up a glass with some water in it. He
held it up for all to see and asked the
students, How much do you think this
glass weighs?'
'50 grams!'... '100 grams!'... '125
grams' ... the students answered.
I really don't know unless I weigh it,'
said the professor, but, my question is:
What would happen if I held it up like
this for a few minutes?'
Nothing' the students said.
Ok! What would happen if I held it up
like this for an hour?' the professor
asked.
Your arm would begin to ache', said
one of the students.
You're right, now what would happen if
I held it for a day?'
Your arm could go numb, you might
have severe muscle stress and
paralysis and have to go to hospital for
sure!' ventured another student; and all
the students laughed.
Very good. But during all this, did the
weight of the glass change?' asked the
professor.
No'
Then what caused the arm ache and
the muscle stress?' The students were
puzzled.
Put the glass down!' said one of the
students.
Exactly!' said the professor. Life's
problems are something like this. Hold
it for a few minutes in your head and
they seem okay. Think of them for a
long time and they begin to ache. Hold
it even longer and they begin to
paralyze you. You will not be able to do
anything'.
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