplinary thinking—history, psychology, science

Cons

– Over-reliance on symbolism may dilute factual scrutiny

– Can romanticise chance events as destiny

– Risk of misinterpreting noise as danger, leading to paranoia

– Instinct without reasoning may cause false alarms if unchecked

Balance, therefore, is essential—alertness guided by wisdom.

The Sound That Still Echoes

Rome stood that night because someone listened. The empire endured because noise was not dismissed as a nuisance. In every age, survival favours those who remain awake—not just in the body, but in mind.

Not every warning wears a crown,
Nor every saviour holds a sword;
Sometimes the truth arrives as sound,
A voice unheard, a cry ignored.

When silence lulls the guards to sleep,
And pride declares the walls secure,
It is the restless, watchful weak
Who sense the fall and find the cure.

So heed the cackle, hum, or cry,
That breaks your comfort, shakes your ease;
For empires fall when warnings die,
And stand when someone hears the geese.

Not Everything That Shines Sustains: A Life Lesson from Cradle to Contemporary Times

Not Everything That Shines Sustains: A Life Lesson from Cradle to Contemporary Times

There is a proverb that has travelled farther than most human beings ever will: “All that glitters is not gold.” Though often attributed to Shakespeare, its wisdom predates him and survives well beyond our digital age. It is a sentence simple enough for a child to memorise, yet deep enough to occupy a philosopher for a lifetime. From early childhood fascinations to modern obsessions with success, beauty, wealth, and fame, this proverb continues to whisper a necessary caution into human ears.

Early Lessons: The Innocence of Shine

In our early lives, we are naturally drawn to brightness—colourful toys, glossy books, shiny medals, well-dressed adults, and loud applause. Children learn quickly to associate glitter with reward and approval. A gold-coloured star on a notebook, a rank in class, or a prize on stage seems to define worth. Parents and teachers, often unintentionally, reinforce this idea by celebrating outcomes more than effort, appearance more than character.

At this stage, glitter plays a positive role. It motivates, excites, and instils aspiration. Without some sparkle, childhood might lose its sense of wonder. However, the danger lies in letting shine become the sole measure of value. When children grow believing that visibility equals virtue, disappointment begins early and quietly.

The Adolescent Crossroads: Between Substance and Show

As life progresses, the proverb becomes more relevant—and more painful. Adolescents encounter social hierarchies, comparisons, peer pressure, and the early performance of adulthood. The best-dressed student, the loudest voice, the most popular face often commands attention, while sincerity, kindness, and quiet intelligence wait patiently in the shadows.

Here lies a con: glitter can deceive. It creates illusions of happiness, success, and confidence, masking insecurity, emptiness, or ethical compromise. Many young minds chase borrowed light, mistaking it for inner fire.

Yet, to be fair, not all glitter is false. Presentation, confidence, ambition, and visibility have their rightful place in society. The pro lies in balance—when shine is backed by substance, when charisma walks alongside competence.

The Contemporary Mindset: A World of Filters and Facades

In today’s world, the proverb has acquired alarming relevance. Social media, corporate branding, instant fame, and consumer culture have elevated glitter into a lifestyle. Curated happiness, edited faces, exaggerated achievements, and viral opinions dominate public spaces. What is seen often matters more than what is true.

Success today is frequently measured by followers, possessions, and applause rather than integrity, resilience, or contribution. This is where the proverb serves as a moral compass. Many glittering careers collapse under ethical scrutiny; many glamorous relationships wither in emotional drought; many impressive resumes hide fragile inner lives.

Yet again, balance is key. Visibility can empower unheard voices. Technology can amplify genuine talent. Glitter becomes dangerous only when it replaces depth, not when it complements it.

The Mature Realisation: Choosing Gold Over Glow

With age and experience, life gently—or sometimes harshly—teaches discernment. One learns that reliability matters more than reputation, peace more than popularity, and character more than charm. True gold is often dull at first glance: a faithful friend, honest work, disciplined living, quiet service, and values that do not trend but endure.

The wisdom of the proverb is not a rejection of beauty or success, but a call for evaluation. Look beyond the shine. Ask what sustains, what serves, and what survives time.

A Proverb for All Seasons

“All that glitters is not gold” is not an invitation to cynicism, but to clarity. It urges us to teach children depth along with dreams, to guide youth towards substance alongside success, and to remind adults that lasting worth rarely needs loud advertisement.

