Is “Utility Value” the only Value...?

IS THE “UTILITY VALUE” THE ONLY VALUE...?
Musings of a Veteran
By
VIKRAM KARVE

In materialistic world of today – you must have a motive for doing something. 

You must “gain” something from doing an activity.

After all – you are “investing” your precious time, talent and effort in the activity.

So – you must get your RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)

If you spend your time and effort pursuing some activity – you must derive some material gain from doing that activity.

There is a “Utility Value” attached to everything.

You must “gain” something tangible – it can be POWER, WEALTH or FAME.

Mostly – it is Wealth or Money. 

Yes – in most cases the motive is MONEY (Wealth).

Many people ask me why I am wasting all my time and so much effort Blogging and Writing – when the same time and effort could be put to “good” use by me – doing something worthwhile to earn money. 

“You spend so much time and effort blogging...” they say. 

And then – they ask me: 

“What do you gain from blogging...?” 

Other well-wishers say: 

“Why don’t you monetize your blog...? At least you will earn some money for your efforts.” 

Do people write and blog only to earn money...? 

Can’t people do things for self-actualization...? 

Is the aim of education solely to get a job...? 

Yes – that is the “utility value” of education. 

But – what about the joys of learning...? 

Doesn’t education expose you to the joys of learning...?

Why can’t people understand that a person can do something for the sheer enjoyment of doing it – without any material gain or ulterior motive. 

Another person used to asked me why I spent so much time with my pet dog Sherry and why I looked after her so lovingly. (you can see Sherry with me in my profile picture)

“Are you making money by selling her pups..?” he asked – and he was surprised when I told him that I did not have any intention of mating my dog.

Maybe – he had seen some persons who keep dogs as a business – and use their dogs as a means to make money by breeding them.

He could not believe it when I told him that I keep a dog just for the sheer love the dog bestows on me.

“But – what is the use of love...? What do you “gain” from love...?” he asked me. 

This question got me thinking. 

What is the use of love...? 

What do I gain from love...? 

Well – love creates positive vibes in me – love generates inner happiness.

Why do we try and analyse the “utility value” in each and every thing – even love...?

Does love have a “utility value”...?

What is the “Utility Value” of Love...?

Let me quote an Urdu couplet I heard long back. 

(I cannot translate it exactly – but I will try to give you the gist)

Someone asked a lover:

इश्क का क्या फायदा  (What do you gain from love...?)

The lover replied:

फायदे का क्या फायदा  (What do you gain from gain...?)

Why do we look for profit or reward in anything we do...? 

Why do we have expectations in a relationship...?

Yes – even in relationships we see a “utility value”.

Why do we always expect a “RETURN ON INVESTMENT”...? 

Why can’t we do something just for the sake of doing it – for the sheer enjoyment of that activity – just like we do – in the case of true love or इश्क 

Do we look for “Return on Investment” when we love someone...? 

What do you gain from love...? 

What do you gain from “gain”...?

इश्क का क्या फायदा ...?

फायदे का क्या फायदा ...?

Would some connoisseur of Urdu Sher-Shairi (philosophical poet) be so good as to translate and interpret this couplet for us in a better way please. 

Dear Reader: 

Do you look for “utility value” in everything...? 

I eagerly await your comments. 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

This is a revised repost of my article written by me Vikram Karve around 8 years ago in 2010 and posted by me online earlier a number of times in my blogs including at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/03/what-is-utility-value-of-love.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/05/what-do-you-gain-from-blogging.html  and  http://creative.sulekha.com/what-do-you-gain-from-love-why-do-we-have-expectations-in-a-relationship_88231_blog and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/12/does-love-have-utility-value.html etc

Have you made your “Happiness List”...?

Have you made your “Happiness List”...?

“MILD” PLEASURES GIVE YOU MAXIMUM HAPPINESS

This afternoon I relaxed on my bed while hearing melodious old songs on Vividh Bharati Radio.

I felt happy.

And – I remembered an article I had written 17 years ago based on this philosophical quote by Taoist Philosopher Mingliaotse:

“The art of attaining happiness consists in keeping your pleasures mild...”

So – let me delve deep into my “SELF HELP” Archives and dig out this article for you to read:

IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY – KEEP YOUR PLEASURES MILD
Self Help Musings 
By
VIKRAM KARVE 

HAPPINESS – a Philosophical Approach

The primary aim of philosophy and spirituality is to help ordinary people live a life of happiness, fulfillment, inner peace and tranquility.

