The pleasure of finding things out

Yesterday's Economic Times editorial titled "Single Minded" made for interesting reading.

I can't remember exactly what stood out in the brief writeup, but it got me thinking about writing letters and observing people. I'll talk about each, and how it can help us grow as a person.

Writing Letters:

Gone are the yesteryears where writing letters was the defacto mode of communication. There were so many aspects to it:

• The smell of paper and envelope traveling through various lands
• The excitement and the wait of reading replies to questions/comments made in previous communiques
• Thinking through what you want to write, and structuring the information in a consumable format
• Extending hobbies and making penpals

I used to write regularly to my Mama in Mumbai, while growing up in Dubai. We used to exchange random things, and collectibles.

We both collected stamps, and he collected Phone cards. I would make it a point to send him phone cards from Dubai, with different pictures on each [as unique as stamps could be]. He would in return make sure to buy new/different stamps and use them to post the letters to me. This way we were able to extend our hobbies as well as keep in touch.

I remember waiting for 1 particular letter, after he got engaged, to see what my Mami looked like.

I used to write to Atamjeet Kainth regularly too, who was my best friend till 5th grade, when he migrated to Canada. We are still in touch, but now use email *sigh*.

I find it all so very missing in our current lifestyle. The excitement, the personal touch, the exchange of pictures awaited, the extension to hobbies.

All we have is a drab email in a boring interface, with photos attached at will, without consideration or excitement.

I intend to write 1 letter per month, to begin with, and try and review the art at least from my side :)

Observing People:

I remember reading, as a child, about Jim Corbett sitting in a Ferry and observing people. He was trying to guess the profession and place of origin of each passenger on board the vessel. He happened to meet another traveler on the vessel who was doing the exact same thing! :)

They ended up chatting and exchanging notes on the art of observation. It was an impressionable read to say the least. Even my dad would tell me while growing up, to observe things around me and to understand what it could mean. I was always more for books than for observance.

But after yesterday's article I decided to spend 10 minutes a day just observing people [we have a huge cafeteria in the office, so I don't need to find ground]. I believe there is much to be learned. :)

Lets see how this goes. Will keep you guys posted.