World — A Great Magnet

World — A Great Magnet

This world is like a great magnet with a number of poles. It attracts every iron element in its own unique way.

Some iron elements are attracted to the pole of power, some to position, some to wealth, and some to glory, depending upon the nature of the iron element and the impurities in it.

Once these elements are attracted to the magnet, there is hardly any way for them to get rid of it without some external force strong enough to detach them. But such an external force is not always available. The iron is therefore destined to remain attracted and attached to the magnet for the lifetime of the iron element.

But luckily, the iron element can, through an internal process involving pressure, temperature and metallurgical treatment, undergo melting and cooling and become steel. Once it becomes steel, the magnet is no longer able to attract it.

The value of the iron then becomes more than what it was before. In a way, its contact with the multipolar magnet has helped it discover its own identity and transform itself.

What, then, are these metallurgical processes in human life?

They are introspection, questioning oneself while living, thinking before deciding, remembering the purpose of life, and reflecting upon the utility of the self, the purpose and futility of material achievements, and even the absence of such achievements.

I feel there are ways and means to remain unattached to the great magnet that this world is, while still co-existing with it—to live in it without allowing oneself to be completely governed by its attractions, and thereby attain peace, welfare and whatever else we aspire to in order to make our life valuable.

R.R.P.