In a world intoxicated with sparkle, choosing gold becomes an act of quiet courage.

Not every light can warm the soul,
Not every crown can make us whole.
Some truths arrive in modest hue,
Unseen, unheard—yet deeply true.

Seek not the shine that blinds the eyes,
But fires that burn when glamour dies.
For when the noise and lights grow cold,
Life remembers only gold.

He Left the Light On” — One Hope, Quietly Spoken

“He Left the Light On” — One Hope, Quietly Spoken

There are many things people say about us while we are alive—some kind, some careless, some born of misunderstanding, others of fleeting admiration. Reputation is a restless companion; it changes with time, circumstance and convenience. Yet, if I were allowed to hope for just one thing that people might say about me—unprompted, unembellished, and even in my absence—it would be this:

“He tried to be humane, even when it was difficult.”

Not brilliant. Not famous. Not powerful. Just humane.

The Contemporary Hunger for Validation

We live in an age where being seen often matters more than being sincere. Social media has trained us to curate lives rather than live them, to seek applause rather than understanding. Survival today is not merely biological; it is psychological. People struggle silently with anxiety, irrelevance, ageing, displacement, comparison and the fear of being forgotten. In such a climate, kindness becomes countercultural, and decency often goes unnoticed because it does not shout.

Human behaviour, shaped by competition and scarcity—real or perceived—tends to prioritise self-preservation. “Look after yourself first” has become a mantra, sometimes necessary, often misused. Yet history and psychology both tell us that humans survive best not as isolated islands, but as connected beings. Empathy, cooperation and moral consistency are not luxuries; they are survival tools refined over millennia.

To be remembered as humane, therefore, is not sentimental idealism—it is a deeply practical aspiration.

Being Humane in an Inhumane Tempo

To be humane does not mean being perfect or endlessly accommodating. It means trying—trying to listen before judging, to pause before reacting, to understand before dismissing. It means recognising that everyone is fighting a battle that is invisible to the casual observer.

Psychology reminds us of the fundamental attribution error: our tendency to judge others by their actions while excusing our own due to circumstances. A humane person resists this impulse. He grants others the same contextual generosity he quietly hopes to receive.

In professional life, it might mean choosing dignity over dominance.
In family life, it might mean patience over pride.
In public life, it might mean silence over sarcasm.

These choices rarely earn medals. But they leave traces—subtle, enduring.

Legacy Beyond Labels

At some point, titles fade: Principal, consultant, teacher, writer, retiree. What remains is memory—and memory is shaped less by what we achieved and more by how we made others feel. Neuroscience tells us that emotional experiences are encoded more deeply than factual ones. People may forget our words, but they remember whether they felt safe, respected, or diminished in our presence.

If someone were to say, years later,

“I could speak freely with him,”
or
“He did not humiliate me when I failed,”
or even
“He noticed me when I felt invisible,”

that would be achievement enough.

Survival with Softness

In a world that often rewards aggression, being humane requires courage. It is easier to harden oneself, to withdraw, to build emotional armour. But survival that costs one’s humanity is a hollow victory. True resilience lies not in becoming unfeeling, but in remaining sensitive without being shattered.

To leave the light on—for others, and sometimes for oneself—is an act of quiet rebellion.

If, one day, when my name surfaces briefly in conversation or memory, someone pauses and says,

“He was not perfect, but he was kind where it mattered,”

I would consider my time well spent.

Because long after opinions fade and achievements blur,
humaneness remains legible—
like a lamp left burning in a darkened corridor,
guiding no one loudly,
but helping many find their way.

When the Curtain Rises: My Life Across Stage and Speech

When the Curtain Rises: My Life Across Stage and Speech

There are moments in life when the spotlight does not merely fall upon you—it reveals you. For me, the stage has never been just a wooden platform framed by curtains; it has been a sacred arena where imagination breathes, philosophy echoes, and the unspoken finds its voice. Whether draped in the intensity of a dramatic role or standing before an expectant audience with a speech that demanded both courage and conscience, I found myself shaped, chiselled, and illuminated by every performance.

The Stage: My First University

Long before I learnt to speak in public as a trained orator, it was the stage that taught me to listen—to characters, to emotions, to silence itself. I was blessed to perform in and direct a wide spectrum of plays across languages, cultures, and sensibilities.

