Fire is a good servant but a bad master

FIRE is said to be the greatest discovery done by humans. Centuries ago, when men discovered fire, they found it of immense benefits. Before its invention, humans used to eat raw food, they were not known with the practice of cooking. But as they discovered fire, they used it as per their needs. Humans used fire to cook food, they found that the cooked food was more delicious. Also, they used fire to keep animals away from themselves and their food! Fire became an important thing for humans since then.

During wintery nights, fire was used to provide warmth to humans. It helped them to show the right path in the dark nights. They could move easily to places, life became easier and safer than ever before. Same goes for today's man too, he has been successful in producing numerous things with the help of fire. Fire has resulted in the evolution of man.

But, fire is something that needs to be kept under control. Because once it gets out of human control it can create havoc by keeping human life at stake. Fire is something that needs to be handled with great caution. For that only, children are advised not to play with matchsticks or lighters at home. A case of short circuit at home can result in fire accidents. Not being careful with crackers during Diwali celebration may cost a person with severe injuries.

The recent tragedy of Paravur temple at Kollam, where massive fire broke out ended up taking away more than hundreds of lives. The reason behind this calamity was firecrackers were kept in the temple premises which fell into the crowd and eventually spread killing numerous innocent lives. Hence, the greatest discovery which was thought to be only beneficial to mankind, when mishandled, can result in tragedies.

Also, the forest fires that recently broke out in the pine forests of Uttarakhand, destroyed huge areas of biodiversity, tourism and wildlife at the Corbett National Park and Rajaji Tiger Reserve were directly affected. Severe air pollution has been caused by the forest fires. Thus, it is true to say that, FIRE IS A GOOD SERVANT, BUT A BAD MASTER.

FIRE, should not only be taken in the literal sense here. It can be technological inventions as well. Humans developed gadgets only to make their lives easier, happier and better. But the technologies that were the SERVANTS of humans, after sometime started ruling over them. Hence, we humans have become slaves of our own servants.

It gets hard for humans to imagine their day without their phones and laptops. The services that humans developed to be used when required, the same services are now handling men. People enjoy being on 'social networking sites' but their direct contact with the society has become minimal. From being social animals, humans have restricted themselves to be only technological animals.

FIRE, can be interpreted as the passion that drives a person to move towards betterment in his life. Fire, that ignites his soul, motivates him to work hard and reach his destination. People are often advised to never let the desire that burns inside his heart to terminate away. For this fire only, pushes that person hard to fulfil his dreams.

But, there's a thin line between positive desires and motivation and negative desires and motivation. Every human carries some sort of passion in his heart. Either to top in the class, to perform the best at a sports event, or to take his business to heights, or to do something that nobody has ever done before. But when that same passion goes into his head, that person might look for short cuts and unethical means to fulfil his dreams.

He might bluff others, he might cheat his loved ones, he might sideline his own morals to reach his desired destination. The fire burning inside him that earlier motivated him to move forward in his life, has now started forcing him to opt for unfair practices in life. Thus, the fire that was his own servant has now started mastering him.

Thus, one should be careful enough to use the fire constructively and ethically. Something which humans have created should be mastered by humans only. It should not be vice versa. Something like fire, that has served humans since primitive age shouldn't be allowed to control humans themselves, as it will lead to calamities only. Likewise, the things created by humans using their intelligence and skill should work only for the betterment of humans. Humans should be wise enough to not allow the technologies to rule over them. Similarly, the fire that burns inside humans shouldn't be allowed to burn them away. Fire, should only motivate them to reach their goals by showing them the right path!