Tit for Tat

Amongst the stories of my primary classes, one was that of a tailor and an elephant. In the story, the tailor pricks the elephant with a needle and in retribution the elephant drenched tailor with the muddy water. The story was titled ‘tit for tat’ that means the infliction of an injury or insult in return for the one that one has suffered. The story aimed at teaching not harming the others and if done then be prepared for the consequences. In the story, the protagonists were a man and an animal but the lesson was equally applicable to both the relationships amongst men and with the animals.

However, going into the deeper meaning does the story justify the infliction of injury by the sufferer on the perpetrator as a reprisal? As per the saying, the elephant retorts because it suffers in the hands of the tailor. Therefore, one should behave in the first place to avoid such retaliation. The story does not say much about the elephant’s character. But contrary to the story I have met people who in spite being tricked or fooled or used continue to extend their support to the ‘tailors’ of their lives.

These people emancipate tremendous positivity; they are not oblivious to the fact that people befriend them to fulfill their mean motives. Yet, they are extremely happy with their lives and want everyone to enjoy the goodness. The simple joy of being happy prevents them to consider the maliciousness of the people. They are not fools, but gifted who learned that the real happiness lies in oneself. The very inspiring aspect of them is that the paltriest of acts never incite them to retaliate. Whereas, most of us always project others as the benefactor of our nastiness.

The benevolence of these people always inspires me to enjoy life than maintaining a good book and bad book of people. Surely, when one is content, and away from the insecurities they impart happiness that illuminates everyone’s life. The ‘tit for tat’ might be correct to practice but results in negativity when people do justice by seeking revenge.