From English plays such as Fur Flies, Beyond Reasonable Doubt, The Shoemaker of Syracuse, The Prince Who Was a Piper, and St. Simeon Stylites, to regional productions like Bakri in Hindi, Panchali in Bangla, Aama in Nepali, and Sangharsh in Odia—the theatre became a mosaic of human experience.

Each play was a pilgrimage.
Each role was a revelation.

In Panchali, I lived the ache of Draupadi—betrayed, humiliated, yet unbroken—her dignity a flame that neither kings nor dice games could extinguish.
In Aama, the mother’s pain crept into my bones, reminding me of the universal language of sacrifice.
In St. Simeon Stylites, spirituality rose like incense, offering a philosophical ascent beyond worldly dust.

There were times when backstage whispers felt like ancient mantras, threads tying our mortal efforts to eternal stories. Theatre, after all, is where humanity rehearses its truths before the larger drama of life begins.

The Art of the Spoken Word

Alongside theatre, my journey as a speaker galloped forward with equal passion. From school assemblies to inter-state competitions, from inter-college to inter-university tournaments, I stood behind countless podiums—sometimes nervous, sometimes fearless, always alive.

Winning first prizes at so many levels did not inflate my pride; rather, they deepened my responsibility. Speech, unlike a rehearsed script, is a living organism—breathing through the speaker, evolving with the audience, and flowering in the moment.

A good speech is not delivered; it is surrendered.
Surrendered to truth, to conviction, to the invisible thread that binds speaker and listener.

I recall an elderly judge once telling me:
“Your words do not speak; they walk.”
Perhaps that is what oration truly is—words stepping out into the world to do their work.

In those moments, I understood why ancient philosophers believed speech was divine. The Vedas considered Vāk (speech) as a goddess. The Bible echoes, “In the beginning was the Word.” And theatre reminds us that all creation started with a sound—a cue, a call, a whisper from the wings of eternity.

Between Performance and Philosophy

Both drama and speech enthralled me because they shared a common purpose: to reflect the human condition.

In a one-act play, a character’s journey mirrors the fragile architecture of our emotions.
In a speech, one must distil wisdom into sentences that ring true long after the applause fades.

The stage sharpened my empathy; public speaking refined my intellect.
The stage taught me vulnerability; speeches taught me persuasion.
The stage opened my imagination; speaking opened my influence.

Together, they shaped my worldview—one that acknowledges the depth of human suffering, the beauty of human resilience, and the eternal dialogue between destiny and free will.

As Tagore wrote:
“The stage is not merely the meeting place of all the arts, but is also the return of art to life.”

Finale: When the Last Spotlight Fades

When I look back today, the countless hours under glaring lights, the tension of a silent hall before a speech, the trembling hands of co-actors backstage, the roar of applause—all of it feels like a beautifully crafted tapestry. Every role I played and every speech I delivered became a stanza in the ongoing poem of my life.

If I have learnt anything through these performances, it is this:
One does not perform to impress; one performs to express.
And when expression becomes authentic, the world listens—sometimes quietly, sometimes thunderously, but always sincerely.

So here I stand, years wiser, heart fuller, still carrying the fragrance of greasepaint and the warmth of many podiums. Life itself has become my stage now, and every day, I continue to perform—not for applause, not for awards, but for the sheer joy of being alive, articulate, and purposeful.

In the grand theatre of existence, where destinies are scripted in light and shadow, I have learnt to walk with the poise of a performer and speak with the clarity of a sage. The curtain may fall on many acts of my life, yet the echoes of passion, resilience, imagination, and truth linger like a timeless soliloquy. For the actor in me still seeks new characters to understand, and the orator in me still yearns for words that can heal, awaken, and transform. And thus, with every breath, I continue my silent rehearsal—polishing the soul, refining the voice, and preparing for life’s next magnificent performance.

Fire, Fragrance, and Faith: My Three Favourite Hindi Poets

Fire, Fragrance, and Faith: My Three Favourite Hindi Poets

Dinkar, Chaturvedi & Gupt — The Three Stalwarts Who Shaped India’s Poetic Conscience

Hindi literature is not merely a language’s pride—it is a nation’s soul carved into verse. Among its many luminous constellations, three stars shine with undimmed brilliance: Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’, Pandit Makhanlal Chaturvedi, and Maithili Sharan Gupt.

Their poetry shaped India’s nationalist movement, ethical imagination, emotional vocabulary, and spiritual resilience. To honour them is to honour the breath of Indian civilisation itself.

