Pearls of Wisdom (Paperback - 2010)

This book titled Pearls of Wisdom is a collection of selected adages, sublime messages, watchwords, lessons in life, proverbs and religious truths bequeathed to posterity by eminent wise men of yore. These sayings projecting general truths, gathered from a wide variety of sources, mainly deal with spiritual, moral, ethical and social themes, which are potent enough to exert pivotal influence on the day-to-day affairs of ordinary human beings. Very many brilliant stars in the horizon of thought and wisdom—religious dignitaries, philosophers, theologians, visionaries, poets, playwrights, administrators, reformers and so on—adorn this book through their valuable contributions in the form of magnetic quotes that have persuasive impact on the perspective, conduct and behaviour of fellow-beings. These self-explanatory dictums have been collected, grouped, compiled and arranged in subject-wise chapters for the convenience of the readers.

A galaxy of luminaries which include Homer, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, etc. of the ancient age; Omar Khayyam, Edmund Burke, Shakespeare, Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Disraeli, Cardinal Newman, Karl Marx, George Washington, H.W. Longfellow, John Keats, etc. of the medieval age and M.K. Gandhi, Swamy Vivekananda, H.G. Wells, Rabindranath Tagore, O.W. Holmes and so on of the modern age occupy their due place of honour in these pages through their inspiring words of wisdom. A chapter is set apart for humour to provide relief to the reader from monotony, to smile a while and thereby extend their span of longevity. In the selection of quotations for inclusion in the book, particular care has been taken to discard out of bounds sarcasms, insinuations, libellous observations and so on.

The book aims at providing the required stimulus and enthusiasm to transform the individuals, by making them attuned to the idea of change in the pattern of life, in consonance with the precepts found impressive and spiritual. It will enrich their knowledge and wisdom and broaden their outlook on life. The watchwords and lessons in life enumerated in a separate chapter, if properly understood and followed in life, shall surely lead to exaltation and delight, not only on this earth but also in heaven. It will be of immense help to teachers, preachers and public speakers to amuse and refresh the audience either to bring them back to a receptive mood or to emphasise an analogous idea, similar or parallel to the subject.

The book contains three appendices: first one on bibliography, second, an index of topics and the third, an index of names of authors, who contributed in different spheres of life, all arranged in alphabetical order which will facilitate easy reference by the readers.

Alexander P. Varghese had a brilliant career throughout his academic life. Later, he served as Senior Grade Deputy Collector and Revenue Divisional Officer. After retirement he became the president of various charitable organizations. He has deeply studied the Indian religious philosophies and published numerous articles in journals of repute. Varghese has widely travelled to foreign countries and had regular interaction with people of different faiths. His vast experience and learning reflect in his work.