Willingness To Listen

Viktor Frankl, one of the great psychiatrists of the twentieth century, survived the death camps of Nazi Germany. His little book, Man’s Search for Meaning, is one of those life-changing books that everyone should read.

Frankl once told the story of a woman who called him in the middle of the night to calmly inform him she was about to commit suicide. Frankl kept her on the phone and talked her through her depression, giving her reason after reason to carry on living. Finally she promised she would not take her life, and she kept her word.

When they later met, Frankl asked which reason had persuaded her to live?
"None of them", she told him.
What then influenced her to go on living, he pressed?

Her answer was simple, it was Frankl’s willingness to listen to her in the middle of the night.

A world in which there was someone ready to listen to another's pain seemed to her a world in which it was worthwhile to live.

Often, it is not the brilliant argument that makes the difference. Sometimes the small act of listening is the greatest gift we can give.

Listen to Everyone.

Vision of J.N.Tata

Jamshedji Nusserwanji Tata was once, travelling to Germany.
As he stood there, at the door of his First Class Cabin in the Steam-liner,
 he noticed a lot of activity on the lower decks of the Ship. On inquiring,
he learnt that a great Indian Saint Shri Swami Vivekananda was on board the same ship.

Out of genuine respect and curiosity J.N. Tata decided to pay a visit to the great saint.
Swami Vivekananda had of-course heard about the respected industrialist.
As the conversation grew J.N. Tata explained that he was on his way to Germany.

 "I have with me sacks of soil : From various parts of India. I am taking these samples of soil to Germany.

I wish to know if Iron can be extracted profitably from any of these districts." said J.N. Tata to the Saint.

 To which Swami Vivekananda replied, "Well, Sir, Even if these sacks contain Iron-rich soil,do you honestly believe that the Germans will tell you the TRUTH???

You must understand that No / NONE of the European Nations wish to see a Strong / Steel-Rich / Economically Independent India.The soil is probably rich in Iron-ore but the sad truth is all you will get from your inquiries across Europe is
Disbelief and Pessimistic reactions." Needless to say, having interacted with several Europeans J.N. Tata knew this to be true. Swami Vivekananda continued,

"Why don't you start an excellent / up-to-date Research Facility and College here in India???

 Why don't you train some good Indian Youngsters to identify soil and conduct these tests and find ways of profitably extracting metals???

It may seem like a wasteful ; burdensome expenditure right now,

But in the long run- It will save you many trips to Europe and you can have the assurance of knowing the Truth quickly- rather than taking multiple opinions due to Doubt".

As he could clearly sense J.N. Tata's mood was in acquiescence he further elaborated,

 "Seek an audience with the Maharajah of Mysore H.R.H. Wodeyar. Though a subordinate of the British,he will definitely help you in every way he can. H.R.H. Wodeyar has been generous enough
to sponsor my own trip to Chicago to attend the Parliament of Religions".

As soon as he returned to India, J.N. Tata headed straight for Mysore.

And indeed H.R.H. Chamraja Wodeyar did Not disappoint him.

The King granted 370 acres of land for the setting up of the Research Facility and College
that J.N. Tata had envisioned and it was named,

THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE.