Tuesday, July 17, 2007

In Pursuit of Happyness

In Pursuit of Happyness

“In sooth, I know not why I am so sad.
It wearies me, you say it wearies you
But how I caught it, found it, or came by it,
What stuff ‘tis made of, whereof it is born,
I am to learn….”

- Act I Scene I,
Antonio in The Merchant of Venice,
William Shakespeare


Sometimes it feels strange… What Shakespeare penned centuries ago, is also valid for this day. It seems strange enough to see people sad. Sad, especially when the reason for sadness is the absence of a reason for happiness.

To me, it feels like either I’ve gone crazy or I am the only sane person existing and the world around has gone nuts. It all began on the 7th of May, 2007 – A severe adrenaline rush went through my veins. The obvious reason, first job post MBA.

A new dimension, a new perspective, a new domain, a new place and a new job. A firm which I could be proud of, a brand name that I could brag about.

But I found a different culture here. A culture where work is fun and fun is work. This was a culture I had never seen before. A reign where every individual gives endless hours to work and enjoys it as if it were life. A world that’s bubbling with Energy and every new soul that joins the flow synergizes the degree of Energy.

I had caught this idea somewhere down my memory lane that Man and viruses are the only two species that can perfectly adapt to their circumstances, and with a strong belief that I am either of the two, I joined the flow.

Days went by and soon I became a part of it. My foes mock at me and my friends show their considerations. Near and dear ones ask why I am doing this to myself. People call me a psycho for the endless hours I put in.

But the story at this end is quite different. This cubicle of mine seems like a whole new world to me. With a new challenge that I face everyday, this seat gives me my raison d'être. It’s a heaven of freedom – where the mind is without fear and the head is held high. And the world of free knowledge with no bounds, right at my fingertips adds to the same.

Tonight, I confess that this confinement seems more homely to me than the one-room-set I’ve rented a few miles away. It gives me more enjoyment than the malls, shopping complexes, restaurants and cinemas around. It gives me more relaxation than any other source of entertainment. In short, it gives me “happyness”. I strongly believe that my pursuit has ended. Am I insane??? Hamlet wonders…

5 comments:

bala said...

Certainly you are insane! But it is an insanity that is good! That few are privileged to have. Enjoy it while it lasts! :)

Prats said...

Its always life, liberty and pursuit of happiness...

The most interesting feature of life is when u feel that u have all the answers, it changes the question... I am sure it will give u a lot of opportunities to pursue happiness on a new order....

Anonymous said...

Lucky you, Hamlet.
The rest plod their way through work and rush home, some to happiness, some to their wives :D

V said...

no matter where it ends, whether at work or at a lounge, its important pursuit of happyness ends and good to see it has ended for u......
keep rocking calcutta !!!!

Ankita said...

Great post! I really like the positivity..its present even in the post where you are apparently cribibng! :P anyway..enjoying work is a great feeling and I look up to you for it :)