By P Mohan Chandran
Have you ever glanced back in time and pondered upon how significantly human values and perspectives have changed? Can we even measure the scale of this shift in ethos that has occurred over the years? This transformation is particularly noticeable in the realm of relationships and matrimonial decisions. Let's embark on a journey exploring this intriguing evolution.
Once upon a time, the prospect of a marital union hinged on factors beyond wealth and appearance. The character of a man was the compass that guided a woman's decision. Even in the face of affluence, if a man was tainted by bad habits like smoking, drinking, or philandering, women would usually steer clear. A prosperous yet flawed man was not the ideal choice. The moral fiber of a man, his values, and his ethics played a pivotal role. But like sands through the hourglass, times have indeed changed.
Now, flick through the matrimonial advertisements. What do you see? A startling number of women are seemingly willing to compromise on the moral foundations for the lure of wealth. The prospect of a 'healthy and fat bank balance' often casts a shadow over the character defects of the prospective grooms. A once revered virtue is now being relegated to the back seat. But can this trend of devaluing character and morals for materialistic gains truly lead to lasting happiness?
Interestingly, it's not just the perception towards men that's changing, but also the adoption of behaviors traditionally associated with men. The sight of a woman smoking or drinking was once rare, and today, it's far more commonplace. But it's essential to understand that striving for equality shouldn't translate into the emulation of unhealthy practices. When competition replaces complementarity between genders, we are led down a slippery slope.
The age-old adage, "Behind every successful man, there is a woman," bears truth. A virtuous and understanding wife can make a man's life feel like heaven, while a discordant marriage can turn it into a living hell. Puranas state that a man might worship for a thousand years to earn a noble and virtuous wife. But today, it appears that these values are being overshadowed by the chase for material wealth.
So, what could the solution be? We must realize that our actions are not islands but part of a larger societal framework. A woman's actions, thoughts, determination, and patience can indeed weave the fabric of a happy family, a harmonious society, and even a peaceful world. The same applies to men, of course.
What if we start valuing character over cash? Can we imagine the social transformation this simple shift might bring about? As we strive for material success, let's not forget the significance of our inner values. As we sprint forward, should we not glance back and salvage some pearls of wisdom from our past?
In this dance of evolving perspectives, it's worth questioning: Are we moving towards progress or spiraling into a pit of superficiality? The question is not just for us to ponder, but also for the future generations who will inherit this legacy of values and perspectives. As individuals and society, we must introspect, are we losing our essence in the chase for ephemeral wealth? Is it not time we revisited our values?
End of the day, what legacy do we want to leave behind – a society driven by material wealth or a society thriving on strong moral and ethical foundations? It's for us to decide and act accordingly. Remember, the choices we make today will echo into the future.
In the chase for wealth, are we losing our real essence & values?
Yes, values & ethics are on the decline in today's world.
No, values are being retained despite the chase for wealth.
© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.
24062023
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