Modesty

Modesty is something that seems to be a thing of the past, a redundant virtue, especially in those whom we consider to be high achievers in life.

But sometimes you across something that not only touches your heart but also reaffirms your faith in old school values and virtues.

Came across a quote today by one of the finest authors, Salman Rushdie that reads:

“ If Tiger Pataudi could face up to the ferocious speed of Hall and Griffith ( dreaded West Indies speedsters) , I should be able to pour water into a glass without spilling it …. and in general succeed at being functional as a one-eyed man in a two-eyed world.”

Readers may recall the deadly knife attack on Salman Rushdie in New York while he was delivering a keynote address at a gathering, in which he ultimately lost his one eye. I have just bought his new book , “ Knife: Meditations after an Attempted Murder” , which probably is based on the aforesaid incident and its aftermath. I shall surely pen a blog once I read it, but here I want to highlight the modesty displayed by one of the top authors of our times. He’s very humbly pitched his ability with one eye against Tiger Pataudi’s, though penning a book and taking charge of on self after such a dastardly attack are no mean achievements.

Our best wishes go to Salman Rushdie to not only being able to pour water into a glass , but pour wisdom into the hearts of readers through his matchless writing for many many years to come!

A budding author myself, though nowhere near the class of Salman Rushdie, a level where I cannot reach in this lifetime, his words should open up the minds of all towards supposedly quaint, but highly desirable virtues called modesty and humility, which are the hallmarks of those who are real achievers in life.