2 Sides of Passion

        

Passion is said to be spice of life. It brings excitement, adventure, thrill and uncertainties in life. No doubt, without passion, life would become routine, mundane and dull.

Passion originates from heart and not from thoughtful, logical, intelligent thinking. You don't indulge in much of thinking, contemplation or calculation before pursuing your passion e.g. photography, gardening or cricket. Hence passion allows one to take uncalculated risks.  Not surprisingly, passionate people are considered "lively".

But is passion always "good to have"? Something that allows you to take uncalculated risks.

Pardon me for a bit of generalization or stereotyping but it's usually considered that North Indians are passionate people. The recognition of the fact goes as back to the British rule when Army recruited them in large (disproportionate) numbers, thus recognizing (apart from their physical built and abilities) their passionate nature and ability to embrace danger without thinking and fearing much. This is the trait (we may call it bravery) perfectly suited for such a job.

But is the same passion responsible behind the alarmingly high rate of  crime in North India also? No doubt there is crime in cities like Mumbai but most of that is organized crime or at least crime with a motive- for money, for living (or luxury living) etc. In fact, there's very less 'organized crime' in North India and here what drives people is the bravery, fearlessness and daring attitude. Hence here most of the crimes are either committed in the heat of the moment or what we call "crime of passion". Aren't rape, road-rage, murder all crimes of passion?

In other words, usually there's a distinction between a common man and a criminal but among the society of 'passionates' this distinction gets blurred. Among the breed of passionates, anyone can get jealous, angry or feel provoked and turn a criminal or beast. I intentionally refrained from citing examples because firstly any average person can himself recall more than sufficient incidents from his own memory or from media and secondly there are too many in my mind and it will be hard to choose a few to cite here.

I suggest you think again before you say "I am a very passionate guy".. may be in response to "introduce yourself" in your next interview.