Cops, conmen, politicians, maybe a few of the great leaders from our past; I thought of them all, even going to the extent of Sophie Nevaeu or Prof. Robert Langdon for that matter in trying to think of a perfect example of restraint of power impressing people. But immaterial of what came to mind, there was some element missing. A missing link that would convince me of the fact that there are instances to prove that power, when restrained in its use brings out the best.
We happened to discuss the topic in the subtle yellow lighting of the living room of my house ‘We’ here refers to the three of us including my roomies - Kamal and Naveen. Kamal being the kind of a guy who would hit more keys on the laptop through the day than the number of breaths he takes, was busy chatting trying to put up a brave fight with some old mate, who didn't seem to be in agreement to his last post on the blog segment. Naveen, on the other hand was busy Orkutting, trying to figure out who this pretty lady ‘Lavanya’ is and how the hell is she related to one of his friends; I must mention that they happened to be first cousins, which they realised later – this case deserves a separate blog!
As part of the chat with his mate, Kamal happened to put across a small word asking him if he could think of an example of Restraint of Power best used. And a small seemingly innocuous line that he got back as a reply to it shook us all. For a moment there was complete silence in the room. Understandably not to remain for long, it was a silence that was soon followed by a rush of blood right through the hearts of the brains. It was like a sudden inundation of thoughts that just didn’t seem to stop. Whoever said that there’s always a silence before a storm, was correct, and all three of us knew that. We were experiencing it.
And I’m sure by now you must be wondering what was so impressive, or rather perplexing about the reply. It was just a line; a short and sweet definition of what Kamal’s mate, who later on turned out to be a role model for at least two of us in the room, thought about Restraint of Power.
“Every delicate piece of art is an example of restraint of Power”. At first heed, it really sounds like a casual remark passed by someone who doesn’t care a s**t about replying to what the one on the other side is trying to ask and replies just for the heck of it. But as we discovered, it wasn’t meant to be so. It was only later on, after a few moments of derision and silence, did we realised the depth and the hidden meaning of that harmless little one-liner.
Think about it. It’s not all at once that you’ll realise the immense profundity that this quote reflects. After it has sunk in a little, try and come back to the normal world and think about art in its entirety.
13 comments:
Hi Mate...yes as you say "every delicate piece of art is restraint of power" but that is only when you look at "power" as strength...if you define power as "Mental or moral ability to act; one of the faculties which are possessed by the mind or soul; as, the power of thinking, reasoning, judging, willing, fearing, hoping, etc.-courtesy “Google” " then the question of restraint is lost, cause it is no more about power as a strength but as a mental ability where subtlety (delicate piece of art) is explained. Can we think about it :-)
Nice one Bro...
good one....aptly describes what happened on that day..
Akshat.......great effort mate.....cheers and congratulations!!!!!
for a change a 'first' attempt not similar to the first code written-'hello world' :)
@AMIT:
I think you are current prob that's why when you mention "restraint of power" you need to think something where someone suppressed one's urge for dominating something life-ful/lifeless.... substitute power with mental faculties and the question itself is bogus and without aim....
but yes as I am hitting keys fast and breathing slowly I still wonder what an amazing answer it is, even God has used his restraint... on nature, women....
Nice opening Akshat!!
Hey Akshat
VEry good blog ,well written and i think the Quote is really clever. Also the topic for a first blog would never have been better.
This is fresh Aki...fresh out of the kitchen garden eh? :)
Its a beautiful line...
Why just art? Everything you see around you is a picture painted from the restraint of power.Its like knowing the right colours to mix in the right proportions to get that perfect blend,a spoon too much and a nice warm fire would turn into a blaze that eats up forests, a light wind would turn into a tornado,
its about the most powerful men having power in their hands and yet not getting bowled over by it but knowing when to use a dash of it (like a dash of lemonade!)to establish their authority...its about beauty laced with a dash of recklessness to add verve...but not more ;) ...its about that control in the shaking hands of an expert sparrer who knows that a touch of his, an inch more to the right can draw more blood...its about knowing what exactly to do with your power and...when to stop!
[P.S On the same lines... the difference between music and noise is THAT restraint of power]
Write on Aki...wishing you many happy hours of blogging :)
All this noted Saipriya, added with the fact that 'Akki' (who the f*$%?) stopped at that last line without writing any more on the subject inspite of the myriad of examples that must've been flushing through his mind - An example of 'Restraint if Piwer'? ;)
Restraint of power is just a matter of time and place,.,I say i drink half glass full of water,..,somebody else will say i drink just half glass of water,,.what's the difference??
Well the difference lies in the level of expression,.,which statement seems expressed?
Synonymusly,,.ART is expression!!!
Not an example of restraint of power
Good work Akshat! [:)] Keep writing !
Good post.
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