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 As the first blog entry got exhausted. My second book |
| Evolution of Love Part 2 |
| A story inspired by "Long Road to Ruin" by Foo Fighters would capture themes of transformation, defiance, and the endurance of the human spirit when faced with difficult crossroads and change. Maya always felt most at peace behind the wheel, the road stretching endlessly ahead of her as she left behind fragments of a life weighed down by choices, regrets, and untold stories. Her hometown, nestled in a valley, was both a comfort and a prison—a place where dreams once bloomed but ultimately faded as quickly as the color in autumn leaves. Years ago, she departed with a simple promise: return only once she could face the ghosts she’s left behind. A decade later, news reached her of changes back home: the old factory shuttered, her childhood park now a shell of its former self, friends scattered by time and necessity. She felt compelled to return, not as a victor but as someone seeking closure. The small suitcase in her trunk weighed heavier than it should—a symbol of nostalgia and unresolved hurts. On her journey, Maya met others on their own paths of ruin and renewal—a drifter who taught her the value of letting go, a single mother who embodied quiet resilience, a mechanic who saw beauty in broken things. Each encounter chipped away at her stubborn heart, teaching her that change doesn't mean erasure but transformation, that the road could lead to new beginnings if she dared to follow it. As she crossed familiar streets under cold streetlights, memories flooded back: laughter in forgotten alleyways, heartbreaks in empty parking lots, whispered secrets at midnight. The town had changed, but in surprising ways—murals where walls once stood, new faces among old friends, hope woven into the cracks of sidewalks. Maya realized her journey wasn’t about returning to what once was, but embracing what could be. She scaled the emotional walls she'd built, stood in fields unnamed, and gathered the fragments of her past not as burdens, but as the foundation for her next chapter. Leaving behind her old fears, she stepped into the horizon, knowing that every long road to ruin is also a long road to renewal. Inspiration & Themes - **Transformation**: The story centers on personal change and the courage to return and reconcile with the past. - **Resilience**: Maya's journey reflects perseverance—the willingness to confront pain, accept growth, and move forward despite setbacks. - **Hope**: Even on the long road through hardship, there are moments of beauty and connection, suggesting healing and new beginnings. This tale echoes the spirit of the Foo Fighters’ song, framing healing and change as journeys taken one step at a time, with no clear dead ends—only roads leading onward. |
| Summary of Jonathan Livingston Seagull Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach is a timeless fable about a young seagull's quest for perfection and freedom. Unlike the other gulls who are content with just scavenging for food, Jonathan is driven by a passion for flight itself. He dedicates his life to mastering advanced aerial maneuvers, pushing the limits of what a seagull is thought to be capable of. His obsession with flight makes him an outcast in his flock, which values conformity and survival above all else. Eventually, he's banished from the flock for his unconventional ways. In his exile, Jonathan discovers a new existence with a group of like-minded seagulls who share his love for flight and learning. These gulls, including his mentor Chiang, teach him about the deeper aspects of flying, which they see as a path to a higher state of being. Through their guidance, Jonathan learns to fly faster than ever before and even to teleport, or "flicker" through space and time. He realizes that the true essence of flight isn't just physical but also spiritual. After reaching this enlightenment, he decides to return to his old flock, not for revenge, but to share what he's learned and inspire others. He takes on a small group of students, teaching them that true freedom lies in breaking free from self-imposed limitations and societal norms. The story concludes with Jonathan's students continuing his legacy, sharing the message that every individual has the potential to achieve greatness by following their inner purpose and transcending the ordinary. (Word Count: 236) Characters That Inspired Me The character that inspired me the most is undoubtedly Jonathan Livingston Seagull himself. He embodies the spirit of an individual who refuses to be confined by the expectations of his society. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering dedication to his passion for flight is truly inspiring. Jonathan isn't just a seagull who wants to fly fast; he's a visionary who sees flying not as a means to an end, but as an art form and a path to self-discovery. His willingness to be an outcast in order to stay true to himself is a powerful lesson in integrity and courage. He shows that true freedom comes from within, by breaking free from the fear of judgment and the chains of conformity. The Elder Seagull, Chiang, is another character that deeply interested me. He serves as Jonathan's mentor and represents a higher level of wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. Chiang isn't just an instructor of advanced flight techniques; he teaches Jonathan that flying is about more than just physical movement. He introduces the idea that the body is just a thought and that true flight involves transcending physical limitations. Chiang's gentle yet profound guidance shows that true teachers don't just provide answers; they inspire their students to find the answers within themselves. His character represents the potential for wisdom and growth that comes with experience and a dedication to a higher purpose. Finally, the character of Fletcher Lynd Seagull is also quite inspiring. He's Jonathan's first and most devoted student, representing the potential for change and the ripple effect of a single person's inspiration. Fletcher starts out as a troubled seagull, but his encounter with Jonathan transforms his life. He learns to not only fly with skill but to also see the world with a new perspective. Fletcher's journey shows that one person's courage can inspire a whole new generation. He embodies the idea that a single student, if they truly grasp a lesson, can become a teacher themselves, spreading the message of freedom and possibility. (Word Count: 337) Theme/Lesson That Caught My Attention The most significant theme that caught my attention in Jonathan Livingston Seagull is the idea of transcending self-imposed limitations and societal expectations. The entire story revolves around Jonathan’s journey to break free from the traditional life of a seagull, which is centered on the mundane task of finding food. He understands that his purpose is far greater than mere survival. He pushes past the physical limits of flight, and in doing so, he also breaks free from the mental and spiritual limitations that his flock has accepted as normal. This lesson resonates deeply because it's a powerful metaphor for the human experience. We often let societal norms, family expectations, or our own fears dictate what we can and cannot do. We accept our "lot" in life without questioning if there might be something more. Jonathan teaches us that true freedom and happiness are found not in conforming, but in courageously following our own unique path. The book suggests that the limitations we perceive are often just a product of our own beliefs. By changing our mindset and dedicating ourselves to our passions, we can achieve things we once thought were impossible. This theme of self-actualization and striving for excellence beyond the ordinary is a profound and timeless message that continues to inspire. It encourages the reader to look inward and ask themselves, "What is my purpose, and what am I willing to do to achieve it?" (Word Count: 260) Review: My Own Observations and Opinions Jonathan Livingston Seagull is a fascinating and surprisingly profound book. What I liked most is its elegant simplicity. Richard Bach manages to convey complex spiritual and philosophical ideas through the simple metaphor of a seagull and his love for flying. The prose is clean and concise, which makes the book accessible to readers of all ages. The story is a quick read, but the message it carries lingers long after you've finished the last page. It’s an effective and powerful fable that doesn’t need complex characters or an intricate plot to get its point across. I also appreciate the book’s optimistic and empowering tone. It’s a story about hope, courage, and the potential for every individual to achieve greatness. It encourages readers to be their own person, to question the status quo, and to find their true calling. It's a great book for anyone feeling stuck or uninspired, as it serves as a powerful reminder that we are the masters of our own destiny. My main dislike is that the book, at times, can feel a bit too idealistic. The resolution to Jonathan's conflicts feels almost too easy. He faces resistance from his flock but then effortlessly finds a new one that immediately understands him. The characters, while effective as symbols, are not deeply developed, which is a trade-off for the book's allegorical nature. The book is more of a philosophical treatise than a character-driven story, which might not appeal to everyone. Despite this, the book’s core message is so strong that these minor shortcomings are easily overlooked. It’s a classic for a reason, and a book I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a dose of inspiration. (Word Count: 282) |
| Book Review: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho This is a review of Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, a modern classic that tells the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who embarks on a journey to find a hidden treasure. The book is a fable-like narrative that delves into the themes of destiny, personal legends, and the importance of following one's heart. Summary (289 words) The story follows Santiago, a young shepherd who has a recurring dream about a treasure buried at the foot of the Egyptian pyramids. He consults a gypsy woman and then an old king named Melchizedek, who encourages him to pursue his "Personal Legend." He sells his flock and travels to Tangier, where he is immediately robbed. This setback forces him to work for a crystal merchant to save money for his journey. He learns valuable life lessons from the merchant about fear and missed opportunities. Eventually, Santiago resumes his journey across the Sahara Desert. Along the way, he joins a caravan and meets an Englishman who is searching for an alchemist. The caravan's journey is fraught with danger due to tribal wars. Santiago finds love with a girl named Fatima at a desert oasis, but he must leave her to continue his quest. He finally meets the Alchemist, who guides him through the last leg of his journey, teaching him about the "Soul of the World" and the language of omens. The Alchemist tests Santiago's courage and faith, pushing him to trust his heart and the universe. When Santiago finally reaches the pyramids, he is again robbed, but in a surprising twist, he learns the true location of the treasure. It wasn't in Egypt but back in his homeland, under the very tree he had the initial dream. The book concludes with Santiago's return, fulfilling his Personal Legend and finding his treasure—both material and spiritual. Theme or Lesson You've Learned (293 words) One of the most profound lessons I learned from The Alchemist is the importance of following your "Personal Legend" and trusting the journey, not just the destination. Coelho defines a Personal Legend as what you have always wanted to accomplish. It's not just a goal but a life's purpose that the universe conspires to help you achieve if you have the courage to pursue it. The book taught me that fear of failure or the unknown is the biggest obstacle to our dreams. Santiago's journey is full of setbacks, from being robbed to facing the dangers of the desert, but each obstacle is a lesson in disguise. The theme of "the universe conspiring to help you" really resonated with me. It suggests that when you are truly committed to your path, the world around you provides signs, or "omens," to guide you. This isn't about magical thinking but about being attentive to opportunities and intuition. The book emphasizes that the journey itself is as valuable as the treasure at the end. The real treasure for Santiago wasn't the gold but the wisdom, courage, and love he gained along the way. This lesson encourages a mindset of resilience and faith, reminding us that every step, even a wrong one, can be part of a larger plan for our growth. It makes you realize that your true purpose is not a fixed point but a continuous process of becoming. Character That Inspired You (293 words) The character that inspired me the most was undoubtedly the Alchemist. While Santiago is the protagonist, the Alchemist is the mentor figure who truly shapes his understanding of the world. He's a mysterious and wise character who lives in the desert, possessing deep knowledge of alchemy and the "Soul of the World." What's so inspiring about him is his unwavering faith in Santiago and his ability to see beyond the surface. He doesn't give Santiago all the answers but instead guides him to discover them on his own. He pushes Santiago to confront his fears, to listen to his heart, and to speak the "language of the world." The Alchemist's teachings are not just about finding gold; they are about understanding your true self. He teaches Santiago that fear is a greater enemy than death and that you must lose the fear of losing what you have. His calm and powerful presence is a constant reminder that true wisdom comes from within. The Alchemist is not a magical character in the traditional sense; he is a representation of pure faith and guidance. He teaches that everything on earth is part of a single thing, and that when you truly want something, the universe conspires in helping you achieve it. His most profound lesson is that the journey itself is the reward. He shows Santiago that the treasure is not just material but is the self-discovery and spiritual growth gained on the path. My Own Observation (296 words) My own observation of The Alchemist is that it's more than just a story; it's a powerful parable for life. While some critics may find its message overly simplistic or cliché, I believe its simplicity is its greatest strength. The book strips away the complexities of modern life and presents a timeless truth: that our deepest desires are worth pursuing. I found the narrative to be incredibly accessible, almost like a children's story, but with profound lessons hidden in every chapter. The use of simple, symbolic language makes the concepts of "Personal Legend" and "the Soul of the World" easy to grasp. I also noticed that the book's power lies in its ability to inspire. It doesn't offer a step-by-step guide to success but rather a mindset shift. It encourages readers to look for meaning in their own lives and to trust their intuition. The cyclical nature of Santiago's journey, starting and ending in the same place but with a completely different perspective, is a brilliant literary device. It highlights that the true treasure is not external but internal, and that the "treasure" we seek is often found after a long and transformative journey. I believe this is a book that everyone should read at least once. It’s a book that can be interpreted differently at various stages of life, and its lessons grow with you. The book serves as a gentle but firm reminder that it's never too late to listen to your heart and embark on your own unique adventure. |
| During a Robbery in Hong Kong, the Bank Robber shouted to everyone in the bank: "Don't move. The Money belongs to the Government. Your Life belongs to You." Everyone in the Bank laid down quietly. This is called "Mind Changing Concept” Changing the Conventional Way of Thinking. When a Lady lay on the Table provocatively, the Robber shouted at her: "Please be Civilised! This is a Robbery . This is called "Being Professional” . Focus only on What You are Trained to do! When the Bank Robbers returned Home, the Younger Robber (MBA Trained) told the older Robber (who has only completed Year 6 in Primary School): "Big Brother, let's count how much we got." The older Robber rebutted and said: "You are very Stupid. There is so much Money it will take us a long time to count. Tonight, the TV News will tell us how much we Robbed from the Bank!" This is called "Experience” Nowadays, experience is more Important than Paper Qualifications! After the Robbers had left, the Bank Manager told the Bank supervisor to call the Police quickly. But the Supervisor said to him: "Wait! Let us take out $10 Million from the Bank for ourselves and add it to the $70 Million that we have previously Embezzled from the Bank”. This is called "Swim with the Tide” Converting an unfavorable situation to Your Advantage! The Supervisor says: "It will be Good if there is a Robbery every month." This is called "Changing Priority” Personal Happiness is more Important than Your Job”. The next day, the TV News reported that $100 Million was taken from the Bank. The Robbers Counted and Counted and Counted, but they could only Count $20 Million. The Robbers were very Angry and Complained: "We risked our Lives and only took $20 Million. The Bank Manager took $80 Million with a snap of his fingers. It looks like it is better to be Educated than to be a Thief!" This is called "Knowledge is worth as much as Gold!" 👆Must read ..Superb one👌 The above indeed gives Good Management Lessons. 🤔🤔🤔 |
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