" Common curse of mankind,- folly and ignorance"

“ Common curse of mankind, - folly and ignorance” _ Shakespeare

I have often wondered how many times we miss an opportunity we have been waiting for, lost a relationship or made an enemy just by being ignorant. Ignorance brings folly along. Because we don’t know something we make a wrong decision and invite trouble.

Years ago, I was offered editorship of a leading Indian Women magazine. It entailed travel and meeting deadlines so I backed out. My children were young and I thought they would suffer because of my absence. Later, the lady who got the job told me there was hardly any travel and meeting the deadline meant spending just three to four late evenings in the office. So I missed an opportunity because of my ignorance and made a wrong decision.

Sometimes we hear something about someone and believe it. We may be ignorant of the real facts. So we form an opinion about that person and change our perception based on that prejudice. We even create an animosity with them. If only we had not given ear to the rumours. One of my friends in our university days fell in love with a handsome and wealthy boy. He was smitten but she heard from someone that he was a flirt and she broke off with him. He was sincere in his affection and the break off really hit him. Later she repented but by then she had lost him.

If only we can keep an open mind and check all the facts or judge a person only after interacting with them, we would save so much trouble. But then, we are humans and full of folly. But just keep this in mind. Next time an opportunity comes your way, give it a serious thought, gather all the facts and take an informed decision. If there is someone badmouthing someone else, think that this same person must be badmouthing you behind your back.

We are humans and capable of great things. All that is required is we use our judgement

So be it!!!