We'd asked you, dear readers to tell us what is the one life lesson you would want to share.
KL Ramakumar shares his pearl and porcupine philosophy.
You can share your life lessons too. Scroll down to find out how.
Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com
I used to work in a very large government research institution in Mumbai.
During the initial years, there were many informal orientation/motivational talks by our seniors.
One such topic was the above two philosophies.
Pearl philosophy: A natural pearl begins its life inside an shell when an intruder, such as a grain of sand or bit of floating food, slips into the oyster, between the mantle and the shell.
In order to protect itself from irritation, the oyster quickly begins to cover the uninvited visitor with layers of nacre -- the mineral substance that fashions the mollusk's shells.
Layer upon layer of nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, coat the grain of sand until the iridescent gem is formed. The oyster lives in peace.
Porcupine philosophy: In contrast, porcupines live perennially anticipating attacks from adversaries, ready to pounce upon them with fine needles.
Their life is full of tensions and uncertainties, and there is no time for tranquility.
It is up to you to choose your philosophy wisely.
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