"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal," so began the historic address of Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg in 1863 that changed the history of the US. Each and every word of the 270-word speech by Lincoln was carved into the hearts of Americansene Descartes, the famous French philospher said, "I think, therefore, I am," he summed up the centuries of philosophic arguments and changed the thinking of Western mind forever. The marriage contracts may be several pages long but the most successful marriage proposals are made with fewest words. "I would like to marry you," are the sweetest words to a beau's ears. No verbose jargon can replace the beauty of "I love you," "Thank you," and "Sorry." Why, then do people chose to be generous with words? It is either because they are lying or do not know what to say.

The problem with long speeches and writings becomes more acute as we catapult fast into the age of Information Highway and INTERNET; with so little time at hand and with so much to learn amidst the audio-visual distractions from Madonna to Maradonna to absorb, brevity attracts attention. Today, powerful are those who have mastered the art of brevity. The purpose is to communicate not to impress upon the audience the arduousness of the attempt. Telling it directly, openly, without preamble and in fewest words is the order of the day. The beauty of simplicity is eternal, the cloak unnecessary. Ghalib was willing to give his entire Diwan for Momin's simple verse: Tum mere paas hote ho goya, jab koi doosra nahin hota. Ghalib knew better, seven score years ago. We ought to know it better today.

[27 January 1995]