The sharpest of bullets burns out, but the smallest of words rules forever

All wars begin in the mind. They include the war to answer hunger and thirst, to satiate dreams, to win over love, to ensure harmony and, of course, the most sought-after, which is also the most difficult, to conquer happiness.

Life’s blueprint is shaped by our thoughts and our thoughts by our books. In other words, we are what we read. I love Thomas Hardy’s novels because they helped me become patient and tolerant. He was in many ways a pessimist, which had a clear advantage. It is the only view of life that never leaves one disappointed. Every time it turns cloudy I tell myself, “The sun anyway was never an influential part of my life.” I don’t crib, give myself a canine jerk and continue my walk. The destination that has been the same since time immemorial is obviously not going to change for me.

…Life’s blueprint is shaped by our books.

My deep interest in the works of Victor Hugo and John Galsworthy gave me a rare insight into law and how it could be occasionally manipulated. Again, the philosophies of Jean Paul Sartre and Albert Camus reinforced my settled hatred for materialism. 

Therefore, Sharjah’s unflinching effort to encourage reading among children and adults is an enormous step in the right direction. That’s because the power that flows out of knowledge, unlike the gun,  never dies. The sharpest of bullets burns out, but the smallest of words rules forever.

Agreed, the fruits of reading are not instant. They are gradual, but definite. They are intangible, but invincible. Reading calls for a lot of commitment, but it’s a deal where you are always the winner.