The Moral Vision
Warding off Danger
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not create a commotion this time either, and we
reached home without any untoward incidents,
“That was the miracle of the big stick,” said the
Maulana with a smile. “Yesterday you were
unarmed, so those wretched curs dared to attack.
Today it was a very different story, for the dogs,
immediately realizing that you were well-equipped
to deal with them, lost courage and gave up any
idea they had of attacking. A dog will attack you
only if he thinks you are vulnerable. But he would
not do so if he found you armed.”
There are certain of the human species too, who
sadly, will behave well only when you have a ‘big
stick’ in your hand. But the moment they find you
defenseless, they become bold. They are the type of
people who are brave when dealing with those
weaker than themselves, and who are out and out
cowards when confronted with anyone stronger.
This unfortunate state of affairs calls for people to
be well-equipped to deal effectively with such
unworthy individuals. In society, one ought, in
principle, to be peaceable, humble and courteous to
all. But, to be practical, one should be well armed to
meet adverse situations, so that others are
