Action and Reaction

 

Newton's third law of motion states that for every action there will be an equal and opposite reaction. We all have studied this in our science class at school. At that time few of us might have known that this law is philosophical as well. 

Over the years, in experience and observation, I have understood that this is so true. Most of the arguments and disagreements are more due to the reaction than the action itself.

There are categories of people who initiate an argument just wishing a reaction from others around them. The reaction is what gives them the adrenaline rush and boost especially if the reaction is opposite. I have heard many spiritual leaders also advising to control the reaction. It is understood that we cannot control other people's actions. However, our reaction to it is definitely in our control.

If we analyse any situation that ended in an argument or disagreement, we shall know that if the action of a certain person was to be blamed, the reaction was equally important. May be that's why silence is golden in most occasions.

Let's take a hypothetical situation. We are discussing some matter within the family and at some point there is a conflict of opinion. Now if both parties keep on reacting to the previous action which could be a Statement or an action, then definitely this is going to end in something unpleasant. However, if one of the two decide to break the cycle by not reacting, things would stop there and might save a lot of embarassment and guilt later on for both.

In my family (in fact every family) there are different types of people. There are people who are vocal - wouldn't care before speaking, few who think well before speaking and few who avoid speaking. You would agree that the third category of people seldom land into conflicts. The reason is the same - no reaction.

I saw an argument happening recently where even I was present. It was about a wedding saree. The mother of the bride had purchased a beautiful red and golden zari (glittering) silk saree for the wedding of her lovely daughter. Now the members of the family would like to see the purchases for the marriage and many gathered. So first ornaments were shown, being gold kept away carefully. The other things like dresses, sarees etc also circulated among the family members, and finally, the main player has to be circulated - the wedding saree. It is undoubtedly a beautiful one. So from one hand to other, it is carefully passed for everyone to adore and admire. Now there crops up a line saying instead of banarasi print kanjivaram would have been good. The lit-up face of the mother dampened a bit, but quickly brightened up when another member suggested that this was beautiful and added that kanjivaram is common and this is something different. There is another lady who now feels that the length of saree is short and may compromise the beauty when wore as the pleats would be less. Now this escalated to an extent that even finally measuring tape was brought and length was measured. In the process, the mother slightly sad as her prideful purchase was being questioned. Just then someone said why so much of discussion and that it was up to the beautician who knows her job how to handle a saree and make it to look most beautiful on the bride. The chapter closes there. The mother is happy. The whole episode is the result of reactions alone.

So I guess Newton was absolutely correct not only in the field of physics but now in the field of philosophy as well! Every action will fetch an equal and reaction usually opposite😄!

Take care

Regards

SRN