NARA'S NOTEPAD
VOLUME 22
APRIL 2025
NUMBER 4
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
BLIND BELIEFS
Blind beliefs refer to unquestioning
acceptance of ideas or concepts without evidence or critical thinking. They are often rooted
in tradition, culture, or personal experiences rather than rationality or logic.
Here are some examples and explanations.
1.
Superstitions: Many superstitions are based on blind
beliefs. For instance believing that walking under a ladder brings bad lucks,
or that breaking a mirror results in seven years of misfortune. These beliefs
lack scientific evidence but are widely accepted in certain cultures.
2.
Astrology: Some people believe in astrology,
which suggests that celestial bodies’ positions influence human affairs and
personalities. However, scientific studies have not substantiated these claims,
yet many individuals make life decisions based on astrological readings.
3.
Religious Beliefs: While faith and spirituality are
deeply personal, some religious beliefs can be considered blind when adherents
accept doctrines without questioning or evaluating them critically. For
example, believing in the literal interpretation of creation myths without
considering scientific evidence for evolution.
4.
Conspiracy Theories: Conspiracy theories often thrive on
blind believes. For instance, the belief that the moon landing was faked or
that a secret society controls world events. Despite overwhelming evidence to
the contrary, adherents hold onto these ideas.
5.
Traditional Medicine: In some cultures, traditional remedies
or alternative medicines are followed without scientific validation. This can
include practices like using herbs for healing or relying folk remedies for
serious illness.
6.
Cultural Practices: Certain cultural practices, such as
rituals or customs, can be based on blind beliefs. For example, avoiding
certain foods or activities during specific times of the year due to perceived
negative consequences, without any scientific basis.
7.
Personal Beliefs: Individuals may hold beliefs about
themselves or others that are not based on evidence. For instance, believing
one is unlucky or destined to fail or judging someone based on stereotypes
without knowing them personally.
Blind beliefs can have significant
impacts on individuals and society, shaping how people perceive the world and
make decisions. Let’s delve deeper into the consequences and challenges
posed by blind beliefs.
1.
Impact on Decision Making: Blind beliefs can lead to decisions
based on unfounded assumptions rather than facts or data. This can affect
personal choices, such as career paths, relationships, or health decisions, as
well as broader societal decisions when influential groups or leaders subscribe
to blind beliefs.
2.
Resistance to Change: Blind beliefs can create resistance to
new ideas or information that contradicts established beliefs. This can hinder
progress and innovation, as people may reject scientific advancement or refuse
to consider alternative perspectives.
3.
Division and Conflicts: Strong adherence to blind beliefs can
lead to polarization within communities or societies. Conflicting believes
often fuel arguments, prejudice, and even violence, as individuals or groups
defend their beliefs without critical examination.
4.
Misinformation and Misinterpretation: Blind beliefs contribute to the spread
of misinformation and misinterpretation of events. People may selectively
accept information that aligns with their beliefs, leading to a distorted
understanding of reality.
5.
Stagnation in Learning: When individuals hold onto blind
beliefs, they may miss out on opportunities for learning and growth. Openness
to new ideas and willingness to question beliefs are essential for intellectual
and personal development.
6.
Health and Well-being: Blind beliefs in alternative medicine
or pseudo scientific practices can have negative consequence on health. Relying
solely on unproven remedies or rejecting evidence-based treatments can lead to
worsened health outcomes.
7.
Erosion of Critical Thinking: Constant reinforcement of blind
beliefs can erode critical thinking skills. Without questioning or evaluating
beliefs, individuals may become less adept at discerning valid information from
misinformation.
Addressing blind beliefs requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, critical thinking development, and fostering open dialogue. Encouraging skepticism, promoting evidence-based reasoning, and providing access to reliable information can help individuals and communities navigate away from blind beliefs towards more informed decision-making and understanding.
TIPS TO PROTECT FROM SCAMS
1.
Be aware of phishing scams: Phishing scams are fraudulent online attempts to
steal sensitive information like user names, passwords, and credit card details.
Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious
e-mails.
2.
Use strong passwords: Strong passwords help to deter scammers from hacking
into your accounts. Avoid using short, simple passwords that are easy to guess.
3.
Keep your computer or software up-to-date: Software developers often release updates to fix
vulnerabilities, so make sure you have the latest software installed on your
computer.
4.
Be careful with online transactions: Before entering your credit card details, ensure
that the website is secure and trustworthy. Look for the padlock icon in the
address bar, and check that the web address begins with “https” rather than “http.”
5.
Use antivirus software: Antivirus software can help protect your computer
from malware, which is malicious software designed to harm your computer or
steal your information.
6.
Be cautious of unsolicited calls or e-mails: Scammers may use the guise of official-looking
e-mails or phone calls to trick you into giving them sensitive information.
