The Increasing Disease of Pride!

The Increasing Disease of Pride!

Or Feeling More Important Than Others!

Those that are my avowed Readers and Fans will no doubt acknowledge that – I always do write from my own personal experiences and exposures and as my references – and from incidents and episodes recently that have happened to me – or to people I know well for surety! This new disease of false pride is becoming increasingly rampant in the society now!

Let us start with some quotes first – on Pride: –

• Certainly Allah does not love the proud ones. – The Holy Quraan – 16:23
• Whosoever has in his heart, even an atom of pride he will not enter paradise – The Islamic Hadith

• Pride is an admission of weakness, it secretly fears all competition and dreads all rivals – Fulton J. Sheen
• A proud man is always looking down on things and people – and thus cannot see anything above him – C. S. Lewis
• The truest characters of ignorance are vanity and pride – Samuel Butler
• The infinitely little have a pride infinitely great – Voltaire
• Pride comes before a fall – Famous
• The one who climbs a ladder will have to come down! – East African saying

Long time ago, I watched this film where the ex Dictator Iddi Amin of Uganda was showing off this certificate to a cheering crowd. Then He tore the paper into two – saying aloud – Now Mr. P – you are no longer a citizen of Uganda! That is the end of a ‘paper citizen’ – and as he sends into exile thousands of Asians to all parts of the world – but mainly Canada and UK. Little did he realise that he created multi-millionaires of these exiles. Nor did he realise that one day he will too be exiled – and die in an exiled country – Saudi Arabia!

Last week I had some problems – again on ‘services’ – books related – and as the usual unflinching M – I had phoned first to their Head Offices. Not getting any cheers, I decided to go to their website and put in ‘my beef’ – so to speak! I then followed it with an email to the Top Brass of the place. Sure enough from the top echelon came the response – Access Denied.

Image Pride

Truthfully from those in the lower levels came a positive response. So I phoned back to one and asked him most tactfully and diplomatically as I could – after even the abruptness and unnecessary provocation and insult! So I asked him why were my emails being returned to me? He sarcastically retorted that the BIG PEOPLE have no time for such trifles. So I asked him again – Did you mean trifles things – or trifle people? Knowing that I was trying to corner and trap him he just said to me just – Trust me – we are looking into your complaint – and we shall handle it soonest. But I had time still to say – if a VIP had emailed him – he would certainly not send back that email!

Image – Pride and Prejudice

A few months ago I had a similar issue and dispute with another establishment – sadly and tragically always in the news – and how good they are! I was impressed when the Secretary called me to say that the ‘Big Man’ himself wanted to talk to me! Came on to my best behaviour and performances! So he asked me – do we talk in English or in Arabic? I retorted – whichever you prefer! Then he reprimanded me saying (in English!) – That this person that you are complaining about? I can give him my heart and soul – and I can go to sleep – and when I awake up – he will give them back to me!

Image Pride – Images For Demonstration Purposes Only!

I do not know how that would have been possible – so M being M – I retorted to him that just now by your comments – you have left the fold of our Religion – by associating man with God – because only God can take a soul (heart) and return it – not a human being! That seemed to upset him a lot and went into almost vulgarities – unfortunately was not taping him! He was used to people bowing to him – and not standing up to him! That was the type of person that he was! He then said to me things like about how negative you are in outlooks – and it was a big mistake this newspaper was giving you a column to write!

Image The Proud Peacock!

Images For Demonstration Purposes Only!

My motto and philosophy remains the same – respect me – and I will reciprocate in kind! So to add fire to fuel – I retorted back – not a column – but two my friend! The word ‘friend’ coming from me seemed to upset him all the more! I had a very long hearty laugh to myself – when twists and ironies of life – he accused me of being ‘with chips on your shoulders – and a very proud pompous person!

Yesterday I had a long overdue chat with my son. He was lamenting to me that his friends found him ‘very open and receptive – and in speaking his mind’. They asked him how it was that he was different from them – that they had sort of a closed mind – and not open to raise issues openly on the front – instead of complaining in the back and behind scenes! And to where did he get his courage – and guts from?

So my son told them – my father has got it (this) from his father. His father had brought them up ‘not to be afraid and scared’ – speak the TRUTH always – and speak openly their mind – their concerns and worries – and not to be afraid and fearful except to the Good Lord only! If someone respects you – you must also reciprocate. But never allow anyone to scare, bully or push you down! Yes – his friends – said we can see now why we are different – because nobody had encouraged us that way and not to be afraid – but all just the opposite!

