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27 January 2013

Philosophical Wrestling

Lecturing a youngster about the worth of life is a waste of time because he is too busy enjoying it and he would not 'waste' time on reflection and appreciation of it.

Lecturing one on his deathbed about the worth of life is AGAIN a waste of time because at that point of time, he knows because he has realised it for himself.  He also knows that he does not stand a chance to make amends.

Moral:  Stop lecturing others about life and live yours worthily.

AND now the story begins...

Context: Jan. 28 (tomorrow) is the last date for the submission of the dissertation for the final year students.

I live in a formation house and constantly tell / remind / exhort / cajole / petition / (may be even) threaten the first year students to take their studies seriously and engage in philosophical reflection (what I call as philosophical wrestling) for their own good - and for the good of the Church!  They listen with both their ears - entry through one ear and exit through the other, because nothing is retained / retaining in between.

I do the same with the final year students especially with regard to their dissertation process which begins way back in June.  They 'wake up' (that too only a handful of them) to its amazing enriching ability only on the eve of the submission of their paper.  That's when they start searching for time and resources because they now see the worth of doing it well.  Most of the others barely see any merit in this whole 'wrestling'.

Unfortunately, unlike the previous story, I do not have an option.  'Lecture', Challenge, I must - in spite of knowing well that the first years see it as futile 'sermon' and the final years have no time left to begin 'afresh'.

The only hope: That when and those who see the worth of this philosophical wrestling 'wake up', they have atleast some fragments from which they can build up the edifice of their life or strengthen their foundation. 

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