Always verify the authenticity of the source before sharing any information.
7.
Trust your instinct: If something seems too good to be true, it
probably is. Scammers often use the promise of easy money, free gifts, or prizes
to lure people into giving up their personal information. Be wary of any
unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true.
FOOTBALL
Football is one of the most loved and popular sports around the world.
It is played by millions of people in various countries and is watched by
billions of people on television.
A football game is an exciting and
adrenaline-filled event that brings people together. It involves two teams of
eleven players each, where each team tries to score a goal against the other.
The game usually lasts for 90 minutes, with two halves of 45 minutes each.
However, the referee can add extra time for injuries or stoppages in play.
Before the start of the game, both teams
warm up and go through their pre-game strategies. The players are highly
competitive and focused on victory. The coaches give their players tactical
instructions, and the team captain leads the team onto the field.
The game starts with a coin toss, and the
team that wins the toss chooses which goal to defend. The game is then started
with a kickoff, where one team kicks the ball to the other team. The players
then try to keep the ball in their possession and pass it to their teammates.
The objective is to get the ball past the other team's defenders and score a
goal.
To score a goal, the ball has to cross the
goal line and go into the net. The game continues until the end of the
regulation time or until one team scores more goals than the other. The team
with the most goals at the end of 90 minutes or extra time is declared the
winner. The excitement of a football game is in the unpredictability of the
outcome. The game can change quickly, and a team can come from behind to win.
The cheers and celebration of fans add to the atmosphere of the game, and it is
an experience like no other.
In conclusion, a football game is a
beautiful experience that brings people together and creates a sense of unity
and community. The passion and intensity of the game are unmatched, and it is
truly a spectacle of sportsmanship and
competitiveness.
TO QUOTE
Silence is the most perfect
expression of scorn – G. B. Shaw
Victory belongs to the most
tenacious – Roland Garros, Paris
What worries you, masters you
– John
Locke
Be grateful for what you have.
Don’t take your blessings for granted – Jimmy Carter
JUST TO LAUGH
A man goes into a pet shop to
buy a parrot. The shop owner points to three identical-looking parrots on a
perch and says, "The parrot on the left costs $500 dollars."
"Why does the parrot cost so much?" asks the man. The owner says
"Well the parrot knows how to use a computer."
The man then asks about the next parrot and learns that it costs $1,000 dollars
because it can do everything the first parrot can do plus it knows how to use
the UNIX operating system.
Naturally, the increasingly startled man asks about the third parrot, only to
be told that it costs $2,000 dollars. Needless to say, this begs the question,
"What can it do?"
To which the owner replies, "To be honest, I have never seen it do
anything, but the other two call him boss!"
LINES I LIKED
Ø Accept that some people won’t like you just as you don’t like other people.
Ø
Accept that adversity
is a part of life.
Ø
Accept
responsibility.
Ø
Accept others as they
are.
Ø
Accept flaws and
shortcomings and see them as opportunities for growth and learning.
Accept that there are things beyond one’s control!
Meet you next month –2025
Professor A. Narayanan, Ph. D., FISPP
SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO:
E-mail: arumugakannu@gmail.com
Ph: 0422 4393017 Mobile: 75399 15614
(NARA’S
NOTEPAD)
Friday, February 28, 2025
HOW TO CREATE WEALTH?
Creating wealth involves a combination of
financial discipline, strategic planning and taking calculated risks. Here are
some key steps.
1.
Set Clear Financial Goals: Define
your short-term and long-term financial objectives. This could include saving
for a house, retirement, education etc.
2.
Budgeting and Saving: Create a
budget to track your income and expenses. Save regularly and consistently,
aiming to set aside a portion of your income each month.
3.
Invest Wisely: Understand different
investment options such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and mutual funds.
Diversify your investments to manage risk and seek professional advice if
needed.
4.
Continuous Learning: Stay
updated with financial news and trends. Educate yourself about personal
finance, investment strategies, and wealth management.
5. Entrepreneurship: Consider starting a
business or investing in entrepreneurial ventures if you have the skills and
resources. This can offer significant wealth-building opportunities.
6.
Manage Debt: Minimize high-interest debt and prioritize
paying it off. Good debt management can free up resources for investing and
saving.
7.
Network and Seek Opportunities: Build relationships
with knowledgeable individuals in finance and business. Stay open to new
opportunities that align with your financial goals.
8.
Long-Term Vision: Wealth-building is
often a gradual process requiring patience and perseverance. Maintain a
long-term perspective and adjust your strategies as needed.
9.
Take Advantage of Tax Benefits:
Understand and utilize tax advantaged accounts to minimize tax liabilities and
boost savings.
10. Asset Allocation: Develop a well-balanced asset allocation strategy based on your risk
tolerance, financial goals, and time horizon. Allocate your investments across
different asset classes to manage risk and maximize returns.
