For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.
Which is why some of us hoard everything.
I don’t know where to comment on your Ghandi quote so I’ll put it here. I was reminded of a story Ravi Zacharias told once; apparently in India they have or had a ‘slow’ bicycle race. The object was not to get to the finish line first… but last. (I’m not sure if it was a hundred yard race or what.) Sounds like fun.
“There is more to life than increasing its speed.”
Yes, I have heard that story. I think the course is only a few feet, and the cyclists hop along trying to stay balanced without moving forward.
And you can’t go backward of course. I also think you can’t come to a complete stop, but I’m not sure about that.
p.s. If anyone is interested in reading a novel about India I recommend a ‘Fine Balance’ by R. Mistry. (I’m currently listening to tapes of ‘Family Matters’ and I only hope it’s half as good.)
I’ve finished listening to ‘Family Matters’ and recommend it highly. It’s a deeply moving novel about life in the Parsi community of Bombay. The focus is an elderly professor who becomes bed ridden and has to be cared for by family members. There’s great humor and pathos; as well as a cast of fascinating characters.