Never Assume!
photo by Andres Rueda
Many of you may have heard the quote, “Never ASSUME, for it makes an ASS of U and ME.” Assumptions do play a key role in determining the success (or failure) of investments and business decisions. It is however very important to base all assumptions and subsequent decision making on proper research and sound reasoning. This is my last blog post for this year and I couldn’t resist sharing two charming stories that I read recently about the risks in making faulty assumptions and hasty decisions. I hope you enjoy the stories as much as I did!
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A turkey was chatting with a bull, “I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree,” sighed the turkey, but I haven’t got the energy.”
“Well, why don’t you nibble on my droppings?” replied the bull. “They’re packed with nutrients.”
The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found that it gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, there he was proudly perched at the top of the tree. Soon he was spotted by a farmer, who shot the turkey out of the tree.
Moral of the story: Bullshit might get you to the top, but it won’t keep you there!
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A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day. A rabbit asked him, “Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?”
The crow answered: “Sure, why not.”
So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow, and rested. A fox jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very high up.
Or as Swami Nithyananda eloquently puts it, “Our aim should be to achieve the state of consciousness of a leader and not merely covet the status that is achieved by becoming a leader.”
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Happy Holidays and see you all again in the New Year!
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haha. so cool articles that convey the message exactly. wish you happy holidays and a prosperous & happy new year.
Good one!!
The stories you have shared are hilarious and very unique. A contemplative smile has brought upon me.
Very interesting stories! Thank you for sharing so many inspiring articles in the past year. I look forward to your new ones in the new year.
Merry Christmas – I have enjoyed the inspiring articles – God Bless!!
i never read these stories before. it really drove in the point u are trying to make. thanks and happy holidays to u too.
Thanks Manju!
First time visiting your blog site. Love your articles. Please keep posting.
Thanks Kiran!
The stories hit the nail on the head perfectly.
A nice reminder for all of us to start the new year with a clear perspective that status is achieved by our very state. Wish you a very happy new year! Looking forward to more great articles to start off 2010!
Hahahaha Good ones
Excellent narration and very well put too, to the context 
Cant stop laughing out loud 
)).. reminding of Swamiji’s childlike, long laughter filled with mirth when he would narrate such jokes 
reiterating : Its the state. Not the status.
Thank you.
Good anecdotes! Keep them coming!
You referenced to the book on Nithyananda twice, so I finally went ahead and got one. Look forward to reading it (its quite thick though!).
I am sure u will find the book to be a worthy buy!
great stories! thanks for putting them together with the message on leadership at the end.
thank you raj for all the posts this year. loved reading them and look forward to more refreshing posts in year 2010. happy new year.
happy new year to you too, Rahul!