The Traffic Philosophy

The fact that PhD’s are awarded by the universities in subjects other than philosophy points that the term philosophy can be conveniently used in describing anything connected with life and nature.

Some years back while I was going to my office I was caught in a traffic jam which is a common experience of all Bangalorians and other major cities. On observing people around me and also on a little bit of introspection, I got these ideas which I call them by the phrase ‘Traffic philosophy'.

Traffic is related to our lives and sometimes it is our life itself. Hence the life and the traffic have common features.

1. Patience
When we are moving in traffic we try to move according to the traffic. We wait till our turn comes. When the signals are on, we dare not disobey the signals, may be for the fear of being caught in a more troublesome situation or may be for the fear of the traffic police. The second fear is for law abiding people only. But the breakers will have their due in some other way for their disobedience. During such times we should have patience.
Think about the situations in life when we are faced with problems created by external forces. Then also we should learn to be patient and wait for our turn to come. Otherwise, we may land ourselves in more troubles.

2. Grab small opportunities
Secondly when we are in the midst of traffic we will try to move ahead or literally inch forward by utilizing what ever room we get. Move we must is our desire. We move to the opposite corner fondly hoping that we can move faster once the traffic becomes thinner. Our trials to advance are always there.
If we apply the same philosophy to our lives also, it is clear that we should grab each and every smallest opportunity that comes in our way or create such opportunity where there is none. We must be creators and we must be movers too.

3. Forget obstacles & Move on
Sometimes our judgment in standing or stopping behind a vehicle may prove unproductive. The thing in front of us may not start immediately or may not start and move at all. But we dislike staying where we are. Our aim is to go forward. So we try to take a cut, turn or bend and move ahead leaving behind our obstacle thus making the stumbling block our stepping stone to success .
In life also, if our decisions prove wrong, we should not wait but try to come out of the situation and do some other thing which we think is in right direction. So activity is a must. But most of us curse such situation. This is of no avail. If we start cursing the obstruction in front of us, we will be standing there only till it moves. But by that time we are not in the race. We will be late at our destination.
4. Concentrate on Goals
It is very common in traffic that some intruding fellow comes in a wrong way causing us inconvenience. He may be correct in his own right. If we are wise, we will not waste our time in arguing with that interfering radical. We rather take a relook at our own position, and move forward. We forget the incident then and there and we move on with a lighter and concentrated mind.
In life too, if we ignore small small things and concentrate on our goals, we will move forward. Should we not do that? Yes we should. If we think philosophically as we do in the traffic, then we can move forward in life too.

5. Discipline & single mindedness
In fierce traffic our concentration should be completely on our driving and at the same time we should mind the signals and our surroundings. There is no time to stand and stare around meaninglessly, and engage our mind in wool gathering. If we loose our concentration, danger will stare in to our face. This teaches us, how to be disciplined and single minded.
6. Planning
When we plan to go to a movie or to receive some one at the railway station or the airport, we assume that traffic will be either heavy or light depending upon the time and the season, and make provision accordingly to reach our destination in time.
This reminds us the importance of planning in life giving due recognition to obstacles and troubles.
We grow more and more philosophical as we give due respect to troubles and obstacles that are unavoidable and will be prepared for them.

Doesn't the traffic make us wiser beings and philosophers? Certainly it does.
Let's enjoy traffic now without cribbing.
Note: Most of the scenarios explained happens in Indian traffic :)