Once, a few officials reached a mental asylum to visit the inhabitants there. Everyone except one felt sympathy towards the unfortunate patients who were admitted there. The one who felt scorn asked the hospital official, who accompanied him, whether they were admitted as soon as they were brought there.
The hospital official replied that they were admitted only if they failed in a test. He continued that a patient would be shown a bath tub filled with water along with a big bucket, a small one, mug and a spoon. Then the patient would be asked what was easiest way to drain the water from the bath tub. The visiting official said with an air of arrogance, “Those with common sense would definitely say that the big bucket would be used to drain the water.”
However, the hospital official replied, “No sir, those with a common sense would try to drain the water by pulling the bath tub plug. Can I arrange a bed for you too sir!”
It is improper to judge others by an attitude of arrogance and pride. People tend to arrange their life so as to suit their unique ways and circumstances. It is said that those who have quenched their hunger cannot understand the feelings of the one who go hungry. Similarly, one cannot comprehend the ways and thoughts of others without actually living it.
Those who try to dictate terms to others with a sense of understanding, which is limited to their own perceptions, are likely to deny the fellow beings the minimum justice that they deserve.
There must only be a small percentage of people who are born with mental issues and conditions. Experts say that the unsympathetic and judgmental attitude of the society may have pushed many to the chasm of mental illness.
There are many who lead their lives based on common sense and approach it only with rationality. Their lives, however, would be so ordinary and bland without displaying the faintest hint of sympathy or care for others.
They are the ones who are content as ‘normal’, as they do not seriously interfere in anything which could bring greater joy or comfort to others.
