Point to Ponder: What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, For all that we love deeply becomes a part of us. - Helen Keller
Story Line: Intel Inside ( Always)
I left Intel over 9 years ago (with wonderful memories) but Intel has never left me. And the fondest of those memories are the people I met, places I visited and experiences I had which enriched my career and life in many ways.
It was something about that environment that so many work relationships during my two job assignments there, 1983-85 and 1997-2015, have become lifelong friendships, and in some cases it’s expanded to our second and third generations ( Kids and Grandkids). There is not a single day without some form of communication with some of those friends (100+) and/or not a single month without meeting few of those friends.And since coming to Penang, no week goes by without meeting few of those former work associates ( Now Friends).
For me, a lot of credit goes to that culture and environment. I understand the company and current employees are going through some very challenging times. Yes I too have some stories; some funny, may be a few bitter, and some about inefficient things about the place ( save for another day).
Reflection: But forever I am thankful to Intel for enormous opportunities it provided for learning and growth, make significant contributions that had positive impact on mankind, and make life long friendships.
I am no longer inside Intel but forever Intel will be inside of me.
Emerald Cove. Click on YouTube icon on lower right for full screen view. Point to Ponder:Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
Story Line:
Lasting friendships developed during school and business years.
Fifteen years ago, I was looking for a good shop to service our car, a trusty and reliable Toyota RAV4. I was recommended to a place where I met Kevin, a service advisor with a very soft demeanor, who was quiet and yet, explained things with much detail and clarity. Kevin took the time with each customer, and one could say he was overly generous with his time. It ran counter to the intense pace of the Silicon Valley. We liked the service, and more than that, we liked Kevin. That seemingly incidental business relationship turned into a friendship over the years.
During routine maintenance service appointments we learned that Kevin had lived in Philippines, that he had a Filipino wife and owned a home in the Philippines.
Kevin retired in 2020 and moved to Philippines to join his family. Over the years, we kept in touch.
After I retired, I would spend my time traveling with my wife. During our current visit to Philippines, Kevin learned that we were in northern Philippines and would pass by his town. He and his wife invited us to stay with them.
We knew Kevin mainly through a casual business relationship and as we were also traveling with other friends, we politely declined. However, as the trip progressed, I had to consult Kevin for guidance navigating some of the terrain. He offered the option for us to stay with he and his wife instead of driving the long distance to Manila on that last day. Night was fast approaching and we were tired.
We finally accepted his invitation.
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
We discovered the property was their own slice of heaven consisting of a huge bougainvillea garden, well designed eco house (with every detail worked out), thirteen dogs and cats, and nice private beach in a cove with shades of emerald. It was no surprise when they revealed that they like to call their residence “Emerald Cove.”
We talked a lot about part of our lives that were unknown to each other.
Kevin’s father was a missionary in Philippines and Kevin had spent his younger years up to high school graduation there. They had Filipino friends who were also involved in the same church; the parents of the lady being missionaries in Hawaii, sent from Philippines in 1920. This Filipino couple had a daughter named Noemi who stayed in a house next door to Kevin’s parents home.
Noemi and Kevin met in the first year of high-school and developed liking for each other. By the third year things got intense and one day Kevin told her “ I have a problem.” When she asked what was the problem- Kevin replied “ I am in love with you.” They enjoyed going to school together, being on the beach outside their homes talking about life.
After graduating from high school Kevin went to Missouri for college and Noemi went to California. The relationship cooled for a while. During that time, Noemi met another fine man in California and got married.
Life has its ways. For people who are meant to be together in life, the universe conspires to make it happen. After 7 years, Noemi got divorced. Around the same time Kevin was stationed in Alameda, US Navy base nearby. Kevin ran into her at a party and …. She was waiting for this moment since thier younger years in Philippines.
“ Life shrinks or expands in proportion to your courage” Anis Nin. Making the most/best of you have.
A few years after marriage, Noemi developed a health issue that required two major surgeries on back and one on neck.
