If and when

I often think about how a “hope” can be turned into an “achievement” and wonder: what is the necessary catalyst for bringing about that transition?

Over the ages, many ideas have led to great achievements, and it is safe to say that these achievements were fueled by hard work and determination on part of the achievers.

As in a chemical reaction, where a catalyst helps in completing the reaction, one can invoke a similar concept in the human world.

In his famous poem titled “If”, Ruddyard Kippling elegantly weaved the elements needed for harnessing the faculties for “greatness” relying on, as the title implies, the “if” as a catalyst.

As an admirer of art and science, and as a believer in the power of transformation in each, I believe that the word “when” is a better catalyst than “if”.

Think of the impact of Kippling's poem when (and I purposely avoided using if!) you replace the “if” by “when”!

Hani Badawi
October 31, 2014

Thought on Global Unrest and Disorder

The energy that is expended in creating chaos is by far less than the energy needed to reverse or even partially repair that chaos!
I won't bore you with the numerous examples that support thiat thought, but I will leave you with one to ponder over: Have you ever tried to reassemble a toy that a child, with one fell swoop, smashed to smithereens?

Hani Badawi
June 29, 2014

Is the World your Oyster?

If you think that the world is your oyster

Think again 

It may be yours for a day or two

But

Remember that you are only a grain of sand and not even a shell

And

If you are honest and fair

You will turn into a pearl for all to admire

Hani Badawi 

July 3, 2013

Broken Toys

Imagine a child trying to understand how his/her toy was constructed.

Most of us will likely remember the day when we broke a toy in search of the secret of how it was assembled. We will also likely remember when a parent or an older sibling came to our rescue and attempted (sometimes successfully and other times in vain) to repair the broken toy.

Imagine no more.

Just look at the world and you will see that it is replete with rulers who have broken their countries as if they were toys. They are, however, like arrogant and irresponsible children who seek no help for re-assembling or repairing their toys!!

Hani Badawi
March 24, 2013

Computers, Humans and Robots

In the computer world (in the figurative and not literal sense), when people are confronted with problems, they may resort to one of the following remedies: 1) reboot their computer, 2) clean-up and defragment (in the Microsoft Windows world) their hard drive or, 3) seek help from friends and specialists in the software or hardware fields.

Isn't it surprising that, in the human world (again in the figurative sense), when problems arise, people often resort to one of the following: 1) boot-out or ignore the source, 2) soil-up and fragment relations with others, and 3) criticize and ignore help from friends and specialists in areas of relevance to their problems!

Perhaps this is one of the reasons why humans have been striving to develop a world where robots (or artificial intelligence) play a key role in their world.
Effectively they are seeking the best of two worlds!!

Hani Badawi
March 9, 2013

Mine your Mind

If you mine your mind you will feel fine,

If you close your mind you will feel morose,

Rewind your mind and don't leave it behind,

Most of all, do not bind your mind!

Hani Badawi

December 13, 2012

If

With apologies to Rudyard Kipling, here is my version of "If":

If you have a wish
and will not allow it to cause you anguish;

If you have a whim
and can subdue it by going for a swim;

If you have a prayer
and will not allow the outcome to make you swagger;

If you have a desire
and can make sure it doesn't lead you to a quagmire;

If you have a talent
and can use it without being flippant;

If you are caring
and are able to express it without yapping;

If you are facing a problem
and will not let it lead you to a bedlam;

If you are confused
and are able to remain unbruised;

If you are in love
and thank the Lord above;

If you are in need
and accept what you are dealt without greed;

If you are in a bind
and not cease to think about mankind;

If you are in frenzy
and not allow yourself to go crazy;

Then you will lead a life
without much strife!

 

Hani Badawi

October 6, 2012