The Strongest Of Men Have Learnt To Keep Their Egos Under Check

The Strongest Of Men Have Learnt To Keep Their Egos Under Check :

There are phases in life when people come to you – and this happens right from school – and ask you, ‘How could you put up with that?’ ‘Why didn’t you say something?’ “How can you let them do this?’ If you aren’t seen screaming and protesting and doing a sort of a war-dance, sword in hand, at all the perceived injustices being handed out – basically – you’re seen to be passive, timid, a rollover. You are supposed to make yourself seen, heard, known – to let people know, with collars up, who you are. What do they think you are, anyway?

I have not been a fan of that thought process. It means that the guy who brings his car to a violent halt bang in the middle of the road and rushes out to slap the auto driver for denting his shiny door panel is the epitome of true manhood. It means that when a disoriented schoolkid bangs his screeching scooter into my car and smashes my taillights, and I see what’s happened and simply continue listening to music, disappointing all those around waiting eagerly for me to stomp out to settle scores, I’m being a loser. Ditto, if I do not opt to have a protest demonstration of sorts at every point of life where I think I’m not getting my due. But who is getting his due, anyway?

Am sorry to disappoint, but to not react with abuse or rant at the first sign of being irked is not weakness. To strut around with a robotic gait, and the vibes of an off-screen Rajinikanth at all times, is not being cool. Being the school bully or being the reckless SUV driving son of a quasi-don – said SUV usually having been purchased primarily with illegitimate money – does not make you a Cool Dude, sonny boy, even if does get your testosterone and adrenaline pumping furiously.

We equate brashness and cockiness with strength, and a dignified keeping quiet and carrying on with timidity. That is akin to equating a calm sea with an absence of water. The strongest of men have learnt to keep their egos under check and not be affronted when in situations where their presence is not heralded with pomp and show. It’s not easy.

Om Namah Shivay.