11.
Reinvest and Compound Returns: Reinvesting dividends are normal, and it’s
essential to stay disciplined during periods of volatility. Avoid making
emotional investment decisions and focus on your long-term financial plan.
12.
Stay Disciplined During Market Volatility: Market fluctuations are normal, and it’s
essential to stay disciplined during periods of volatility. Avoid making
emotional investment decisions and focus on your long-term financial plan.
13.
Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review your financial plan,
investment portfolio, and overall progress towards your goals. Make necessary
adjustments based on changing circumstances, market conditions, and personal
priorities.
14.
Protect Your Wealth: Consider insurance policies such as life
insurance, health insurance, and property insurance to protect your assets and
mitigate financial risks.
15.
Generosity and Philanthropy: Giving back to society through charitable
donations and philanthropic activities can be personally fulfilling and
contribute to a legacy of positive impact.
IMPORTANCE OF OCEANS TO HUMAN BEINGS
1.
Climate regulation: Oceans absorb and store carbon dioxide, regulate
global temperature and produce oxygen that is essential for life on Earth.
2.
Food source: Oceans provide a significant source of protein for billions
of people worldwide, and they are responsible for more than 50% of the oxygen
we breathe.
3.
Economic value: Shipping, leisure activities, tourism, and energy production
are some of the major economic benefits provided by oceans.
4.
Biodiversity: Oceans are home to a tremendous variety of species, with many
of them yet to be discovered and studied.
5.
Natural disaster mitigation: Coastal regions, particularly those with mangrove
swamps and coral reefs, are protected from the impacts of natural disasters
such as floods, cyclones and storm surges.
Thus the oceans play a vital role in sustaining
human life and the health of the planet.
THE FAMINES AROUND THE WORLD
Famines have tragically affected various parts
of the world throughout history, often resulting from a complex interplay of
factors. Some of the notable famines are described below.
1.
Irish Potato Famine (1845-1852): This famine caused by a potato blight
that destroyed Ireland’s main food source, exacerbated by British policies and
inadequate relief efforts. It led to the death of about one million people and
the emigration of another million.
2.
Bengal Famine of 1943: During World War II, Bengal, then under
British rule, faced a devastating famine due to a combination of factors like
cyclones, a Japanese blockade, and policies that prioritized the war effort
over food distribution. It resulted in the death of an estimated 2 to 3 million
people.
3.
Ethiopian Famine (1983-1985): Widespread drought, coupled with civil
conflicts and political instability, led to a severe famine in Ethiopia. Images
of starvation and suffering brought global attention, prompting humanitarian
responses like the Live Aid Concerts.
4.
North Korean Famine (1990s): A combination of economic
mismanagement, natural disasters, and the collapse of Soviet support led to a
prolonged famine in North Korea during the 1990s. Estimates of the death toll
vary widely, but it is believed to have caused hundreds of thousands of deaths.
5.
Somali Famine (2011): Drought, conflict, and limited
humanitarian access contributed to a famine in Somalia in 2011. Tens of
thousands of people died and millions were displaced or in need of humanitarian
assistance.
These
famines underscore the importance of addressing underlying issues such as food
security, governance, conflict resolution, and disaster preparedness to prevent
future catastrophes. International cooperation, effective policies, and timely
humanitarian response are crucial in mitigating the impacts of famines and
ensuring food security for vulnerable populations.
HOW TO BREAK A HABIT?
- Make up your mind to do things
differently. Make the decisions to turn this thing around. You have all
the power you need, and you can make this work for you.
- Decide to only work on one habit
at a time. That focuses your mind, and your will to succeed.
- Design a plan that is attractive
and rewarding. If the pain exceeds the gain then you may not persevere.
There must be something that’s enticing to make it seem worthwhile.
- Nuke your negative thinking. You
know that things will be tough and you’ll be tempted to give up – but plan
in advance so you can push through trying times. For example, imagine how
you’ll be feel when you are living differently, and you’ve broken with the
habit, and are basking in success.
- Know the worst times of day, and
the times you struggle most. Then come up with a plan so you cope better
with those. But make sure your ideas work, and are attractive enough, as
it’s hard to keep on going when we’re low on energy.
- Keep it simple. A harsh or complex
can be too hard to implement. But making simple changes feels much more
doable. Also, remind yourself “it’s easy – and it’s not that hard to do.”
- Notice your successes. And reward
yourself with that. Your effort’s paying off-and you are closer to your
goal.
TO QUOTE
Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.
–
Albert Einstein
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed
is always to try just one more time. – Thomas Alva Edison
I have learned silence from the talkative, tolerance from the unkind;
yet strangely, I am ungrateful to these teachers. – K. Gilbran
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