A few days ago, there was a freakish report in the newspaper about two men having stolen a police vehicle from a police station in Madhya Pradesh. Such headlines disturb as well as amuse the readers. Something similar happens when we come to know about a cardiologist having undergone stenting. The ‘Superiority Theory of Humour’ by Hobbs postulates that we laugh at the failings or defects of others. That is precisely the reason why stand-up comedians often resort to self-depreciation as well as lampooning of their nears and dears.
A humour poet, who recites in Hindi, has gained fame because of the poems in which he is shown as suffering a humiliating defeat in all arguments with his wife. Therefore, do try to dissuade your offspring and spouses from becoming stand-up comedians or humour poets- otherwise the public will get to know everything about you and many family secrets too.
‘Walk the talk’ is easier said than done. I know a gastroenterologist (with special interest in liver diseases) who abuses the villain named alcohol multiple times a day in front of his patients. Once I clicked his pic while he was saying ‘cheers’ at a party while holding a glass with a large peg. I threatened to make his pic public (jokingly of course). Children pick up good habits by observing their parents rather than by receiving instructions from them. So, if there are frequent parties at home where everyone drinks to get drunk, don’t expect your child to become a teetotaler.
A few years ago, I counselled a client for the removal of an unsightly mole on her face. She listened very patiently. After I finished, she said with a poker face, ‘Doctor, if it is a minor procedure and the results are excellent, why didn’t you get the mole on your forehead removed?’ Her words acted like an intravenous opioid drug- I got benumbed. After a while, I gathered some courage, roped in a lie and replied, ‘An astrologer has advised me to keep it.’ She pouted her lips and said, ‘Thank you doctor. I think I will try my luck somewhere else.’ A week later, I got my mole removed by a fellow plastic surgeon.
Aesthetic clinics and Beauty salons try to convey what they stand for by employing good looking receptionists. Bouncers wear half sleeve shirts even in winter to showcase their brawn. In fact, I have yet to see a bouncer whose upper arms are thinner than my thighs. But as a doctor, I know that many burly men act like a kid confronted by a monster after sighting an inch long injection needle.
Western democracies often tutor other countries about their deficiencies. There are some world indexes to o which are run by the organizations based in these countries. They try to quantify even the immeasurable entities like happiness. However, lately, the Indian foreign officials have been telling them to look in their own backyard before pointing out fingers at others and rightly so. These countries aren’t exactly an exemplification of heaven on earth.
There is a proverb which can act as a saving grace if caught on the wrong foot- chirag tale andhera (there is a rim of darkness around a lamp).