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Friday, June 5, 2009 The True Meaning to PracticalityHailing from a society that is economically driven, I've always been advised to take a practical approach to life. These kindred souls give themselves credit for using their heads more than their hearts. It seems more practical to do so. And I must admit, there have been times when I'm just like them.As interpreted by them, practicality is taking the safe route. Is that practicality? Or has it been misconstrued? As it appears, choosing the safe route is being pragmatic, not practical. It means to do what has been already tried and tested. Ponder over this. If everyone chose to repeat what the other had accomplished, we can hardly evolve. I would like to share a little story my best friend, a teacher told her class. And I hope to explain through this story what practicality really means. She asked her students if they were in a life and death situation with their loved ones; particularly parents and grandparents, and God said they could only save one, who would it be? Before I go on, think for a moment. Who would you save? Her students responded with the particular loved one that they would like to save. Most of us would have chosen to do likewise. However, their teacher said that she would save herself. Her students were surprised. Hence, she explained. When given a choice, her parents and grandparents would definitely choose to save her. If she chooses her grandmother (whom she is the closest to), the lady could probably have another 10 years ahead. In those aging 10 years, she will have to deal with the agony of having lost her beloved granddaughter. The same would apply to her parents. Compared to their daughter, they may not have that many years ahead of them and they'll definitely choose her too. She, on the other hand, is still young and will have the will and strength to go on. She would be able to deal with the loss better. This is what I call a practical decision; one made with the head and heart. On first thought, it may seem selfish. But in fact, she is selfless for her heart is willing to take the pain of loss instead of subjecting her loved ones to it. And yet, her head is able to rationalise the one who should go on would be the one with the years ahead to fulfill a purpose. Think. Why else are we here? Not just for us. For everyone. Thus arriving at my conclusion, I would say that when the head and heart synchronises to make a decision, it is the mind that makes it and only then it would be deemed as practical. Labels: To Think About |