I can see that now happening with even my grandchildren! The other day I was teasing my granddaughter T where her housemaid had gone? She retorted – Granny how many times must I tell you that she has returned to Philippines? I was laughing to myself all inside me – that in another house hold she would have received a slap from different people for ‘insulting Granny!’

In the early 1970s when our families returned to Oman – I was just chatting mildly with a peer on mild issues – when he came in guns blazing – you have no right to talk anything on this matter! When I queried him why – he retorted – you were not born here! So please shut your trap – unsaid! I sadly looked at him and said – My friend – do you think being born in a place is the only criteria that matters? He retorted back yes – and I reminded him in a very tactful and diplomatic way why he was very wrong and misguided!

The saddest and tragic part was he was just a poor working person like me – and if the worst came to the worst I at least could use my father, great Mother and grandparents as ‘being a chip and part of the old block’! Unfortunately for him – he could not do the same – but yet had the pride in him to silence all others! I can now understand and appreciate now why my son is that much worried and concerned too!

Take Care!

By:-

Majid Al Suleimany

Posted at: www.majidall.com and at www.majidwrite.com

The Marriage Proposal!

October 29, 2012

A Short Story – The Dream!

The Marriage Proposal!

Although she was the junior one by rank, she was sitting just opposite him in the same cubicle – their desks facing each other. She was just regular in making errors and mistakes – and this time he was reprimanding her again – when she could not handle it anymore – and broke into tears!

Unconcerned and yet still the man continued to reprimand her. Again you have made a mistake – accusingly he said to her. Why are you making all these mistakes? She cried profusely and uncontrollably.

The man relented. He said to her – I can see that you are under a lot of pressures. So what is wrong – pityingly he reproached her! She looked back aglance at him – non committal without saying any extra word.

Then the man took guts and courage – leaned over – and kissed her on the mouth. She did not resist! The most lips tempted him to kiss her again – he did a second time – this time longer than before. He felt her lips on him – warm, touching and moist – and she had stopped crying now! They were alone in the office.

Then he queried her – are you worried that you are now 34 – and still single? She did not reply – but just looked at him. 

Tell you what – he proposed to her. If you are still single at 40 – I shall marry you myself – if you will have me! What do you say?

She looked at him in great sadness and heartbreak! Till I am 40? How will I get babies then? I like babies and children – even now at my age it may be difficult – if not too late already!

Images – Proposal – For Demonstration Purposes Only!

Like a bolt of lightning that had hit him – he suddenly sat upright! Strong emotions and feelings suddenly erupted out from him. They looked like suppressed feelings – now no longer controllable! He had tried for too long to suppress them before – but now he was failing badly!

He kissed her again. This time she was lesser responsive. Then she asked – more to herself! What is going to happen to me? Am I not attractive or a good catch? Or is it because I am too shy and keep to myself – and that is why people are keeping away from me?

He leaned over and whispered to her. From the first day I saw you – I fell for you heavily! I really love you! Then all the feelings were coming out from him – suppressed for too long! Will you marry me? – He finally proposed to her in a high pitched emotionally breaking tone!

 Yes – Yes – she stammered. I will marry you anytime. I know that you are already married – with even grandchildren! That you are elder to me. That I am or maybe the same age of your daughters – but any woman would be lucky to have you – young or older! You are a good catch!

Are you sure? He teased back! Are you just saying that because I had just now proposed to you?

No I am serious – she retorted. From the first day I saw you – I was saying to myself – This is the man for me! How can I get him? What do I do to make him like me? Maybe subconsciously I was making all these mistakes – so you will take notice of me? Could that be the case? Could that be possible?

They were holding hands when they heard the office outdoor opening. They are coming back now from lunch. Let us return to normal – and not say anything to them yet!

Okay – but one more kiss – please! They joined in together in mirth and in laughter!

Now he was scratching his head – how will I tell the good wife? The children? It was then he awoke!

Thank Goodness it was all a dream! He had never dreamt such things before – like getting into making such type of proposals – and even marriages!

 By Majid Al Suleimany

October 29, 2012

 

 

 

 

The New Topics Posted from My Columns – Please Go here!

The New Topics Posted from My Columns – Please Go here!

