A. 'Respond instead of Reacting' is actually the address given by Azim Premji in the 'Shaping Young Minds Programme'. He describes some of the lessons he learnt in his life. The first lesson, he says, he has learnt is that one should focus and begin with his strengths to overcome our weaknesses. The second message from him is that we only know the value of what we have if we have struggled to earn it. The third note he shares with us is that when one loses, one should not lose the lesson comes from it. When one wins, one must not let it go to
the head. The fourth point is the importance of humility which brings the value of gratitude. The fifth lesson cautions us to strive always for excellence in everything we do. The next message is that one should not
compromise with one's values while allowing oneself to change. The final point presents an important point that we might listen to all others but we should stick to our values alone. He says that essential values like
honesty, humility and consideration are more important than our achievements.
Q. 'Eat right, exercise regularly, die anyway.' Why do you think Leacock feels that one should not be a health maniac?
A. In the essay 'How to Live to Be 200', Stephen Leacock satirizes health maniacs who are obsessed with good health and body building. Leacock suggests a realistic approach to life. He advises people to wake up only when it is necessary. He wants everyone to eat as much as what they like and as long as they can pay for it. One should not become Cowards by avoiding meat, fruit milk and alcohol. He says that performing exercises
can be taken care of even by hired men. He asks to befriend bacteria lest we should face them. The act of leading life naturally finds an approach to true happiness. He says that better life is more important than longer life. He opines that one should experience life only to enjoy it by eating well and doing exercise regularly and
finally to die peacefully. Though his comments appear to be sarcastic yet they are thought provoking. Leacock suggests cutting restrictions pertaining to food and rest to realize the essence of life.
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