DISTANCE LENDS ENCHANTMENT TO THE VIEW

FROM SAMPATH’S DESK:

 

 

  

DISTANCE LENDS ENCHANTMENT TO THE VIEW

(இக்கரைக்கு அக்கரை பச்சை)

(दूर का ढोल सुहाना)

  

‘Distance lends enchantment to the view’ idiomatically means, ‘Something seen at a distance may appear more delightful than when it is seen close up.’ Or, conducive conditions and perceived comforts observed from a distance may, at times, turn out to be fake, false, and/or farce when we are on the exact spot or nearby.

 

At times, distant objects may appear very attractive from far away but when they are judged closely, they are not that good as it seemed to be from a distance. It also follows that one need not judge a person from his external appearance only. We should always look at the inner qualities of a human being; in other words, we should look and judge the nature of the heart of a human being. Never see things from far off but we should look closer and never judge something or someone by mere appearance. Maybe, the initial curiosity and magnetism may diminish as you start approaching closer and closer to that object and even die down finally. In life, some of the distant attractive objects that appeal and fascinate are mountains, hillocks, lush green vegetation, water-bodies, the Sun, and the Moon, among others. When standing on seashore, one sees the sea touching the sky at a far-off point. And, if you set out to reach that meeting point, you will be frustrated and will never be able to find such a convergence point at all. Thus, what you see is only illusory and deceptive.

 

The reason why distance lends enchantment to the view is not far to seek. It is the imagination which shapes our mental picture of a distant object or person, and imagination tends to idealize, that is, to make a thing ideal, exaggerating its merits, and ignoring its defects. Close contact with a place or person reveals defects, which the distance has dimmed to give a frayed appearance and  hazy visibility.

 

Take the example of a mirage seen on a road at a distance, especially highways, during summer season that gives you a feeling as if there is a water puddle at that point. It would even have all the real characteristics of water in that reflecting objects could be seen there. Once at the spot, you will realize the fakeness and folly.

The scenic beauty of a clouds-clad mountain is a special visual feast. But if you climb up to touch or catch the cloud, you will stand inevitably disappointed. It is not uncommon what you see turning out to be unreal sometimes.

 

Shelley once had a lady pen friend interacting through correspondence. On reading and finding her opinions and outlook on life to be similar to his own, Shelley strongly considered her as a “sister of his soul”. Desirous of seeing her in person and knowing about her more, he invited her to his house. After she had stayed with him for a few days, he described her as “the most abominable devil” he had ever come across. What a change of opinion that occurred in one of the greatest writers of the world who was earlier carried away by her attraction from a distance. Yes, distance lends enchantment to the view. Isn’t it?

 

Similarly, New York, London, Paris, or Tokyo may appear to be the city of your dreams, the place where you would like to be ‘destined’ to realize your aspirations. When, however, you happen to live in that city for some time, it may well seem to be a monster out to devour your individuality. You may even experience cultural and/or other shocks there. It's a different matter that people from other countries do go and live there for their livelihood. After all, 'No pains, no gains' - isn't it?

 

Distant places and persons look more attractive than they really are. From far they beckon us, their perfect silhouette enveloped in mists of fascination. But when we visit those places and meet those persons and observe them closely, they are likely to lose much of the sheen and spell they once cast over us.

 

In my life, I experienced shocks when I merely went by outlooks, appearances, and voices. Yes, I had occasions to assume and presume that a particular person with a strange outlook, loud voice, and strict discipline was a hard nut to crack whom I had to be cautious and careful in dealing with. But alas, in course of time, I found in the same person a ‘Good Samaritan’ with lots of kindness, humaneness, charity, sympathy, empathy and whatnot! Contrarily, I could see a person speaking in a low tone with outwardly sobre and helping overtones turning out to be a wrong-doer and mischief-monger with evil desires and designs. Some would pose and act as if they are good while their true colours could be seen only at crucial times. Such people would not hesitate even to pull the rug from under your feet quietly, or indulge in calling the shots against you from behind the scene, if it came to that.

 

There have been occasions when happy beginnings ending up in failure, and clumsy beginnings resulting in success.

Many of my great lessons in life have been born of pain. Trauma teaches us things we might not have wanted to learn at all. I know who have endured any sort of agony and suffering (physical as well as mental), would choose to be the people they were before they had their eyes opened. If we are lucky, the lessons carry over to other situations so that we don’t have to keep enduring the same losses, again and again, before we start to ‘get it’ about life. 

To conclude, it's worthwhile recalling the quote of Mother Tereasa, “I know God will not send me anything I cannot handle. I just wish He didn’t trust me so much”. And of course, her life tells us that she really didn’t wish that.

 

 

(R.SAMPATH)

16/2/2024