Seven Good Habits – Robin Sharma

 "Seven Good Habits" by Robin Sharma

(Part-II General English: Prose, Poetry, Drama, Grammar, Language Study & Oral Communication Skills - Prescribed to the students of the Affiliated Colleges of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University)

In his essay "Seven Good Habits", Robin Sharma begins by reflecting on the fundamentals of greatness, which he found to be followed by simple and unforgettable men and women. He believes that to be excellent in whatever we do, we must be good, ethical, compassionate, and dedicated. Despite this, many people think that being dishonest or rude will help them get ahead in life, but Sharma argues that this is not the case. He believes that being good has its own value and is the best way to achieve success. 

Sharma quotes the words of Robert Louis Stevenson to emphasize the importance of being good. He then gives seven simple ideas to help individuals raise their goodness quotient. These include being polite, honest, a world-class listener, sending handwritten thank-you notes, performing random acts of kindness, being positive and passionate, and being punctual.

Sharma believes that despite the complexity of modern business ideas, sticking to the basics of being kind, excellent, and passionate is the key to true greatness. He encourages individuals to practice small daily acts of greatness by committing themselves every day to being more excellent, innovative, and good. He believes that these actions will ensure true success.

 In addition to the seven good habits, Sharma also suggests seven ways in which individuals can boost their energy. These include exercising regularly, spending time in nature, avoiding eating after 8 pm, getting a massage, avoiding junk food, reading something inspiring every morning, and drinking plenty of water. 

In conclusion, Robin Sharma's essay "Seven Good Habits" emphasizes the importance of being good, ethical, compassionate, and dedicated in order to achieve true success in life. He provides seven simple ideas to help individuals raise their goodness quotient and encourages them to practice small daily acts of greatness. By doing so, individuals can boost their energy and achieve their goals while leading happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

The Best Investment I Have Ever Made – A.J. Cronin

 "The Best Investment I Have Ever Made" by A.J. Cronin

(Part-II General English: Prose, Poetry, Drama, Grammar, Language Study & Oral Communication Skills - Prescribed to the students of the Affiliated Colleges of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University)

A.J. Cronin, a renowned Scottish novelist, wrote an essay titled "The Best Investment I Have Ever Made". In this essay, Cronin talks about an investment he made in his education, which he believes was the best decision he ever made.

Cronin starts by explaining his background, coming from a poor family in Scotland. Despite the financial struggles, Cronin was determined to pursue his education and become a doctor. He worked hard and saved money to pay for his tuition fees.

Cronin believes that education is the best investment one can make, as it provides lifelong benefits. He says that education not only helps us gain knowledge and skills, but it also helps us become better human beings.

Cronin talks about the many benefits he received from his education. He says that it helped him become a better doctor, writer, and thinker. He also believes that his education helped him become a better citizen, as it taught him to think critically and understand the world around him.

Cronin believes that education is not just about gaining knowledge, but also about developing a sense of purpose and direction in life. He says that education can help us find meaning and fulfillment in our lives and that it can lead us to a path of success and happiness.

In his essay, Cronin also talks about the importance of education for future generations. He believes that investing in education is crucial for the progress and development of society. He says that education can help break the cycle of poverty and inequality and provide opportunities for people to succeed.

Cronin concludes his essay by urging people to invest in education, as it is the best investment one can make. He says that education can provide us with a lifetime of benefits and can help us lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.

In summary, A.J. Cronin's essay "The Best Investment I Have Ever Made" emphasizes the importance of education and how it can provide lifelong benefits. Cronin believes that education is not just about gaining knowledge but also about becoming a better human being. He urges people to invest in education, as it can help break the cycle of poverty and provide opportunities for success and happiness.

Give us a Role Model – A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

"Give us a Role Model" by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

(Part-II General English: Prose, Poetry, Drama, Grammar, Language Study & Oral Communication Skills - Prescribed to the students of the Affiliated Colleges of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University)

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, was not only a great scientist and statesman but also an inspirational figure who inspired millions of people with his ideas and teachings. In his essay "Give us a Role Model," Kalam emphasizes the importance of having a role model in one's life and the impact it can have on an individual's growth and development.

Kalam begins his essay by explaining how he was inspired by his own role model, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, who was a renowned Indian physicist and the founder of India's space program. Kalam credits Sarabhai for shaping his life and career and guiding him towards a path of scientific excellence. Kalam argues that having a role model is essential for personal growth and development, as it helps individuals learn from the experiences and achievements of others.

Kalam goes on to describe the qualities that make a great role model. He suggests that a role model should be someone who is successful, visionary, and has high moral values. He emphasizes that a role model should not just be successful in their career but should also be a good human being, who lives their life with integrity, honesty, and compassion.

Kalam also points out that a role model can come from any field, not just from the world of science or politics. He cites the examples of Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Nelson Mandela as role models who made a significant impact on society through their actions and beliefs.

Kalam believes that having a role model is especially crucial for young people, as it helps them set their goals and aspirations. He suggests that parents, teachers, and mentors should encourage children to find role models who can guide them and help them achieve their dreams.

Kalam concludes his essay by stating that every individual has the potential to be a role model themselves. He urges people to strive to be the best version of themselves, to work hard, and to set an example for others to follow. He believes that by being a positive influence on others, we can make a significant impact on the world around us.

In conclusion, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam's essay "Give us a Role Model" emphasizes the importance of having a role model in one's life. He suggests that a role model can inspire, guide, and motivate individuals to achieve their goals and aspirations. Kalam also stresses the qualities that make a great role model and urges young people to find positive influences in their lives. Kalam's essay is a reminder that we all have the potential to be role models and make a positive impact on the world.

"The Good-Natured Man" - Oliver Goldsmith

The Good-Natured Man by Oliver Goldsmith

(Semester II - Part-III - Core V - British Drama - Unit-I -- Prescribed to the students of the Affiliated Colleges of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University)

Oliver Goldsmith's "The Good-Natured Man" is a comedic play that was first performed in London in 1768. The play tells the story of Mr. Honeywood, a wealthy young man who is well-liked by everyone he meets because of his good nature and kind heart. Through a series of mishaps and misunderstandings, Honeywood is almost taken advantage of by a variety of people who are not as good-natured as he is. However, in the end, his kindness and generosity win out, and he is able to help all those around him.

One of the main themes of the play is the idea that goodness and kindness are more important than wealth or social status. Honeywood is not particularly wealthy or powerful, but he is loved and respected by everyone he meets because of his kind and generous nature. Throughout the play, he is able to use his kindness and empathy to help those in need, whether it is a young woman who has been abandoned by her lover, or a group of debtors who are about to be sent to prison. In contrast, the other characters in the play who are more concerned with wealth and status, such as Mr. Croaker and his family, are portrayed as selfish and conniving.

Another theme of the play is the idea that appearances can be deceiving. Many of the characters in the play are not what they seem, and their true motives are only revealed over time. For example, Mr. Leontine, who appears to be a wealthy and upstanding gentleman, is revealed to be a philanderer who has abandoned his fiancée. Similarly, Mr. Croaker, who appears to be a miserly and mean-spirited man, is revealed to have a heart of gold, and to be genuinely concerned about the welfare of his family and friends.

Goldsmith's use of humor and satire is another notable aspect of the play. Through the use of witty dialogue, ironic situations, and exaggerated characters, he is able to poke fun at the foibles and follies of the society of his time. The play also contains many humorous subplots, such as the story of the innkeeper and his wife, who are constantly bickering and quarreling, but who are ultimately reconciled through the intervention of Honeywood.

In conclusion, "The Good-Natured Man" is a delightful and entertaining play that celebrates the virtues of kindness, empathy, and generosity. Through its humorous and satirical portrayal of the society of its time, it also offers a critique of the values of wealth and social status that were prevalent in 18th century England. Goldsmith's skillful use of humor and satire make the play a timeless classic that continues to entertain and delight audiences today.

"How Much Land Does a Man Need?" - Leo Tolstoy

"How Much Land Does a Man Need?" by Leo Tolstoy

(Part-II General English: Prose, Poetry, Drama, Grammar, Language Study & Oral Communication Skills - Prescribed to the students of the Affiliated Colleges of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University)

 

"How Much Land Does a Man Need?" is a story written by Russian author Leo Tolstoy. It is about greed, ambition, and the problems caused by wanting too much material wealth. The main character, Pahom, learns the hard way that wanting more and more land does not bring happiness.

The story starts with two sisters, one married to a peasant and the other to a merchant, arguing about whose life is better. Pahom, the peasant's husband, says that if he had enough land, he wouldn't be afraid of anything, not even the Devil. The Devil hears this and decides to test Pahom.

Pahom becomes very focused on getting more land. He buys a small piece of land from a rich person, which makes him wealthier and more important. But Pahom still wants more land and starts fighting with his neighbors over it.

Pahom hears about a group of people called the Bashkirs who are selling land for very low prices. He goes to see them and makes a deal. The Bashkirs are simple people and don't care much about their land. They offer Pahom a special deal: for 1,000 rubles, he can have as much land as he can walk around in one day, from sunrise to sunset. But if Pahom doesn't make it back to where he started by sunset, he will lose the land and his money.

Pahom is very excited about this chance and agrees to the deal. He plans his route and calculates how much land he can walk around in a day. The next morning, he starts walking at sunrise and marks his starting point with his hat. As he walks, Pahom thinks about how rich and successful he will be with all his new land.

As the day goes on, Pahom gets more and more tired. He realizes he tried to walk around too much land and didn't think about how hard it would be. But Pahm keeps going because he wants the land so badly. When Pahom gets to the last part of his journey, he is very tired and tries to hurry back to his starting point.

The sun starts to set, and Pahom is so tired he falls down just a few steps away from his hat. In his last moments, he realizes that wanting so much land was pointless and not worth it. Pahom dies, and the Devil wins by showing how dangerous greed and ambition can be.

The story ends with Pahom's servant burying him in a small grave. This shows that in the end, a person only needs enough land to be buried in. Tolstoy uses this story to teach that no matter how much land someone has, it will never be enough to make them happy. Instead, people should focus on what really matters in life.