Justice/Fairness

I have never really contemplated the difference between unfairness and injustice. But today my mind was drawn towards these ideas. I realized that the two terms are often used interchangeably, but if you really ponder over it, there are finer differences between the two. They are not completely dissimilar concepts; however,unfairness, in my opinion, is about comparing your own outcomes relative to those of another. Now this could be someone significant to you or not. That is immaterial. Another ready example that comes to mind is an unfair advantage, for instance Phelp's controversial swimming gear that apparently gave him an edge over the others. Some lament that the world is 'unfair', yet others rightly term it as 'unjust'. Does the difference lie in language only?Or is it really more profound?

To me, justice is age-old and notions of injustice, while encompassing ideas of unfairness, include a broader spectrum. For instance, it is unfair that I need a Schengan visa to travel Europe, while Americans do not, but it certainly isn't unjust. However, it is unjust if I as a woman am discriminated against based on the fact that I am a member of the 'weaker sex.' Thus, in terms of impact, justice is a greater concern than unfairness. It transcends the personal and hence assumes far greater significance.

They will continue to be concepts whose boundaries are blurred. They will invariably merge in certain situations and in others stand vehemently in opposition to one another. But these subtle distinctions can make a world of difference, when you take into account the broader implications, both personally and globally.

10 Reasons why you should pick a thesis topic of your choice

1. Imagine your most boring chore, something that you are simply forced to do every single day. (Maybe the dishes or laundry or something!) Anything that is completely devoid of excitement.

2. One of those bitter medicines that do not go down the throat smoothly and that you can taste while swallowing. You keep gulping down more water for it to ease the throat, but that bad taste only magnifies.

3. When you come to think of reading as the least desired activity, when you know you list it as one your favourite activities otherwise.

4. When you create situations in your head where your interviews and surveys seem to take on wonderful relevance; but unfortunately, in your case, you are convinced your research will give you dull, drab answers.

5. You truly believe it will not change the world. It is an 'original' piece of work, twisted to other's requirements and you are left as the dummy who is carrying it out dutifully.

6. There are almost always lunches, dinners and concerts to go to...or mindless films to watch, each time you glance at the readings.

7. The damned 'Dissertation' folder on C drive haunts you in your sleep. You have homicidal ideation and want to tear it apart with an axe.

8. You're always in a tearing hurry to change the subject when fellow students ask you about your topic.

9. If forced to talk about it, you give unwarranted, lengthy explanations about why you were compelled to choose it and how would much rather have researched leadership. You then rationalize that there is always time for that during your PhD.

10. You create 'breaks' like these to vent on your blog and write ten useless pointers that neither relax your mind nor motivate you to get back to work!!

The simplest things are sometimes the hardest things in the world

It is the of the most difficult things in the world to let go. Attachment has this knack of hurting one desperately. There is so much left unsaid.

I encountered something that knocked the air right out of me. I did not want to react the way I did. It took every ounce of control to compose myself. The unhappy realization hit me like a tonne of bricks. It was so unexpected. I had imagined much superior handling capacity. I really used to be so convinced about my ability to deal with such eventualities. It hurt so much, that all I could do was turn and almost run away. I wished I could disappear. I always scorned those who could not face the finite, but that is probably because I have an amazing ability to escape. But today, there was no easier alternative.

I kept walking, bleak, dejected or just to put it plainly, unbelievably sad. But then I paused, got my thoughts together and stayed. My eyes searched for something I could not find. Painful as it was, I smiled, wished I had said at least a simple 'thank you' for touching my life in a way no human being has. Maybe I will say this someday.

But for now, until we see each other again, I will keep walking.