Even though she had limitations in her body, she didn’t let that constrain her imagination. She created a plan for the beautiful home on the west Philippines sea, the place they had grown up and dreamed to retire. Her love for Bougainvillea is visible in her garden with 1000s of plants with over 100 varieties, many cross breeds of her creations. A nice secluded beach in a cove with emerald colors in front of the home inspired her to name their residence Emerald Cove. ( see the video).
Despite some major physical limitations, she and Kevin go swimming and snorkeling far into ocean almost every morning. She told us that she forgets all her pain while floating in the water, watching corals and colorful fish, and collecting seaweed for their salads.
Reflection: We met Noemi for the first time but instantly connected with so many common interests and believes. There are so many stories we shared from our lives and career; their’s more interesting, for future articles. It was a Memorable stay.
I’m grateful that what started as business relationship eighteen years ago has turned into a beautiful friendship.
As my father told me in childhood “ Most important business relations are personal ones”
Magnificent Mumbai By Mohan the Mouse from Dharavi, the slum featured in the movie The Slumdog Millionaire. click on the bottom right hand icon to get full screen view
Point to Ponder:
Where do I begin
To tell the story of how magnificent a city can be…the city that consists of seven islands on an Arabian Sea..it’s majestic architecture of colonial era (Gothic, Victorian, Art Deco, Indo Saracenic) and modern high rises are as stunning as they can be..Huge diversity of culture and religions is something you will be happy to see…..
And watching Trash turning into Treasure (Billion $$ Industries) in the slum called Dharavi will convince you how many more Slumdog Millionaires will be……
Story Line: Welcome to Mumbai, called The City of Dreams that is rated 12th amongst The 50 best cities in the world for 2024 by TimeOut magazine and it is one of the most cosmopolitan, vibrant, tourists attractions in the world.
We start our tour at The Gateway of India, the monument built to commemorate the landing ofGeorge V for his coronation as the Emperor of India in 1911. It is located on the waterfront overlooking the Arabian Sea. The majestic Taj Mahal hotel, built in 1901 by Tata is to the left of this monument.
The drive around the neighboring areas of Colaba, Fort and Churchgate will make you wonder If you are in Europe instead of India. Those marvelous colonial era buildings are still shining.
The stop at fabulous CSMT railway station (oka Victoria Terminus) followed by view of Churchgate Station in night lights brings up one interesting fact. Did you know that the construction of Mumbai-Pune railway line (Second in India and the longest at the time) in 1863 was managed by Alice Tredwell, the first woman to do be involved in railway construction in India?
After strolling through Mumbai at night, the next morning opens in Malbar Hill, the birth place of Rudyard Kipling, the author of world famous The Jungle Book and the poem If.
After nice view of Marine Drive waterfront and home cooked meal, we resume our tour to visit various places of worship in Mumbai starting with exquisite Jain Derasar with beautiful marble structures and paintings, followed by a famous Masjid/Durgah-Haji Ali. It contains the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari a Sufi saint and a wealthy merchant from Uzbekistan and a love story behind it.
Next we move to Pali Hills on another island of Mumbai and visit Mount Saint Mary Church, the original statue of Virgin Mary was brought during Portuguese occupation in 16th century. Portuguese in Mumbai? Yes, they owned the territory from the years 1534 to 1611 and named the place ‘Bom Bhaia’ which means ‘good bay’ in Portuguese. It’s British who changed it to Bombay when they received it as dowry for Portuguese princess marriage to British Royal.
After passing by a temple, few churches and masjid, we stop over in Khotachiwadi, a Portuguese colony. Nice small chapel and colorful homes and then a short stop over in Dhobi Ghat, the huge open-air laundry. A place constructed in 1890 that has received Guinness Book of World Records entry under ‘most people hand-washing clothes at a single location.