RAMDHARI SINGH ‘DINKAR’: The Poet Who Turned Words into Weapons

Dinkar’s verse is a confluence of veer rasa, philosophy, and political wisdom. His poetry doesn’t merely speak—it thunders.

1. From Rashmirathi (Karna’s Defiant Voice)

“विनय नहीं जानता मैं,
सत्य का अधिकारी हूँ।
कर्मभूमि है यह मेरी,
धर्म का वाहक धारी हूँ।”

Meaning:
“I do not know the language of meekness;
I am the one entitled to truth.
This is my field of action,
And I carry the mandate of righteousness.”

2. From Hunkar (The Cry of the Youth)

“सिंहासन खाली करो कि जनता आती है।”

Meaning:
“Vacate the throne—the people are coming.”

This single line shook colonial complacency and awakened nationalist spirit.

3. From Parshuram ki Pratiksha

“क्षमा शोभती उस भुजंग को,
जिसके पास गरल हो।”

Meaning:
“Forgiveness suits only that serpent
Which possesses venom.”

A philosophical proclamation: power must precede virtue; moral restraint has value only when one has the strength to act otherwise.

Critical Appreciation

Dinkar harnesses the moral currents of the Mahabharata, the human dilemmas of warriors, and the inner tension between dharma and desire. His metaphors—thunder, steel, flame—transform poetry into movement. He is the poet who ignites.

MAKHANLAL CHATURVEDI: The Saint-Poet of Purity, Patriotism, and Tender Courage

Chaturvedi’s poetry is like the fragrance of wild jasmine—gentle yet capable of stirring revolutions.

1. From “Pushp Ki Abhilasha”

“चाह नहीं मैं जग के राजाओं में पैरों तले रौंदा जाऊँ।”

Meaning:
“I do not wish to be trampled under the feet of the world’s kings.”

A flower refusing the arrogance of power—symbolic of ethical integrity.

2. From “Deep Se Deep Jale”

“चलो दीप से दीप जले, अंधकार से युद्ध करें।”

Meaning:
“Let one lamp light another; let us wage war against darkness.”

His nationalism is light-based—illuminating, not blazing.

3. From his nature-inspired verse

“फूल कभी सोचते नहीं, किसके लिए खिलना है।”

Meaning:
“A flower never wonders for whom it must bloom.”

A simple yet profound statement on selfless action.

Critical Appreciation

Chaturvedi is the poet of clean conscience and spiritual patriotism. He binds nature with nationalism, turning every leaf, wind, petal, and river into metaphors for freedom. His moral messages do not shout—they sing.

MAITHILI SHARAN GUPT: The Poet Who Gave Voice to the Voiceless

Gupt is the craftsman of restraint, emotion, and civilisational ethics. He turned mythological characters into psychological studies—decades before the term “character arc” was fashionable.

1. From Saket (Sita’s Patience)

“वह क्षमा, वह शांत रूप,
वह तपस्या पूर्ण स्वरूप।”

Meaning:
“That forgiveness, that serene form,
That embodiment of devoted penance.”

2. From Yashodhara (Buddha’s Wife)

“हमने ही केवल त्याग किया?
तुमने क्या कुछ नहीं गंवाया?”

Meaning:
“Was it only I who sacrificed?
Did you not lose just as much?”

Here Gupt gives a voice to the silent suffering of a woman forgotten by history.

3. From his moral verse

“नर हो न निराश करो मन को,
कुछ काम करो, कुछ काम करो।”

Meaning:
“Be human—do not let your spirit sink;
Do some good work, do some work.”

Critical Appreciation

Gupt humanises epics. He brings psychological depth to characters lost under layers of devotion. His tone is soft yet morally firm, and his rhyming cadence gentle yet memorable.

He makes ethics accessible.

Three Poets, Three Flames of Bharat

Poet /Symbolic Essence /Contribution

1. Dinkar/ Fire /strength, revolution Courage, nationalism, philosophical justice
2. Chaturvedi /Flower, purity, sacrifice /Moral patriotism, beauty of duty
3. Gupt/ Lamp, introspection, dharma /Psychological insight, character ethics

Together, they represent vigour, virtue, and vision.

From flaming swords to gentle blooms,
From ancient vows to freedom’s rooms,
Their words still march in India’s soul,
Still forge, still heal, still shape the whole.

