If Winter Comes, Can Spring be
Far Behind?
This is the last line of
Shelley's famous poem: "Ode the West Wind." The poet depicts the
terrible effect of the west wind in different spheres. The line is an epitome
of optimism. Though for the present the cold winter be the ruler all around,
yet the very approach of winter means the impending arrival of the spring
season soon after winter. Winter mast at last come to an end. It must be
followed by the colourful spring which brings colourful flowers and bird’s
sweet songs. After all, the circle of seasons must continue moving unhindered.
Day is followed by night and
night by day. Similarly, in life every period of sorrow and despair has at last
to come to end. It is followed by a period of peace, comfort and joy. We must
have a firm belief in the goodness of things and have a strong self-confidence.
There is no occasion for feeling dismayed. "If hopes are dupes. fears may
be liars."
The best attitude in life is that
of an optimistic stoic. Joys and sorrows should be treated in their own stride.
They should be given equal treatment. Robert Browning was a highly optimistic
poet. He had another way of looking at things. If he ever had to face failure
in life, he consoled himself by telling himself that he will get his reward or
success in heaven or in the next life. One famous psychologist of France taught
the men the art of auto-suggestion. He advised them to say unto themselves:
"Every day in every way. I get better and better." Auto Suggestion
for a better and happier life is the great art in modern day life which modern
psychology has given to us. W.B. Yeats, the famous poet of early twentieth
century says,
"Cast a cold eye
on life, on death,
Horseman pass by !"
Thus, we must rest assured that
our sorrows, if any, are short-lived and a period of joy awaits us. Such
thinking will always maintain our equipoise and peace of mind.
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