Reading Ogden Nash On A Rainy And Gloomy Day

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 20 August 2025 In these sullen and gloomy times and climes, I prefer to read books that are not very profound and abstruse. Sartre, Barthes, Schopenhauer, among others add to the melancholy and give you a persistent headache. Light-hearted reading, laced with gentle humour, drives away my blues on unusually rainy days as the entire Maharashtra has been witnessing non-stop rains for the last few days. Currently, I'm reading American writer and poet Ogden Nash's humorous and witty verses. By the way, Nash was born on August 19. I'd like to share a couple of his witty observations with the esteemed readers. First one is, " To keep your marriage brimming, with love in the loving cup, whenever you're wrong, admit it; whenever you're right, shut up." This witty observation offers a witty and yet profound insight into maintaining a harmonious and thriving relationship. In his clever play on words, Nash suggests that the key to a successful marriage lies in humility and choosing the right moments for silence. By encouraging individuals to acknowledge their mistakes gracefully, the quote highlights the significance of honesty and self-reflection in a partnership. Furthermore, the second part of the quote advocates for the importance of avoiding unnecessary arguments or dominance, suggesting that choosing silence when being right can be a way to foster understanding and harmony with a partner. Overall, Ogden Nash captures the essence of compromise, communication, and understanding, presenting a recipe for a long-lasting, love-filled marriage. Though never married and a confirmed single (but always ready to mingle), I fully agree with Nash. A husband must remain silent and avoid unnecessary arguments lest they should snowball into a big-bang. Since poor husbands are frequently getting short shrift nowadays, it's advisable for them to shut up. Let your wives wear the pants in the house, literally as well as metaphorically. And this one is bang on: " I often wonder why progress looks so much like destruction." Ogden Nash's quote, "I often wonder why progress looks so much like destruction," beautifully encapsulates a sentiment that many of us can relate to. It urges us to question the paradoxical nature of progress, as it often entails dismantling existing structures and systems in order to pave the way for innovation and advancement. In the face of change, it is natural to feel a sense of loss or anxiety, as the familiar gives way to the unknown. Yet, Nash reminds us to challenge our perception of progress and embrace the potential for growth that lies within destruction. Ultimately, his words invite us to consider the transformative power of progress and the necessity of letting go in order to move forward. Progress and vandalism go hand in hand. What we call progress is an assault on aesthetics. To quote Nida Fazli, "Kabhi Ye Shahar Bada Apna-Sa Lagta Tha/ Wahi Aaj Gum Ho Gaya Buland Imaraton Mein" (Once this city appeared to be very close to heart/ Now it's lost in the high-rise buildings). Visit Lonavala, Ooty, Shimla, Nainital, Mussoorie or Darjeeling. Once known for their virgin scenic beauty, these places have become ugly concrete jungles. The so-called progress and urbanisation have taken away the pristine beauty of these spots. To quote Urdu-Persian poet, 'Nashtar' Nishapuri, " Darakhton Mein Mera Chhota-Sa Ghar Tha / Aaj Sadakein Guzarti Hain Wahan Se" (There used to be my house in a sylvan set up/ Today, there's a labyrinth of roads there). Progress might have been alright once, but it has gone on too long. While progress is often celebrated as a positive force that pushes society forward and improves our way of life, it seems that this progress may have reached a point where its relentless pursuit has become excessive. The constant drive for progress has led to unanticipated consequences, perhaps disrupting established values or creating new challenges. While progress is important, we must critically evaluate its trajectory and ensure that it aligns with our values and aspirations. In a nutshell, development is enslavement; we're slaves to progress and developments. Can you live sans your iPhone or Android phone even for a day? Seems quite difficult. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/books-documents/ogden-nash-rainy-gloomy/d/136540 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism