Yes / No / Cant say
I was reading an article in ET about the inability of Indians to arrive at decisions. The author takes the example of the numerous surveys that happen, over the net, through sms's, in the televions, radio and also polls that happen face to face. We always see a column that says 'Cant say' or 'Dont know'!! He says that the west usually want answers in black and white and hate contradiction but we Indians thrive on contradiction.
He quotes someone
"If life is simple and you only have to keep your eye on the ball in order to achieve something, life is controllable.
If life is complex and subject to changes of fortune without notice, it may not matter where the ball is;life is simply not easily controlled."
He then says that surveys show that easterners fell themselves to be less in control than their western counterparts. And rather than trying to control the situation they are likely to adjust to them.
I was just wondering how true this is. We can see examples of such scenarios in all facets of our life. Let us take a small situation where we need to buy something. The amount of research that we do is huge. We compare prices, see reviews, consult people, rethink about the idea of buying hundreds of times, then say 'We leave it to God' before we actually go and buy it.
In order to take a decision we debate, discuss, consult and always try to choose a middle path for the answers. As the author rightly mentions - "Indian thinking is more inclusive and interrelated compared to the focussed and directional approach of the west"
And he gives a beautiful example -
"To a seemingly innocuous question like "Are you in love?", more often than not the answer would be "Pata nahin, yaar" (I really dont know). This is not a simple act of not knowing or confusion. If the answer is a no, it denies the virtues of falling in love. If the answer is yes, it ends the thrill of searching for love. There is some truth in both the search and the commitment. The Indian mind will typically look for a middle path which will accomodate both the truths."
And just how true is that!!!
pS :
Inner Conscience : How is it going guys?
Heart : The sun is shining!!!
Brain : Yes brighter than ever!!!
Inner Conscience : Hmm...make hay while the sun shines!!!
He quotes someone
"If life is simple and you only have to keep your eye on the ball in order to achieve something, life is controllable.
If life is complex and subject to changes of fortune without notice, it may not matter where the ball is;life is simply not easily controlled."
He then says that surveys show that easterners fell themselves to be less in control than their western counterparts. And rather than trying to control the situation they are likely to adjust to them.
I was just wondering how true this is. We can see examples of such scenarios in all facets of our life. Let us take a small situation where we need to buy something. The amount of research that we do is huge. We compare prices, see reviews, consult people, rethink about the idea of buying hundreds of times, then say 'We leave it to God' before we actually go and buy it.
In order to take a decision we debate, discuss, consult and always try to choose a middle path for the answers. As the author rightly mentions - "Indian thinking is more inclusive and interrelated compared to the focussed and directional approach of the west"
And he gives a beautiful example -
"To a seemingly innocuous question like "Are you in love?", more often than not the answer would be "Pata nahin, yaar" (I really dont know). This is not a simple act of not knowing or confusion. If the answer is a no, it denies the virtues of falling in love. If the answer is yes, it ends the thrill of searching for love. There is some truth in both the search and the commitment. The Indian mind will typically look for a middle path which will accomodate both the truths."
And just how true is that!!!
pS :
Inner Conscience : How is it going guys?
Heart : The sun is shining!!!
Brain : Yes brighter than ever!!!
Inner Conscience : Hmm...make hay while the sun shines!!!
posted by Sriniketh S at
1:13 AM
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