Ruskin Bond’s Simple Philosophy on Happiness

He writes…

“Happiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much.”

The Mystery of Being Happy

The old-age writer Ruskin Bond is a breath of fresh air in a world that seems to be a never-ending race for more in terms of money, more followers, or in terms of success. The “Grand Old Man of Indian Literature” reminds us at 90 that the secret of a good life is not big achievements, but the moments between.

This is one sentiment that Bond just expressed that resonates with people of both young and old. It is an obvious statement that all of us have experienced at one time or another, when we were tired of the hectic pace of modern life, or felt the void of not having anything to pursue.

According to Bond, happiness is not a destination to reach. Rather, it’s an art of balance. When you have too little, then life is a struggle. When you have too much, then your possessions and duties become a burden. The sweet spot is directly in the center- not so much as not to be cozy, but there is sufficient room to enjoy the small details.

Life in the Landour Hills

Take a quick look at his lifestyle; it will help you understand his philosophy. He has been spending decades in a small book-strewn room in Landour, Mussoorie. Other successful writers would have opted to live in the high-rise luxury in Mumbai or London, but Bond instead opted to live in the mountains. The trees, the wind through the pine-trees, and the postman of the neighborhood, once or twice, or a roaming cat, were his choices.

His everyday life is well-known as meager. He spends some hours in the morning, writing by hand, but never with a computer, and the rest sleeping, reading, or watching the Himalayas out of the window. It is not about the quest to get too much; it is the life of a person who got too much many years back.

He usually provides readers with the idea that he will never be lonely, provided he has his books and imagination. He simplifies his needs; his joy remains accessible to him. He does not have to use a private jet to make him feel that he is going somewhere; he simply has to tell himself a story or even take a stroll to the local bazaar.

The Danger of “Too Much”

Bond has been frequent in his essays and memoirs to caution that the current society is addicted to accumulation. Happiness is said to be found in the next purchase or promotion. However, Bond states that chase ultimately chucks up the soul.

When we have too much, then we do not notice the little things. We forget how to look at a ladybug on a leaf or sample a fresh litchi. The excess of that makes a barrier between us and nature. By removing the superfluous to present the remaining, Bond demonstrates this only through his writing, which is clear and unpretentious.

Why His Message Matters Today

It is not hard to understand why Bond’s words are trending now. Mental-health professionals discuss so-called lifestyle creep, which is how our spending and wants rise with the rise in income. This is the cycle that keeps us on a treadmill, as we are never satisfied with it.

The quote of the day provided by Bond is more of a wake-up call. It challenges us to sit down and review as to whether we are on the right side or the wrong side of the continuum between too little and too much. Are we stressed in the process of pursuing things that we never even require? Do we no longer know how to be content with an ordinary cup of tea and a quiet afternoon?

A Legacy of Simplicity

Ruskin Bond was born in 1934 and has witnessed India change over the last 90 years. He witnessed the expiry of the British Raj, the birth of a new country, and the digital revolution. His voice has remained in the same tone through all that. He has authored more than 500 short stories, essays, and novels, such as The Room on the Roof and The Blue Umbrella.

He is a Padma Bhushan and a Padma Shri; nevertheless, he lives a humble life. He doesn’t own a mobile phone. He doesn’t stick to the internet. But he is more in touch with the world than we are. He is bound to seasons, local fauna, and the hearts of his readers.Keep visiting Daily Info for accurate, relevant, and the latest lifestyle news.