October 29, 2012

1 www.majidwrite.com

The Disease of Pride

http://majidwrite.com/2012/10/28/the-disease-of-pride/

The Changing Offices Allegiances!

http://majidwrite.com/2012/10/27/the-changing-offices/

Is it Acting or Real?

http://majidwrite.com/2012/10/22/is-it-acting-or-real-by-majid-al-suleimany/

How Rich Can One Get?

http://majidwrite.com/2012/10/02/how-rich-can-one-get-between-us-only/

2 www.majidall.com

My Books in Arab Management

http://majidall.com/2012/10/23/my-books-in-arab-management-in-english/

The Disease (Evil) of Pride

http://majidall.com/2012/10/28/2308/

The Fast Moving Allegiances and Changes

http://majidall.com/2012/10/27/the-fast-moving-allegiances-and-changes/

The African Touch!

http://majidall.com/2012/10/16/the-african-touch/

Is it Real or Acting?

http://majidall.com/2012/10/22/is-it-real-or-acting-by-majid-al-suleimany/

Young Marriages in Troubles!

http://majidall.com/2012/10/15/young-marriages-in-troubles/

The New Areas of Concern and Worry!

http://majidall.com/2012/10/12/the-new-areas-of-concern-and-worry/

Best Wishes and Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany

My Books in Arab Management!

My Books in Arab Management (in English).

My Arab Management Books – as written by a Local (Arab /GCC)

A Psychology of Arab Management Thinking Book!

B A Cry For Help! – Context and Perspectives – Arabian Management Series.

Reviews – By Readers – A Sample Below!

• A Great Read

This book does not only provide a fascinating insight into Majid’s life but also his raw, honest and sometimes eye opening emotional roller coaster career. It is a personal account, and his brutal honesty regarding different nationalities and those of his own country is recounted so well. A lot of clips from his columns but never mind!

I couldn’t put it down. The English, although not perfect (hey, even English have trouble!) is easy to read and paints a picture as though you are there yourself

By Name Given – Barnes & Noble

See Others in The Following Sites Also –

Feel free to explore & self-search!

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.createspace.com

Borders

Amazon

Foyles

WHSmith etc

Or search by country.

Books in Hard Cover, Soft Cover and ebooks (Kindle, Nook etc)

Best Wishes and Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany – The Author

Muscat – Sultanate of Oman – October 23^rd 2012

For More Information and Details – please visit my books sites at –

www.myown-ebooks.com – www.majidbooks.com – and New Book on Road Safety Behind The Wheel! – above and also at www.bethesafedriver.com

How Rich Can One Get?

Final Destination – The Grave – If You Are Lucky!

Between Us Only!

How Rich Can One Get?

Breaking News!

Former Chinese Police Chief Wang Lijun sentenced to 15 years for abdication of duties…even in China!

The Funeral Pyre – Below!

One time decades back I got this call from my late Father to go and pick him up to take him for a funeral that was happening that evening. He got into my car and was not speaking. I thought perhaps because I came in late – or he just wanted to be silent – normally – when he gets extremely angry and annoyed. I had come to realise the hard way that it was better for me ‘not to prod’ – until he decided to speak himself. This time it was acute strange because he was not saying anything – longer than normal!

My Late Father PBUH

I was wondering if the old man wanted to cry – but he was holding his tears back – not to embarrass himself in front of his son. He comes from the fabric that frowns on showing emotions openly – and that is certainly in crying! Big men – and even young boys – simply do not cry! You can all cry and break into pieces all held dear all inside. Only ‘sissies’ cry out openly!

After the funeral, I could see that he now wanted to talk. So I broke the ice by asking what the poor man had died of? He stared at me as if he was going to take out on me – but decided at the last minute not to! Then he said – Poor man! We were everyday going to the Public place – to chase up on the applications of land for our children.

Poor man! Now he got his final plot – and it was for free! He did not have to pay any money for the plot – it was given for him for free! Just the size of his body – a bit more – but 6 feet down – to rest on his right side facing Mecca – until the Day of Reckoning! I tell you son – all these things we are chasing in life are all temporary and artificial – and there is nothing permanent and for surety except God – and Death only!

Then my poor father told me about one business man he also knows whose business had gone bust. Many reasons for it – he was telling me. But that is not important for now. In short the man almost lost his house to the Banks – but luckily for him it was the only house he had – and there was the law to protect such cases in the past. He had two cars – one his and the other family. He sold off his family big car to settle debts – but kept the smaller car.