Next we visit an 18th century Hindu temple dedicated to 'Goddess Mumbadevi'. The original inhabitants of the region, the ‘Koli’ fisherman, greatly respected Goddess (Devi) Mumba and named the temple Mumbadevi. Got a clue where name Mumbai came from? 😊
After another nostalgic (for me) tour around Fort, Churchgate and Colaba enjoying once again some marvelous colonial era buildings including my school, we pay a visit to Knesset Eliyahoo an orthodox Jewish Synagogue.
You must be wondering “ So many things to see and do?” Well we are not done yet, some more exciting places coming up.
What follows is shoppers and eaters paradise; Bustling markets of all kinds of goods ; clothes, jewelry, fruits, spices, household items… and Khaua Gali ( Eaters Lane), one of the many delicious street food places in Mumbai.
Mumbai is only second to Miami in the number of Art Deco architecture buildings in the world. View of Eros theater and few along Marine drive was nostalgic. What followed was an evening show and fine dining at superb Chinese Restaurant. Chinese food is the most popular foreign food in India and throughout our trip to various parts of India, we saw Chinese items section in many roadside or city Indian restaurants menus as well. However we preferred the Chinese version of Chinese food. 😊
Finally! Clue to Why Mumbai is called City of Dreams. People from all over India come to Mumbai in search of a better life, to make their impact on the world and many are rewarded for hardwork, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. From nowhere in the list 20 years ago, Mumbai has risen to become Asia's city with the most billionaires at 92 and It also ranks third in the entire world behind New York and London for number of billionaires. It’s 21st on the list of wealthiest cities in the world. In spite of its many slums and huge income gaps, it is seen as a city that will reward anyone who has ambition and is willing to work hard.People living below poverty line has dropped significantly and a lot more will happen with the resourcefulness, optimism and momentum that is in the air.
For example Dharavi, the slum featured in the movie Slumdog Millionaire is the largest slum in India and third largest and most dense in the world, with the population of 1 million people in a small area with population density of 869,000 people per square miles. But it has 69 percent literacy and there are 4 different main industries ( Recycling, Clothing, Leather, Pottery), 15,000 single-room factories producing $1 billion in revenue by converting Trash into Treasure. Youmay notice that it is self sufficient in most of daily needs and also appreciate that nothing goes to waste is their motto.
You will be surprised to see that The Last Stop in our tour is the first place we had visited, The Gateway of India, the place George V had entered India as its Emperor in 1911. The Gateway isalso the monument from where the last British troops left (got away) India in 1948 when India declared its independence.
Two years ago India surpassed Britain as 5th largest economy in the world and a year ago India took leadership of G20 and hosted the annual summit of world leaders.
Special Note:Thanks for your patience and interest in taking this tour that was conducted over 20 days during three visits in two year period. There was never a dull moment in our stays in Mumbai.
Not Covered in this tour: Mesmerizing Beaches, awesome High-rises, Dabbawala ( Tiffin Guys) and Elephanta Caves. ( saved for future trip)
Fascinating facts, history of places featured in this video are in this article.
Guarantee that for some it will bring back sweet memories, for others it will be entertaining and educational and many wanting to purchase tickets to Mumbai. And for All, the great appreciation for what India has become and how it continues to progress.
Point to Ponder:Every time I fill a form that asks for ‘permanent address’ I smile….
Storyline: The real folly of human desire.....PERMANENT ADDRESS Written by Javed Akhtar......a good read..... Very thought provoking!
Our joint family home housed 14 of us from age 5 to 95 years.
Today, I watch both the houses abandoned and nature taking over the garden my mother used to tend for hours every day. The Jamun, the Drumstick, a few Ashok, Neem and Peepal have survived, but all beauty is both transient and fragile, and the law of entropy is powerful. The lovely flowers of myriad colors are all gone. I wonder what happened to the peacock family that came every day and ate from my moms hand. The Bulbul, the sparrows, the parrots, spotted flycatchers, Cuckoos, a huge troop of monkeys that once in a month would upset the order of the place
*Once people leave, a home becomes a house*. Initially, I didn’t feel like selling, and now I don’t feel like going. Time has taken away ten of its fourteen occupants.
I walk around our neighborhood and see the similar fate of so many homes once full of life now replaced or lying still.
Why do we stretch and stress to build houses? In most cases, our kids won’t need it or worse, fight over it.
*What is this human folly of attempting permanent ownership in a leased life with an uncertain tenure given by a landlord whose terms are non-negotiable and there is no court of appeal*
One day, all we have built with love and EMIs will either be demolished, fought over, sold, or lie in ruins.
Every time I fill a form that asks for ‘permanent address’ I smile at human folly.
There is a Zen story that an old monk walked into a Kings palace demanding he wanted to spend the night in this Inn and the guards told him, “What Inn, can’t you see its a palace?”. The monk said “I came here a few decades back. Someone was staying there. A few years later, someone else took the throne from him, then someone else. Any place where the occupant keeps changing is an Inn.”
George Carlin says “The House is just a place where you keep your stuff as you go out and get more stuff”
As houses get bigger, families get smaller. *When the house has occupants, we desire privacy, and when the nest empties, we crave for company.*
Birds and Animals must be laughing at us humans who give up living in order to build their dream home and, in the end, depart the Inn they mistook as a permanent residence.
Article Courtesy of Mr. Basant Rajput
Reflection: We received this article from a former neighbor and a friend. Having started on this journey (nomad life) three years ago we could relate with the key message, loved it and decided to share with You, our loyal friends around the world.
Nowadays, Every time we fill a form that asks for ‘permanent address’ we smile and ask: Is there one?
50 years ago, I first set foot on American soil. America is a country that welcomed me and provided me with immense opportunities. I have lived an incredible life here and I am eternally grateful to this country.
Below reflection was Originally Published on 40th anniversary. Being republished with updates. ( comments from previous publications included)
POINTS TO PONDER:
“No matter what your background, no matter how low your station in life, there must be no limit on your ability to reach for the stars, to go as far as your God-given talents will take you. Trust the people; believe every human being is capable of greatness, capable of self-government . . . only when people are free to worship, create, and build, only when they are given a personal stake in deciding their destiny and benefiting from their own risks, only then do societies become dynamic, prosperous, progressive, and free.” ― Ronald Reagan, An American Life
STORY LINE: 50 Years since arriving in the Land of the Free and The Home of the Brave (and also what I had known as the land of Gregory Peck, Sean Connery, Audrey Hepburn, Sidney Poitier and Raquel Welch)
On January 22nd 1974, my colleague PG and I set foot on the shores of America in Los Angeles International Airport. Our Japan Airlines (JAL) flight was delayed due to mechanical troubles and arrived late in the evening. We went to the only open food place at the airport (in those days there were not many) and inquired “We are very hungry, what food do you have?” The guy said “Only thing I got left is a hot dog.” Coming from strict vegetarian families we were in total shock. “Hot Dog?” We had heard that in America, they ate cows. But Dogs? Yuck! We turned around and left.
The next thing I did was to call the phone number of the USC foreign students office. Since it was late the phone was directed to the university security guard. I informed him that we had just arrived in USA and wanted to find out if there was a pick-up service. The guy said “Take the number 8 to downtown.” We thought we were already in town and were thoroughly confused by his instructions. So I used the SOS instructions that were given to us before we left India. I called my uncle in Anaheim who picked us up after a few hours.
The following day, we went to the USC foreign students’ office. The head of the foreign students office was Mr. Khetrapal, an immigrant from the northern part of India. While roaming around in the office, we met Saeed, also a new foreign student from Iran. We hit it off well and decided to be roommates. That afternoon, we found an apartment just across the campus. From his accent, the owner Mr. Kinarthi did not seem to be Amercian and on further inquiry told us that he was from Russia. I was wondering where Gregory and Sidney and of course, Audrey and Raquel could be hiding.
On our third day, we were moving to our new apartment. My Anaheim uncle who worked in the city of Compton, dropped us at the bus stop near his office. Early in the morning we were still drowsy and waiting at the bus stop with all our bags and backpacks. Suddenly a van came zooming in near the bus stop. Most of the people who were waiting with us started running shouting in some strange language. Two guys in suits and ties jumped out of the van. One of them approached PG and the other one came towards me showing me a badge with his picture and some strange emblem on it that said, “Immigration.” I extended my hand to him and said “Anand Shah” and told him, “you do not need to show me your picture, I trust you.” I was wondering why Americans have such strange way of introducing themselves until PG who had paid more attention told me “Show him your passport and USC ID card before he throws you in to that cage in the back of his van.”
That semester, USC had launched a new degree program in the area of Semiconductor Physics and Processing. It seemed to me that it was “A Road Not Taken (by many)” which meant learning new things and also chances of discovering (getting) new degree faster, I signed up. I had two other classmates in that inaugural semester, Pradyuman Patel- the guy from my home town I had never met before and Way-Seen Wang, a student from Taiwan. Coincidence or what but very first class, an elective, that I attended, the teacher was Professor Hwan Sha Ho.
That was my first week in the Land of The Free and The Home of The Brave. I had yet to meet Gregory Peck, Sean Connery, Sydney Poitier and of course My Fair Lady Audrey Hepburn and 100 Rifles leading lady Raquel Welch.
REFLECTION
During the second week I met Professors Steir and Andrews and Whelan and Crowell which reconfirmed why I had come to America. Over the next several months, I met people from many different cultures and countries and started realizing the true power of this land. The people from all over the world come here and bring with them their rich cultural heritage, ideas, opinions, and cuisines, and not to forget to the original inhabitants of this country who have a very rich cultural heritage of their own.
The past 50 years have been so fulfilling and enriching with the experiences I had in meeting some of the most creative, brilliant people from all over the world and witnessing the power of unlimited creativity and resulting innovations.
I realized that: Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common and to Celebrate it every day.
Point to Ponder: The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things-Henry Ward Breecher ( Thanks to Evelyn Tan from Philippines for sharing this)
Story Line: Wishing You and Family a Very Happy New Year
Reflection: During 2023, with the help of our daughter in law and son, we launched a website and YouTube channel to share our experiences in the Twilight Years. Due to some health mishaps ( wear and tear and some body part replacement for me), the progress had slowed down since August. However we are back into action and we plan to share many exciting stories with you in the coming year.
Point to Ponder: “The older we get, the more clear it becomes that loving and being loved are the only really important things in life.” Wish You and Family a Very Happy Holiday Season. ❤️🌅🌲🙏🏼
Story Line: Yesterday Once More. 2023 turned out to be the special year - Rewinding the life tape: reconnecting with friends from childhood years in India; many after 5 decades. Also spending time with people (Philippines and India) who introduced me to my penfriend and now life partner; In Singapore spending time with friends we met at Stanford in the early 80s; in Manila, staying with a person we developed close friendships during my expatriate assignment with Raytheon in Philippines (1980-1983) and many celebrations and ovepouring of love in Malaysia by former work colleagues at Intel during my two work periods ( 1984-1986 and 1997-2015). Returning home was great joy seeing our children’s family: especially grandsons; and reconnecting work colleagues and bosses from LSI Logic, Fairchild and Intel.
Reflection: 2023 has been nostalgic from the point of view of reconnecting with associations developed in this life’s Journey.
There is one common theme from all these interactions: Work relationships were over a long time ago when I left those institutions but the friendships and relationships of heart that developed during those years has stayed on forever. Details of the projects we worked on are forgotten but the memories and a strong emotional bond we developed has stayed on. So here I end with a Point to Ponder:
“The older we get, the more clear it becomes that loving and being loved are the only really important things in life.”
Point to Ponder: it’s people who make things happen, not machines (or software)
Story Line: In 1985 when my parents were visiting us in Arizona I told my Father - All during my childhood years, I saw you either talking on the phone, or having tea and chatting (BSing) with people; and even at times when you took me to some business meetings, you were talking about families and world affairs before talking business items. I asked “ How did you become so successful?”
