7 people, 8 opinions

Let me narrate a little story from the life of Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel Laureate, an Indian philosopher and writer:

He had a disciple who was very good at painting. However, he was always worried about what people thought about his work and their opinions. So much so, that it hindered his creativity. On multiple occasions Tagore told him to listen to his heart, that when it came to art, he should draw what he cared about. Tagore tried to tell him that the canvas was supposed to be his playfield and not a dumpster of others’ opinions.

The disciple tried to adopt Tagore’s philosophy without success. One day, he drew a beautiful portrait of Tagore. It was perfect in every sense. Tagore himself approved it. But the disciple remained unsure. He asked Tagore if he should get others’ views on the portrait. Tagore thought it was a good opportunity to teach the disciple and drive home a message.

“Okay. If you really want to know what people think of your art skills,” said Tagore, “go and place this portrait in a corner of a busy marketplace in the morning. Leave my original photo, a set of pencils and a note requesting people to point out the mistakes in the portrait. Let it be there for the whole day and bring it back here in the evening.”

The disciple concurred.

Two days later he went back to Tagore. He was visibly upset and downright pensive.

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“I’m shocked at my painting skills. You said it was perfect. But I knew that it wasn’t. And that’s what everyone else thinks too,” and he flashed the portrait in front of Tagore. It was full of black marks. In fact, black spots had completely marred the canvas. People had marked mistakes all over the portrait.

Tagore maintained quietude for a few minutes and said, “I’m not surprised. These opinions mean nothing though. I still think it was perfect. What did you write on the note?”

“The note said, ‘Please compare this portrait with the original and mark wherever you see an anomaly.’”

“Alright. Erase the black marks and take back the portrait,” said Tagore. “This time write a different note. It should say, ‘Please compare with the original and correct the portrait wherever you find a mistake.’”

The disciple heeded and acted in accordance.

At the end of the experiment, he took the portrait back to Tagore and said, “There is not even one mark this time. How come? It’s the same portrait but not even one person corrected anything.”

“It’s easy to find faults, son. Most can’t distinguish fault from a feature. If they could, they would be busy making their own features and not finding faults in others. Trust your instincts when it comes to your own art.”

We have been conditioned and groomed to seek external affirmation of our own beliefs. The greater the number of people who subscribe to your belief, the stronger it becomes. In essence, it doesn’t mean much; perhaps nothing beyond a boost to your own motivation. For every set of seven people there are going to be eight opinions.

Contributed by: comp.oneness @ gmail.com