A teacher placed
three similar models of a man and a flexible wire near them on a table. He then
asked his students to examine the models and identify the one which represents
the best human nature. The students studied the models for a long time. One of
them found that there were holes in the ears and mouth of every model. He introduced
the flexible wire into the perforations in each ear of the three models. They
gave different results.
The wire introduced
into either ear of the first model came out through its other ear. The wire that went through either ear of the
second model came out through its mouth. The wire introduced into the ears of
the third model entered the head but did not come out. The boy interpreted the
observations intelligently. The teacher was impressed by his interpretations
and his colleagues were enlightened.
The first model
represents an indifferent man. He hears much but does not retain anything in
his mind. He fails to benefit from the words of others. He makes no
contribution to others.
The second model is of a
talkative person who talks without sense about everything he hears. He does not
exercise any restraint and so may talk unnecessarily and end in trouble. He may
talk ill of others and spread gossips without verifying the truth in what he
hears from others. Without a judicious and intelligent control of his words and
opinions he is sure to create enemies and harm the reputation of others around
him. Words can be like swords and wound others.
The third person gathers information from his surroundings but
intelligently analyses the data and speaks out only what is essential and true.
He will not hurt the feelings of others by his words. He will be acceptable to
all. He will be a peace-maker. If necessary, he may correct others with his wise words, without wounding them.
The Bible teaches, "Just think how large a forest can be set on
fire by a tiny flame! And the tongue is like a fire."
...........................................................................................................
© By Prof.
Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology,
Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former
Professor, St. Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S. John, St. Antony's Public School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally
and Neil John, Maniparambil,
Ooriyakunnath, Kunnumbhagom, Kanjirappally, Kottayam-686507, Kerala, India.
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