Dinkar roars with battle’s fire,
Chaturvedi lifts pure desire,
Gupt lights the lamp of inner grace,
And time bows softly to their place.

O triad of the nation’s breath,
O voices stronger than even death—
Your poetry is India’s hymn,
Her pulse, her path, her timeless limb.

When Humanity Shines: The Quiet Things People Do That Win My Deepest Admiration

When Humanity Shines: The Quiet Things People Do That Win My Deepest Admiration

Admiration is a curious, almost sacred emotion. It rises unannounced, often in the quietest of moments, when someone’s behaviour resonates with something noble inside us. Over the years—through my journey as a Principal, an educator, a consultant, a father, and now a grandfather—I have realised that the things that truly impress me are not the grand gestures or the loud proclamations, but the subtle, consistent, deeply human acts that reveal character.

Below are the qualities and actions in others that spark my admiration, that make me pause and say, “Yes, this is what grace looks like in motion.”

1. When People Choose Kindness Over Convenience

In a world that rushes forward at lightning speed, kindness often demands deliberate slowing down.
The person who stops to help a struggling stranger, who offers a seat, who listens with patience when they themselves are exhausted—these are the unsung heroes of everyday life.

Kindness is not weakness; it is quiet strength wrapped in gentleness.

As the Sanskrit saying goes:

“अहिंसा परमो धर्मः।”
Ahimsā paramo dharmah
Non-violence and compassion are the highest forms of duty.

Such compassion earns my wholehearted admiration.

2. When People Speak the Truth Even When Their Voice Shakes

Honesty is a rare currency—precious, powerful, and costly.
I admire people who tell the truth not to win an argument but to uphold integrity. The teacher who accepts an error, the leader who owns a failure, the parent who apologises to a child—these individuals embody courage.

Truth is not always welcome, but it is always respected in the long run.

3. When People Stand Tall During Storms

There are some who endure hardships with a grace that feels almost divine.
Those who lose much, yet smile; who are betrayed, yet forgive; who fall, yet rise—these people are living testaments to resilience.

Life tests everyone, but resilience distinguishes the extraordinary from the ordinary.
It is said:

“तितिक्षा सर्वदुःखानां।”
Titīkṣā sarva-duḥkhānām
Endurance is the cure for all sorrows.

Such resilience commands my admiration every single time.

4. When People Celebrate Others Without Envy

There is something profoundly beautiful about those who clap for others—genuinely, generously—without secretly comparing themselves.
A heart free from jealousy is a heart truly rich.

I admire people who derive joy from someone else’s success as though it were their own. That is maturity. That is spirituality. That is class.

5. When People Remain Humble Despite Greatness

I have met brilliant students, accomplished colleagues, and exceptionally talented musicians.
But the ones I admire the most are those who remain grounded, who treat everyone—from a CEO to a watchman—with equal respect.

Humility is the fragrance of inner wisdom.
It does not shout; it simply shines.

6. When People Love Without Conditions or Timelines

Love that is patient, steady, consistent—this is the love that truly impresses me.
Whether it is a parent caring for a difficult child, a friend who checks in quietly, a spouse who holds the family together, or a grandparent who pours affection like a river—love in its pure, unselfish form is awe-inspiring.

Love, after all, is the highest human art.

7. When People Aspire, Learn, and Persist

I deeply admire those who continue learning even at 60, 70, or beyond.
Those who refuse to let age, hardship, or criticism stop them. Those who chase dreams quietly, consistently, with dignity.

Growth is a choice, and those who keep choosing it command admiration naturally.

Masterstroke Reflection

Admiration is not about perfection.
It is about the sparks of humanity we witness in ordinary people.
What moves us is not their achievements, but their attitude;
Not their possessions, but their principles;
Not their victories, but their values.

In the end, admiration reveals more about our soul than theirs.
We admire in others what we aspire to grow within ourselves.

In silent acts and tender deeds,
In hearts where selflessness proceeds,
In truth upheld through fear and night—
There blooms the rarest human light.

For kindness sown, for love that stays,
For humble hearts and honest ways,
For souls that rise though troubles burn—
These earn the deepest love we learn.

So let me walk this path anew,
Admiring all that’s good and true;
And may these virtues, calm and bright,
Take root in me, and guide my sight.

To read more of such stories please go through the following books available at http://www.amazon.com in digital and print format: