Even Just One

A famous writer said: "If all my writings have been beneficial even to just one individual, I would consider myself successful." I love these words and I quote them often. I believe them to be utterly true. In fact, what is the meaning of our life if we can't be or (worse) don't care to be "useful' to another? There are so  many ways in which we can offer our help or - simply - our service. A deed, a word, a paragraph like this, a gesture, a smile of ours can have great significance for someone else. It might make them feel accepted, cared for, loved, at the moment when they need to be reassured. No one is so strong as to never need a helping hand, a listening ear, an inspiring word.

Only Results Count

Every now and then people like talking about religion in a sort of critical way. "My religion is right." "Your religion is wrong." "My religion is better than yours." "My religion is the only religion." These are  all personal, thoroughly acceptable opinions, as everybody is entitled to their own. In principle, the idea of religion is positive and that is why it has survived since it was born with the human race. Good or bad? Considering that the main religious principles are all good, the only thing we can talk about is the effects that such principles cause in their followers. How do they behave in consequence of such beliefs? How do they apply them in their lives? Do these principles make them better human beings? Or don't some individuals stop at the external rituals and do not care to actually understand their deeper meaning? If everyone applied the good that their religion preaches, wouldn't this be a much better world?

No-one Is That Good!

In spite of repeatedly saying that we should not have expectations from others, we still do. We affirm that people have the right to behave according to their judgment, yet we judge their actions according to our convictions. You say that this does not apply to you? Just think of a person close to you who recently acted in a way that you did not like. Maybe they didn't give you the answer or the attention you expected; perhaps the tone of their voice seemed to imply something else; maybe they didn't inform you of a plan of theirs or they asked a question that you didn't want to be asked. Well, how did you react? I am not referring to what you showed the world. I am talking about your "intimate" reaction. Can you honestly say that you totally accepted what you didn't like or approve of, without a bit of resentment and/or blame? Of course you did! Everyone does. It's only natural. No one (including you, me and everybody else) is that good!

I Miss Those Days

You don't have to be an old-fashioned, close-minded person to realize certain truths about advanced technology. I, for instance, use technology and appreciate it. Yet, I can't help noticing the obsession it has created in many people's minds and behaviors (especially the young, but not only). Therefore, every now and then, I feel a sort of nostalgia for "the good old days" when people didn't hold a mobile in their hands all the time but they held hands, when they didn't write one hundred quick messages a day but they took the time to hand-write one personal affectionate letter once a week, when they didn't talk so much on the phone but they spoke looking into each other's eyes. Yes, at times - when I forget that we are living in the 2010's - I kind of miss those days.

Of Garlic and Onions

There is an Italian saying that mentions asking someone about "garlic" and receiving an answer about "onions". Imagine requesting a friend to tell you the time and he/she starts mentioning episodes of their childhood. Or you ask information regarding France and they go on to talk about England. Absurd, you say? Absolutely not. I often experience this frustrating situation. Not in such blatant terms, it's more subtle and sometimes hardly detectable, but the situation persists. The result is that I cannot get the answer to the question I asked. 
Why? I believe this happens because often people - instead of following what you are saying (or asking) - follow "their own" train of thoughts, move along a different track, dance at a tune that is not compatible with yours. Tango versus waltz? Twist versus cha-cha-cha? Yes, this is what possibly creates such incomprehension between individuals, groups, countries. Everyone pursues their own idea or goal without ever making any effort to understand what their interlocutor is talking about.

The Wall

Due to their character or to particular circumstances, some human beings refuse to acknowledge the situation they find themselves in. They prefer not to "see" and they go on living as if everything was fine. But it is not "fine". On the other hand, the people they live or interact with are aware of the situation and would like to make them face reality, but to no avail. We all know that it is impossible to make someone hear if they pretend to be deaf. Similarly, you cannot compel a self-defined "blind" to see. The metaphorical wall these people have built around themselves is so high and so thick that it is actually impossible for them to acknowledge anything that is outside, anything that is not a construction (= a belief) of theirs. Therefore it is not easy to deal with them, especially because breaking down the Wall is an impossible endeavor.

Lemons vs. Oranges

I know, you wanted oranges because you like orange juice. 
But - so sorry - you got lemons instead. 
Now... be reasonable, make lemonade and enjoy it, rather than uselessly and disappointingly try to squeeze orange juice out of lemons.
Believe me... You won't succeed!