PERSONAL SPECIAL.....Less is indeed more!

Less is indeed more!   In an era when we are all overwhelmed by an overdose of information and messages, someone who can be brief and focused comes across as professional and disciplined Sir, did you collect your mobile and wallet from the security section?“ asked the porter. Patting his pocket in a quick reflex action, the man next to me in the bus transporting us to the aircraft, replied, “Oh yes, I did.“ Then turning to his wife, “Did you?“ She gave him a calm smile and a nod. “Women usually don't forget their possessions,“ I chipped in, smiling at the graceful senior couple.  “Men leave them lying around.“ He smiled back, “But I never forget anything ever. My possessions are few and never lost.“ I was surprised at the confidence. Never? A scary word, one implying huge responsibility. He carried on, “Einstein said the more possessions you keep, the unhappier you are. If a guy keeps three mobiles, obviously he will misplace one of them. Keep it simple and basic is my motto.“ The gentleman turned out to be a retired Supreme Court judge, Justice AK Patnaik. I googled Einstein's quote once on board the plane before we took off, and now write this column from 10,000 metres up in the air. Einstein said, “Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury ­ to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best for both the body and the mind.“ Is that then really the key to happiness? Less is more? In an era where so many more things seem affordable to so many more people, where indulgence replaces togetherness and love, where buying things is therapeutic, must we desist and try to make do with the bare minimum? Indeed lesser, but quality time spent together is preferable over long periods of boring com panionship; a short, crisp well-articulated sentence is more effective than reams of speech; a few, close friends are better anytime than a huge social directory of people who couldn't care less. A chic, sophisticated look is always achieved by minimal but effective accessories and make-up. A new hearty soup bowl I have recently got addicted to in a neighbouring restaurant makes me think of how unnecessary is our daily food spread when all the goodness, taste and health can be concentrated in just one bowl. And yes, have you noticed that you tend to do better at exams you have prepared less for? The point is that in an age of information overdose, we are all overwhelmed by the amount of messages, calls, social media, news breaks and mails we receive. Little wonder then that we prefer people who respect brevity. Those who make a point as briefly and clearly as possible, come across as disciplined and professional. Over-explanations, long mails and long, fruitless meetings  take the joy out of a workday, and much of what is said is ignored. Stressing the importance of getting to the point right away, Joseph McCormack, author of `BRIEF: Making  A Bigger impact by Saying Less' says, “Brevity is an essential skill that can propel people's career in an age where the people that they are talking to are overwhelmed.“ In such a scenario the only way of catching people's attention is not to be louder, but to be quieter; not to talk more, but to say less. When all are screaming for attention, the only one who couldn't care less will ultimately be noticed. Coming back to possessions, we do tend to collect things we have no need of, and then cannot find space to keep them in. Where then is the sense in overindulging? In relationships, food, talk or material things? The irony is that the importance of `less' cannot be appreciated by those who have not indulged in `more'.The way to denial has to come through overindulgence.It is only after an overdose of more than enough that you can appreciate `less is more...'