Wednesday, July 2, 2025

The Sharper The Storm, The Sooner It's Over

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 2 July 2025 While reading George Sand (she was a woman; George Sand was her sobriquet or nom de plume), I came across two pithy statements that ensued from her formidable pen: Let us accept truth, even when it surprises us and alters our views AND The sharper the storm, the sooner it's over. George Sand, born as Amantine-Lucile-Aurore Dupin on July 1, 1804, was a prolific French writer and one of the most prominent female authors of the 19th century. ----- George Sand's first quote, "Let us accept truth, even when it surprises us and alters our views," is a powerful reminder of the importance of open-mindedness and intellectual growth. In a world where our beliefs and opinions are often deeply ingrained, it can be challenging to accept ideas that challenge our existing notions. However, Sand advocates for the willingness to embrace new perspectives and facts, recognizing that the pursuit of truth is more valuable than holding onto outdated or mistaken beliefs. By acknowledging the transformative nature of truth, this quote encourages us to be adaptive, receptive, and willing to evolve as individuals, making the quest for knowledge and understanding a lifelong journey. We often steadfastly adhere to our beliefs because more often than not it's a matter of our ego and adamancy. But truth is far greater than an individual's ego and obstinacy. Somewhere, every individual is aware that his/her long-held beliefs could be wrong and even delusional. But very few individuals have the magnanimity to accept the jerry-built foundations of their beliefs. We don't want to change our views and beliefs lest people should scoff at us. This is an erroneous belief. On the contrary, those who're ready to accept the truth and change their beliefs, however old and dear they may be, are admired by all. This shows the magnificently magnanimous malleability of their character and also underlines an individual's greatness and humility. To have a dyed-in-the-wool attitude seldom pays dividends. In the second quote, George Sand emphasizes a powerful and reassuring sentiment about the storms we encounter in life. She suggests that the more intense and challenging the storm, the quicker it will pass. The metaphorical storm represents the difficult and turbulent times we face, whether they are emotional, personal, or professional. Sand's words remind us that while these storms may try us, they also have an inherent tendency to be fleeting. By acknowledging the transient nature of adversity, she instills hope and resilience within us. This quote encourages us to face challenges head-on, knowing that they will eventually diminish and allow us to move forward with newfound strength and wisdom. In short, the world's most famous refrain, ' This too shall pass,' articulates Sand's quote. By the way, this phrase or refrain is thought to be of ancient Persian origin ( īn nīz bogzarad) and is often associated with the concept of impermanence in life. It's known as Anicca in Buddhism. Urdu/Persian poet 'Nashtar' Nishapuri says, ' Chahe gham ho ya ho khushi / Koi shai aakhir tak nahin saath nibhati ' (Whether happiness or sorrow/ Nothing lasts till death). URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/sharper-storm-george-sand-over/d/136045 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

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