One day he wanted to go by road and to visit his relatives in a neighbouring country. He was not allowed to do so – because though he had cleared his case – and his name in the public files was not. He did not have even the right to renew the Mulkiya of his car – and he was driving the car ‘unlicensed and un re-registered’ – and he was afraid of in case of an accident of what was going to happen to him! It took more than 8 months to have ‘his name cleared’ – all because he was just a poor man – and had no Wastah. God takes shorter time to clear us – he sadly lamented!

Images – Traffic Police! For demonstration purposes only!

He added – Such things do not happen to the rich, powerful and the famous – only poor people like him – and us! In the end the man was so fed up – and decided to return for good to East Africa – safety or no safety – security or no security – but he just had enough! My poor father added – This man was stronger than this man who died today – God forgive us for such stray thoughts in comparisons!

I do not know if this is true or not – but one of the jokes on the public sector bribes and corruption in one third world country is about lands being allocated to the families of ‘those of influence’ – or as we say here ‘With W – Wastah! They say to a pregnant inner family or friends circle – If it is going to be a girl call her Badriya – and if boy Badr – names just coincidental for examples and demonstration purposes only! I do not know if they knew these things of scanning – because like yours truly had twin girls – so one of the girls would have lost – till a bit later on!

In one of my articles long time back – I talked about when I started working in Oman in Junior positions – though I had a more Senior position from where I came in that distant land – from having a Company car to riding a Company bus to work. But it did not put me off – or want to return – because I put my future and my family ahead of me!

In one of my deep frustrating times far later in life – I even went looking for jobs outside that oil company. In one of the interviews with one owners’ son he asked me a direct personal question of what really made M tick? He asked me – What are your dreams and what are you looking for in life?

Perhaps he thought I would reply him that I wanted to be in his shoes – to be on his side of the desk – asking the same question to another job aspirant! Then he started lamenting to me all kind of things that were not interesting to me as a job applicant – and the success story of their family business! He then asked me if I knew another so-called rich rising family – and why I did not apply there?

In another place the ‘great personality’ was saying to me – Either we offer you a good package or nothing at all. It seemed to me he was thinking he was making a great speech impression to me – because those things are best not said – and left out – because it was just a plain common message – and everybody knows about these things!

Remember all the above incidents were over 15 to 20 years ago! Far later in life when I started writing I had a strong fan – a sort of high elite rich person who really liked my works as a writer. He said to me – I like the way you fight for the underdog! When I applied some years ago after early retirement – for a Human Resources job in his place – he replied to me – Just keep to writing! That best suits you than a HR job! The Brits have this famous expression – Diplomacy is telling someone to go to hell – and he looks forward for the trip!

If even Mitt Romney of USA can discount 47% of the electoral vote – because ‘they are with him (Obama) – who are dependant upon government, who believe that they are victims , who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe to housing, you name it. They are people who pay no income tax ….. my job is not to worry about those people!

Bottom line – wherever you are in this world of ours – if you are poor and with no Wastah – you always get hit hard the most! Nothing has changed much during all these years! And then people dare to ask me why I like to quote many times – from George Orwell’s Animal Farm!

May The Good Lord Direct us all to The Right Path and Ways Always – Amin Amen

Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

The problems all facing us now is all due to this hunger to control, dominate and manipulate in the Society….!!!

ADDED

The Great King Alexander – The Three Death Wishes!

After conquering many kingdoms – was returning home. On the way, he fell ill and he was bedridden for months. With death drawing close, Alexander realized how his conquests – his great army – his sharp sword and all his wealth were of no use to him now.

He called all his generals and said – I will depart from the world soon. But I have three wishes. Please fulfill my wishes without fail. With tears flowing down their cheeks, the generals agreed to abide by their King’s last wishes

My First Desire is that – said Alexander – my Physicians alone must carry my coffin. Secondly – when my coffin is being carried to the grave – the path leading to the graveyard should be strewn with gold, silver and precious stones which I have collected in my treasury. My Third and Last wish is that both my hands should be kept dangling out of my coffin.

The people that had gathered there wondered at the King’s strange wishes. But no one dared to question; Alexander’s favorite general kissed his hand and pressed them to his heart. O King – we assure you that your wishes will all be fulfilled. But tell us why do you make such strange wishes?

At this Alexander took a deep breath and said – I would like the World to know of Three Lessons I have just learnt. I want my Physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that no Doctor can really cure anybody. They are powerless and cannot save a person from the clutches of Death. So let not people take life for granted.

The Second Wish of strewing gold, silver and other riches on the way to the graveyard is to tell people that that not even a fraction of gold can be taken by me. Let people realize that it is a sheer waste of time to chase wealth.