He raised his finger and said “ Power of this: to connect with people ( dial phones in those days and letters); the people from school days, once I met during travel, business meetings, workplaces”
That habit had helped him in keeping up with current affairs, connecting people who needed information or help, and most importantly develop goodwill.
Without going into so many examples he shared; three key things he told me were:
The most important business relations are personal ones. ( I remembered first time he had said this to me was in 1965)
It’s people who make things happen not machines. ( add software to that for current times)
Relationships of mind are temporary while relationships of heart can be forever.
When I look back on past 70 years, What I learnt from him has been instrumental in beautiful career and life that I have enjoyed.
Reflection: It’s been said that “ Don’t mix business and personal life” -and in many areas it’s a sound advice. However establishing personal rapport with every member of my team and colleagues was very important to me. I followed my father’s formula.
For most of us in emerging and fast growing industries, time we spent at work and work related items is much higher than the time we spent at home. For us, the teams at workplaces became another Family. We produced incredible results ( as acknowledged by our real customers) while having Fun and maintaining professional ethics.
Since retiring in 2015, my wife and I have been traveling to different places in the world. After spending 4.5 months in Singapore, Philippines and India with our Stanford era college mates, Childhood friends, Family and former work associates-we arrived in Penang, Malaysia on June 8th.
Warm receptions and care by past work associates show that the friendships and bond developed during my two employments at Intel ( 1984-1986) - ( 1997-2015) are strong long after I left the company.
Recently, one stranger ( no longer) we met asked about the important learnings from my 70 years. I promised to write this FR with the most important one.
My one more addition along the line of three key things my father had said:
Being able to work with people ( of different backgrounds, believes..) has been the most important ingredient for my success.
Below are some of the highlights of first 22 days in Penang with more meetings to follow in July.
Work Colleagues (1984-86, 1997-2015) and then Friends. Have known their children (in photos) since they were born or when they were few years young. Some of them are parents themselves, some in college and some are still adorable little ones.
Total Surprise 70th Birthday Celebration. The Team members from Penang of our superb WW MQ&R team that produced incredible results as acknowledged by the real customers. ( 1997-2005)
Points to Ponder: “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we have loved deeply, becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller
Story Line: It was March of 2006. Our entire family and two friends were visiting Berkeley Humane Society. There were two puppies- sisters named Zena and Zora. Zena had Pet Cone on her neck. Where as Zora was confidently walking around in the room, Zena looked scared. She came and sat down in front of my feet. I noticed she had stitches on her face and stomach. That cute little 2 months old puppy was badly attacked by a bigger dog.
Although we had no plan to adopt a pet when we had gone there, we liked Zena and decided to take her home. The intern Doctor at humane society gave us medications and instructions for her care. As she was handing Zena to me, she said in her British Accent “ Mr. Shah, Zena has no manners. You have your work cut out for you.”
Right at that moment, a thought came to my mind: Professor Higgins and Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. And thus began my and my family’s wonderful 16 plus years of friendship with Zena Doolittle.
Reflection: From the begging Zena was energetic, enthusiastic, resourceful and fiercely protective of our family. Over the years, She grew into one Fine Lady (😊). There are so many wonderful memories; for now I share just a few.
She was not the fastest breed but see how intelligent she was her maneuvers while being chased.
How she used chase and climb up 4-5 feet on tree to scare squirrels. At times squirrel will fall on the ground and then she will catch them.
My Mother in Law and My Mother loved Zena and they had special bond between them. When my mother in law passed away, she sat silently and watched her being taken away. I know experts say Dogs don’t cry but I did see her eyes filled with tears. Friends from many countries who visited have many memories with Zena. Those stories for some another day but for now I like to share something beautiful but also strange that happened yesterday.
Zena left us a year ago. Yesterday (June 23rd) We were in a temple in Ipoh, Malaysia with friends. Just after I had prayed for Zena and turned around to leave the temple, I saw this beautiful creature sitting behind me. Emotions took over and I am still wondering why at that very moment.
“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we have loved deeply, becomes a part of us.”
More we travel, more we share “The Little Prince” with people
Point to Ponder: Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
Story Line: The Little Prince At first glance one may assume that “The Little Prince” is a book for children. After all the cast of characters are: a Pilot, a boy named “The Little Prince”, a Fox, a Snake and a Rose. But in reality few stories are as widely read and as universally cherished by children and adults alike as “The Little Prince”. In my belief it is a story even more valuable for adults and it is easy one hour reading time.
Here are a few teasers from the book*: The narrator begins with a discussion on the nature of grown-ups and their inability to perceive, especially relating to important things. The narrator becomes a pilot, and, one day, his plane crashes in the Sahara, far from civilization. In the middle of the desert, the narrator is unexpectedly greeted by a young boy who is nicknamed as "the little prince".
Over the course of eight days stranded in the desert, while the narrator attempts to repair his plane, the little prince recounts the story of his life.
The prince begins by describing life on his tiny home planet: in effect, a house-sized asteroid known as "B 612" on Earth.
The prince has since visited six other planets, each of which was inhabited by a single, irrational, narrow-minded adult, each meant to critique an element of society. They include: • A king with no subjects, who only issues orders that can be followed, such as commanding the sun to set at sunset. • A narcissistic man who only wants the praise which comes from admiration and being the most-admirable person on his otherwise uninhabited planet. • A drunkard who drinks to forget the shame of drinking. • A businessman who is blind to the beauty of the stars and instead endlessly counts and catalogs them in order to "own" them all • A lamplighter on a planet so small, a full day lasts a minute. He wastes his life blindly following orders to extinguish and relight the lamppost every 30 seconds to correspond with his planet's day and night. • An elderly geographer who has never been anywhere, or seen any of the things he records, providing a caricature of specialization in the contemporary world. It is the geographer who tells the prince that the prince next visit the planet Earth.
The visit to Earth begins with a deeply pessimistic appraisal of humanity. The six absurd people the prince encountered earlier comprise, according to the narrator, just about the entire adult world on earth. Below are some sample dialogues before you dwell into the fascinating, deeply philosophical and meaningful story for life and relationships.
“People where you live," the little prince said, "grow five thousand roses in one garden... yet they don't find what they're looking for...And yet what they're looking for could be found in a single rose, or a little water..."
“Where are the people?” resumed the little prince at last. “It’s a little lonely in the desert…” “It is lonely when you’re among people, too,” said the snake.”
“Grown-ups love figures... When you tell them you've made a new friend they never ask you any questions about essential matters. They never say to you "What does his voice sound like? What games does he love best? Does he collect butterflies? "Instead they demand "How old is he? How much does he weigh? How much money does his father make? "Only from these figures do they think they have learned anything about him.”
“Men have no more time to understand anything. They buy things all ready-made at the shops. But there is no shop anywhere where one can buy friendship, and so men have no friends any more. If you want a friend, tame me...” said Fox.
Reflection: In the modern times where elementary school teachers have to remind the parents to slow down and let kids be kids, In the corporate orientation classes for the fresh graduates when the presenter tells them “Welcome to the ‘Real World’”, For people needing coaching in “Emotional Intelligence, The Little Prince will enlighten and open the eyes about what the real “Real World” is like. As the narrator says to the little prince “Men occupy little space on Earth”
The analysis of the book in Encyclopedia Britannica sums it up well: The Little Prince draws unflattering portraits of grown-ups as being hopelessly narrow-minded. In contrast, children come to wisdom through open-mindedness and a willingness to explore the world around them and within themselves. The main theme of the fable is expressed in the secret that the fox tells the little prince: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly: what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
*Source for the Story Line Teasers: Wikipedia.
Cover Photo from The Little Prince in my book collection. Motion Picture has since been released. If any further interest beyond this reflection, then Recommend to read the book first before watching the video.
Thanks to Saeed Malik for introducing me to “The Little Prince” in the year 1988