Every day you ask yourself:

How do I live a happy life...? 

Is it simple to be happy...? 

What is the art of happiness...?


PLEASURE and HAPPINESS

Let us see what the Taoist philosopher Mingliaotse has to say:

“The art of attaining happiness consists in keeping your pleasures mild...”

You know that whenever pleasure is present you are happy – this is a fact that cannot be denied.

A pleasure is an enjoyable event or delightful emotion which is bound to make you happy – at least for that moment.

Highfalutin philosophers and spiritual gurus may prescribe various impracticable esoteric paths of renunciation, asceticism or sectarian precepts eschewing enjoyment and pleasure as the sine qua non of happiness.

Yes – many “Gurus” prescribe living a staid ascetic life which entails eschewing of all enjoyment and pleasure as a prerequisite for attaining happiness and enlightenment.

But the fact of the matter is – that to the ordinary person – happiness and pleasure are inextricably intertwined. 

Yes – pleasures make you happy – and you know it.

Discovering simple enduring pleasures which you can easily and regularly achieve, realize and enjoy in your day-to-day life will produce contentment, fulfillment and happiness.

Pleasure is certainly not a bad thing in itself.

But wanton pursuit of pleasures is counterproductive – as it leads to over-indulgence and excesses – which bring with them disturbances which are detrimental to our health, happiness and well-being.

In your search for happiness you tend to indulge in lavish parties, unrestrained extravagance, conspicuous consumption, compulsive shopping, thoughtless profligacy, limitless spending, expensive entertainments etc.

You try to enjoy everything at once.

You want instant gratification by over-indulgence in drinking, eating, revelry and sensual pleasures – stretching yourself to the maximum limits possible.

At first – you enjoy yourself – and feel happy.

Then – you come to the point of satiety – and you begin to feel a sense of repulsion.

And – if you overdo yourself – next morning you wake up sick and feeling miserable with a sense of sadness and depression rather than happiness.

You may think that grandiose, ostentatious, lavish, unrestrained and intemperate indulgences will ostensibly make you happy.

But – in actual fact – these over-indulgences may render you stressed-out and unhappy – and cause you harm and misery in the long run.

There is no need to overdo things in order to be happy.

Just keep your pleasures mild.

Enjoying a simple, tasty and healthy meal with your loved ones and friends – or just sitting quietly in solitude and leisurely reading a good book or enjoying melodious music – or taking a walk observing nature – or enjoying your work, leisure, hobbies – are some mild pleasures which will make you happy and keep you healthy too.


HOW TO KEEP YOUR PLEASURES MILD


Step 1 – IDENTIFY ALL YOUR PLEASURES AND MAKE A “HAPPINESS LIST”

It is simple to be happy.

The first thing you must do is to introspect and list your most pleasurable activities.

Yes – make a HAPPINESS LIST including all the things, activities, places and people that give you true joy, happiness and satisfaction.

Your happiness list must cover all aspects of your life. 

Make your “happiness list” as exhaustive as possible.


Step 2 – IDENTIFY “MILD PLEASURES” FROM YOUR “HAPPINESS LIST”

From this comprehensive “HAPPINESS LIST” – you must select those “mild pleasures” that you can enjoy every day – or very frequently – or very often – pleasures that are feasible and viable for you to enjoy. 

Then – incorporate these pleasures in your routine – and fit them into your daily life.

See what happens.

Some “pleasures” that you thought would make you happy – they actually do the opposite – don’t they...?

Delete those “pleasures” that you first thought would give you happiness – but actually made you feel stressed-out or depressed.

Yes – remove those things that you thought would be satisfying – but actually turned out to be unrewarding.

Experiment – make changes – be watchful – be dynamic. 

Do not hesitate to add new items to your list.

You can always remove them – if they fail to produce the desired results.

Fine tune your HAPPINESS LIST – and religiously put into daily practice your happiness list – and experience happiness every day.


BE HAPPY
 
This prescription of keeping your pleasures mild will enable you to structure your life in way where your happiness will be in your control – and you will find greater joy in your life.

It will be feasible and within your control to ensure that you enjoy these mild pleasures daily – or at least fairly regularly.

With only limited waking hours during the day – these enjoyable events will begin to crowd out the unpleasant activities in your daily life.

This will make you feel fulfilled and happy.

Dear Reader – start today – keep your pleasures mild so that you can enjoy these simple pleasures every day – and discover the true art of happiness – the art of living.

Discover your mild pleasures that make you truly happy and joyful. 

