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Part - III

The marvelous power of prolonged concentration is appreciated by Cajal.The concept of "Nishkama Karma", is illustrated when Kepler is quoted (after discovering his three laws), "The die is cast, and with this I finish my book, caring little whether it is read today or by posterity. Some day there will be readers. After all, did God not wait six thousand years to find in me a beholder and interpreter of His works?" Cajal suggests that the supreme accomplishment is to merit the approval of rare and superior minds. The passion for reputation should be interpreted in such a context. The curt comment, asking one to leave the field of science, if one is after gold (instead of applause of the learned and the personal satisfaction from a job well done); is absolutely applicable to people who are self actualisers. (One is not too sure of the day zero aspirants!)

The chapter on the diseases of the will was a wonderful reading experience. The basic idea was that an ordinary, decent person is any day better than megalomaniacs who pretend to be great, bibliophiles who read to impress, instrument addicts who are obsessed, theorists who cannot come down to earth and misfits who are never content. The reading on choosing the proper wife filled me with amusement. However, the observation that the great Davy (after marriage) spent his genius in parties than in the laboratory, thanks to a rich wife, will serve as warning to a professional who marries for dowry!

Cajal's pithy advice of writing a scientific paper is very relevant to this reader as she types her learnings! "Have something to say, say it, stop once it is said!" (Also give the article a suitable title and check the order of presentation.) True indeed of any presentation, written or oral.

"His mind was complex but orderly, his intellect sharp, with his curiosity childlike, his wit unexpected." * Cajal, as this reader discovered him in the pages of this great work, was all this and more. This work should not be missed by anyone interested in lateral thinking.

Concluded.

* Shri. Natwar Singh on Rajagopalachari.