A Seismic Change......A Tectonic Shift

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 10 September 2025 "If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on the face. And when that person has ugly thoughts every day, every week, every year, the face gets uglier and uglier until you can hardly bear to look at it. A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely." Roald Dahl's aforementioned quote has always got me thinking. It's true to the last syllable, nay glosseme. This quote beautifully captures the power of our thoughts and the undeniable impact they have on our appearance. It suggests that the negativity and ugliness that reside in our minds eventually seep through our expressions, making our faces mirror our inner turmoil. However, the quote also offers hope by emphasizing that a person who nurtures positive thoughts can never be perceived as ugly. Even with physical imperfections, the radiance of their good thoughts shines through, brightening their countenance and making them appear truly lovely. This quote serves as a gentle reminder that the true beauty lies not in our external features but in the goodness that resides within us. One more very relevant quote of Dahl that instantaneously springs to mind is: " So please, oh please, we beg, we pray, go throw your TV set away, and in its place you can install a lovely bookshelf on the wall." In this memorable quote by Roald Dahl, the celebrated author emphasizes the significance of books and the dangers of excessive television consumption. Dahl earnestly urges individuals to reconsider their reliance on television and instead discover the joy of reading. He implores readers to embrace books by encouraging them to dispose of their TVs and replace them with a beautiful bookshelf on the wall. Through this striking imagery, Dahl highlights the transformative power of books, as they have the ability to transport us into different worlds, expand our imagination, and foster a lifelong love for learning. By choosing a book over a television, Dahl encourages us to embark on a journey of self-discovery, knowledge, and the timeless pleasure of storytelling. Had the great raconteur been alive today, he'd have added Cellphones to TV sets and exhorted the screen-glued populace of the world to go, think and see beyond their mobiles and modern gadgets. "Kitaabon Pe Gard Bichhi Ja Rahi Hai/ Padhna To Door, Koi Dhool Bhi Nahin Jhaadta" (Dust gathers on the books / Let alone reading, no one bothers to dust them off). An Urdu poet from Lahore, Yahya Mir, aptly penned, "Kitaabon Par Se Dhool Jhaadte Rahiye/ Bhale Hi Aap Unhein Kabhi Na Padhiye"( At least, dust your books off even if you never read them). Lastly, what's happening in Nepal at the moment vindicates Dahl's famous quote, " Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world." This quote resonates deeply with individuals who believe in the potential of human beings to make a difference. It challenges us to recognize the inherent strength and capability lying within each person. It reminds us that even the smallest actions can create a ripple effect and bring about significant changes. Whether through acts of kindness, standing up for justice, or pursuing one's passions, this quote encourages individuals to tap into their inherent power and strive to make a positive impact on the world around them. It serves as a motivational reminder that every person possesses the ability to influence others, inspire change, and ultimately shape the course of history. If this can (successfully) happen in a tiny nation like Nepal, can't it happen in a much bigger country like India? Can't the individuals come together and bring about a seismic change and a tectonic shift? Think over it. ----- 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/spiritual-meditations/seismic-tectonic-shift/d/136781 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