And about my Third Wish of having my hands dangling out of the coffin – I want people to know that I came empty handed into this world – and empty handed I go out of this world.

Alexander’s last words – Bury my body – do not build any monument for me – keep my hands outside so that the world knows the person who conquered the world had nothing in his hands when dying……

My New Book – Between Us Only! – Short Takes! – The Sequel – Two!

www.myown-ebooks.com

My New Book – Between Us Only! – Short Takes! – The Sequel – Two!

This is the author’s eighth book—and the fifth in the Between Us Only! Book series!

The book contains all the articles that had appeared in the author’s two weekly columns in the Oman Daily Observer (English daily) for the past three years.

For easy reference, the subjects and topics are arranged alphabetically.

The book contains many well-received and acclaimed articles in his columns, containing varied articles and topics—and for different tastes and likes—covering almost everyone, from the student to the professor, from the office clerk to the top guy CEO, and from the child or teenager to the grandparents!

The columns are titled “Between Us Only!” and “At My Workplace!” Website www.majidall.com

This is what they all had said:

• “You are truly one of the few peoples that one can easily connect with. It is always easier to be behind the scenes than it is to be in the frontline. Only few can be like you!” —Young Omani Lady Fan

• “I read your article, and I must say it was a great eye-opener for me.” —Omani HR Executive

• “Thank you greatly! You enrich us always with your articles and contributions. I also do appreciate your ideas and suggestions—highly remarkable and commendable always!” —Omani IT Head

• “The university expresses its many thanks for being in touch and is a huge pleasure and privilege and a great honor. You have a brilliant and star colossal range of achievements— and must be congratulated.” —UK University Professor

• “Great experiences and thoughts. We need more people like you in spreading such thoughts and standing on change.” —Omani Engineering Head

• “You have said it so beautifully, my dear, that my heart broke out for you. I cry in my heart for you. You are so great!” —From a Lady Omani Fan

• “What a brilliant article. I wish I had joined the book group sooner?” —British Book Fan

• “It was nice to see that you have compiled all your articles in your books to be reserved for future generations.” —Great Local Literary Person

• “You are among the few who are visionary and with realistic foresight. You have mentioned exactly what the mind-set of what many people think quietly all inside them.” —Senior IT Omani Consultant

• “People respect you as our number one columnist and for the wonderful pieces you have said over the number of years. It is our great pleasure, and we are proud to have such quality Omani columnists like yourself on our side.” —Senior Omani Journalist

• “You really talk deeply and with great understanding of human nature. You are lucky to be you! And every word you say is making great sense.” —Omani IT Head

• Book website at http://www.myown-ebooks.com and www.majidbooks.com

Best Wishes and Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany

All About My New Books – Three!

All About My New Books – Three!!

Please visit My Books here!

Books Websites – www.myown-ebooks.com – www.majidbooks.com

My New Books Under Publication

Please visit www.myown-ebooks.com and www.bethesafedriver.com

Three New Books.

1 Behind The Whel! – Road Safety Novel Book. – www.bethesafedriver.com

2 Between Us Only! – The Sequel – Book 3.

3 Between Us Only! – Short Takes! – The Sequel – Two!

Previous Books – www.myown-ebooks.com

1 Between Us Only!

2 The Sequel – Between Us Only!

3 Short Takes – Between Us Only!

4 Psychology of Arab Management Thinking! – Book One – Arab Management.

5 A Cry For Help! – Context and Perspectives – Arabian Management Series!

(Book Two in Arab Management)

Images in www.myown-ebooks.com

Best Wishes and Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany

Muscat – Sultanate of Oman.

September 30th, 2012

My Previous Books:-

1 Between Us Only!

2 The Sequel! – Between Us Only!

3 Short Takes! – Between Us Only!

4 Psychology of Arab Management Thinking! – Arab Management Book. Also 5 below!

5 A Cry For Help! Arabian Management Services – Context and Perspectives!

6 Behind The Wheel! The Road Safety Novel Book – See here! – Under Publication

7 Between Us Only! – Three – The Sequel – Under Publication

8 Between Us Only! – Short Takes! – The Sequel – Two! – Under Publication.

 

Image – A Cry For Help! Book – Other images at www.myown-ebooks.com

Other Books Images – Behind The Wheel Book! – See here in website…

The Author – Majid Al Suleimany

Best wishes and regards,

Majid Al Suleimany

Please see also Contacts here…

For My Column Writings in The Oman Daily Observer