I was reading this book titled “Absolute Khushwant” about the life and times of Khushwant Singh — a prominent journalist, columnist and writer. In one of the places, he talks about what according to him are the key factors to happiness. I am listing them here, as I feel that they are of some value to all of us
- Good Health: It is very important that one takes care of one’s health. Fitness and health must be a way of life and not passing fads.
- A Healthy Bank Balance: One must ensure that one earns enough to provide for a comfortable living and sustain recreational activities like travel, vacations, movies etc.
- Own Home: Comfort and security of one’s own home is satisfying.
- An understanding companion: It is of prime importance that one gels well with one’s companion. A good companion enriches one’s life in numerous ways.
- Don’t envy those who have done better than you in life: Envy is a destructive, empty feeling.
- Spend less time in harmful and empty activities like gossiping.
- Indulge in some hobby or passion like reading, writing, gardening etc.
- Don’t lose your temper: Forgiveness is important. Anger causes harm to one’s own self.
- Introspect: One must always work towards improving one’s self. Introspection goes a long way to achieving that.
So, there you have it. I would like to add one more to the list and that is of having well-mannered children. It is thoroughly enjoyable to raise kids, you can take pride in.
I would like to know if you agree with these, or if you would like to add/delete some of your own to this list.
Having read the same book I feel that Khushwant Singh is a pompous bastard who likes to show off his conquests in the bed and social life like hobnobbing with complete jerks like Zia-ul-haq,Jinnah,etc.
But I feel that at the ripe age of 95 he is right about atleast what a normal human’s priorities should be. After having read them, I have found I had myself adjusted my life according most of these priorities.
I agree to GP!!
I simply hated that bastard and his sleazy work too!
Well about life he has written nothing new but I always follow only one thing
Take life as it comes
And that keep me happy!!
🙂
I agree wholly 🙂
Even the order it’s ranked makes a lot of sense…
I agree with most and try to adhere to the more moralistic ones. But the one on gossip I’m a little ambivalent. I think there a spot of gossip here and there isnt that bad. It is difficult to classify ‘harmful’ or ‘harmless’ gossip yes. But its a great way to pass time. And after that I totally forget about it. And on losing temper – what can I say? I’m a habitual offender!!
@GP Yes Gurdev. What you say about Khushwant Singh is what I personally feel about him. He does show off and takes stands selectively. But, this is something of merit, and hence I thought of sharing it with others.
@Bhupesh Thank you for agreeing with GP who is my husband 🙂 And, guys a little easy with the abuses. I have read one book of his, and as a writer he writes well. Of course, this is not new stuff, but I seem to believe that this is pretty much true, so I shared it with others :).
@Destiny’s child Nice to know that you liked it.
@deepa Nice views. Gossip … hmmm. You are right; there is no one who hasn’t ever indulged in gossip. I think a little bit is fine too. But, malicious gossipers who spread rumors are the ones I am wary of. About losing temper, I think you really must try to control that. I think, it is an unattractive quality, and people suffer the worst when a person just blows their top.
Love makes people happy too. In fact it makes people very happy 🙂
ya the list is perfect..but one of the things i learnt a bit late is forgiveness..so many people who cross our path rub on the wrong side leaving us hurt..but this forgiveness mantra sees to it that there r no punch marks on our face..v can real smile..what say rachna?
i agree with you
I haven’t read the book, but it seems to be the latest in the Positive Psychology movement. I am currently reading Martin Seligman’s book “Authentic Happiness”. What I like about this book is that it’s almost like a cookbook on happiness. But! it’s still completely supported by scientific research. Very solid. If you want to see him talk, check out this TED talk: Martin Seligman on positive psychology.
@Raajii You are right, and I believe that it is taken care of in the part about the companion. When you have a long-lasting relationship and a family to raise, just love will not see you through. Compassion, caring, understanding, empathy etc. are so many other desirable qualities you would need in a partner.
@Ramesh Absolutely right, Ramesh! I too had trouble earlier with forgiving, but now it’s easier for me to forgive but impossible to forget :).
@sm Thanks!
@Bart The book I mentioned is actually a memoir, but I could connect with these points he talked about. I feel that so many of them apply to me. I will try to get my hands on the book you mentioned. Nevertheless, I will see the link for the talk.
I donno…i totally disagree with whatever the commentators are saying…
Kushwant Singh is one of the best writers…. I don’t think he shows off his conquests in bed. I have read his autobiography and I havent seen him as a show off on his sexual conquests
And even when he changes his stands..he gives a reason!! Even we can’t stand strongly by an ideaology, can we?
And his is not at all sleaze works…I have read his autobiography, as nightinghale sings, train to pakistan, short stories…and even today those subjects are very relevant
What I feel is that we are slightly hypocritical in judging him
@Jon Good to hear a different point of view. I haven’t read as many books as you have of his. I’ve read Absolute Khushwant and Company of Women, and I regularly read his columns. I do maintain that he is a writer, but in the last book I read, you’d be really forced to think that he is showing off and making up stuff. It is all subjective, just one opinion versus another.
1. yes good health for me too, i dont want to lie on bed .. if deadts got to come it shud come swishhhhhhhhhhhh
end of
bank balanse is ok , got enough to keep me happy
own home is much, and especially the one you buy with your own money.. i still got about 12 years of mortgage to pay 🙂 then it will be mineeeeeeeeeeeeee
and yeah a lot of those things u have mentioned
I dont like that author that much though.. but what u say is so right 🙂
Bikram’s
Agree 100 %. Life teaches us all these but if someone is giving it on a platter, who minds?
@Bikram Glad that you found it of merit 🙂
@bbsearchingself Thanks and true!
Do we have to learn it from Kushwant Singh? We learn from people who have lived lives,set as examples.
@dr. antony And, why can’t we learn from Khushwant Singh, or for that matter anyone else? He is not a criminal or a murderer. I guess, everything and everyone around us has some merit. It is for us to see that and appreciate it.