Passage 12

In English

A selfish man manifests his animal nature

"" (One who lacks wisdom is equal to an animal). is the capacity to discriminate between right and wrong, the permanent and the transient. Animality in man is indicated by the absence of this . A real human being has to have this power of discrimination. He should know what to say, when and to whom, and he should know how to behave towards elders, towards friends and different kinds of people. A person who is ignorant in these matters is only an animal. , in its deeper sense, means (knowledge of the Self). This is absent in modern man. One who is selfish and self-centred is manifesting his animal nature. Only when self-interest is coupled with concern for others can one be truly human. Without manners one cannot be a man. Without good behaviour one is not a boy. Without discipline one cannot be a devotee. A previous speaker had said that the hand-kerchief lent beauty to . This is absurd. The true nature of beauty was described by the poet in Kannada. She said that to a pond the lotus lends beauty. The moon imparts beauty to the sky. For a devotee, the on his forehead confers beauty. Without virtue, life ceases to be beautiful. Virtue implies conduct which evokes the approbation of others. It must be exemplary and confer delight on others. It should not cause harm to others or appear ludicrous. It should bring a good name.