And do let me know your experience – did this simple philosophy of keeping your pleasures mild make you happier?

It is easy to be happy – isn’t it...?

Remember:

The art of attaining happiness consists in keeping your pleasures mild  

Dear Reader: 

Take the first step towards becoming Happy.

Start making your HAPPINESS LIST right now...

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This is based on my personal experience. It may or may not work for you. So please do due diligence before trying out this technique.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

I wrote this 17 years ago, in the year 2000, and have posted it online in my blogs a number of times including in 2005 at url: http://creative.sulekha.com/the-art-of-happiness-by-vikram-karve_32504_blog  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/01/happiness-mantra-keep-your-pleasures.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/05/do-you-want-to-feel-happy-then-keep.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/02/you-can-be-happy-if-you-keep-your.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/12/how-to-be-happy-mild-pleasures-give-you.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/07/self-help-if-you-want-to-be-happy-keep.html

Do You Plan Your Life

DO YOU PLAN YOUR LIFE
The Story of THE OLD MAN AT THE FORT
By
VIKRAM KARVE

Do you believe in planning your life...? 

I don’t.

I have stopped planning my life – because – whatever I planned never materialised in my life. 

I have learnt the hard way that instead of planning your future – you should just let things happen – and let your life take its natural course.

This lesson is lucidly brought out in Liehtse’s famous parable of The Old Man at the Fort


The Story of THE OLD MAN AT THE FORT 

An Old Man was living with his Son at an abandoned fort on the top of a hill.

One day – he lost a horse. 

His fellow villagers came to the Old Man to express their sympathy for this misfortune and Bad Luck.

But – the Old Man said: 

“How do you say that this is a misfortune? 

The fact of the matter is that – one horse is missing – and – there is one horse less in the stables. 

That is the fact. 

Whether it is good luck or bad luck – well that is a matter of judgment.”

A few days later – the Old Man’s lost horse returned with a number of wild horses. 

Now – the Old Man had a large number of horses in his stables.

The villagers came again to congratulate him on this stroke of fortune – and – they all complimented the Old Man on his Good Luck. 

But – the Old Man replied:

“How do you know this is good luck? 

The fact of the matter is that there are more horses in my stable than before. 

Whether it is good luck or bad luck – well that is a matter of opinion.”

With so many horses around – the Old Man’s young son began to take to riding in a big way. 

One day while riding a wild horse – the Old Man’s Son was thrown off a horse – and – he broke his leg – and – the accident made him lame in one leg. 

Again – the neighbours came around to express their sympathy for the Old Man’s bad luck – that the Old Man’s only son had become lame and disabled for life.

But – the Old Man replied:

“How do you know this is bad luck? 

The fact of the matter is that my son is lame in one leg.”

A few years later a great war broke out. 

All the able bodied men were forcibly conscripted into the Army – and all of them were sent to the battlefield to fight in the war.

The war was so terrible – that all the young men of the village were killed fighting in the war.

Because the Old Man’s son had a broken leg – he was not conscripted into the Army.

So – the Old Man’s son did not have to go to the battlefield – and – his life was saved.

All the villagers had lost their sons in the war.

And – all the villagers were envious at the Old Man’s “good fortune” – since he was the only one in the village who still had a living son.

But this time – they did not say anything to the Old Man.

They knew what the Old Man’s dispassionate response would be. 

If they complimented him on his good fortune – they knew that the Old Man would say: 

“How do you know that this is good fortune? 

The fact of the matter is that – my son is alive – and – all your sons are dead.

That is the fact. 

Whether it is good luck or bad luck – well that is a matter of opinion.”

MORAL OF THE STORY

This parable drives home the lesson that it is better not to plan too much in life. 

So – what should you do?

Simple. 

Just do what the Old Man did. 

Accept things as they come – don’t resist too much – flow along with events as they happen – and – go along smoothly living your life.

Do you agree? 

Or – do you still believe that you can plan your life...?

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This post is a spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

This is an abridged updated extract of my post THE OLD MAN AT THE FORT posted online by me a number of times earlier including at urls: https://vikramwkarve.wordpress.com/2007/06/11/old-man-at-the-fort/  and  https://karve.wordpress.com/2006/11/23/the-map-is-not-the-territory-by-vikram-karve/  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/04/destiny-luck-fate-fortune-do-you.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/10/luck-is-there-such-thing-as-luck.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/09/the-meaning-of-luck-your-attitude-is.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/11/how-to-be-lucky.html  etc