Wayside wisdom

by R.S.Karunaratne

Wisdom is the ability to use your knowledge and experience to make good decisions and judgements. We go to universities to get knowledge - not wisdom. We read books to gain knowledge - not wisdom. We listen to learned men to be more knowledgeable than we are. We do not get wisdom from their talks. Meanwhile, all examinations are geared to gauge our knowledge - not wisdom. These statements may seem platitudes to most of us. But there is some truth in them.

Then how do we get wisdom or become wise? This appears to be a difficult question to answer because most of us do not use our knowledge and experience to make good decisions. Most of the time we are preoccupied with our rights. We think we have a right to be paid well for whatever we do. We claim that we have a right to buy goods at cheap rates. We also assert our rights to various other things in life. When we assert ourselves, we get into various conflicts.

Despite our learning, we forget that wisdom is within our reach. The only problem is that we do not see it. For instance, if you look at some of the proverbs, they are packed with folk wisdom.

In major cities we see organised groups demanding their rights. But have you ever seen a protest rally demanding their "duties?" When it comes to our duties, we remain silent.

When it comes to rights, we become vociferous. How many workers who demand higher wages are aware of their duties? Most of them shirk their duties. Does any worker or trade union talk about the surfeit of holidays we enjoy?

According to a recent survey, Sri Lanka is the country with the most holidays in the world. Employees in Sri Lanka enjoy 126 statutory holidays. In addition, employees are entitled to 42 days of leave. Female employees are entitled to 84 days maternity leave.

No political party or leader will have the courage to change this system. That is a tragedy.

Like Oliver Twist we ask for more all the time. I have not yet met anyone who is satisfied with his present position or salary. What we forget is that there is a Law of Life in operation in every field of human activity.

For instance, if you ask for a salary increase without working properly, you will not get it. Even if you use some influence and get a higher position and salary, you will never be happy. Such temporary victories do not last long. Even your conscience will say that you have done something wrong. Then you will waste the extra income you get on fruitless tasks.

If you want to succeed in life, you have to work hard and put in more effort. If you are an excellent worker, your employer will realise your worth sooner or later. There is no escape from this Natural Law.

On the other hand, employers who exploit their employees may enjoy a bout of temporary success. When the workers are underpaid and unhappy, their output will be low. As a result, the employer will suffer losses.

Even when you help somebody, do not expect anything in return. This nullifies your good intentions. Suppose you accept a big sum of money or some other service as a bribe, this will show your spiritual bankruptcy. If we always help others without expecting anything in return, this world will be a better place to live in. What is more, Law of Life will look after us very well.

I know of a person who has found employment to a few deserving young men and women. He has done it as a service without accepting any form of bribe. This man is never unemployed although he has long passed his retirement age. When he leaves one place of work, another door opens for him. That is how the Law of Increasing Returns works.

Then there are many men and women who always have a pressing problem to deal with. We all have problems. But most problems have solutions. Most of these solutions can be found in proverbs and folk wisdom. I wish to conclude this essay with a brilliant quotation found in the Old St. Paul's Church, Baltimore in 1692. If you read this carefully, you will find solutions to most of your problems.

"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to theirs, even the dull and ignorant, they too have their story.

"Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

"Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But, let this not blind you to what virtue there is. Many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere life is full of heroism.

"Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But, do not distress yourself with imagining.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be and whatever your labours and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

"With all the shams, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy."