And what would you like to be?

The English language has been close to my heart since I was a child. For a long period during my childhood, I aspired to be writer. But soon I was drawn away by the power the computer offered me. Now, I'm a Computer Engineer, with a Masters focusing on Storage systems. But there's still something in the language that seduces me. There's a certain lure in something that's left unexplored.

It is generally agreed that one must utilize his or her talents to the hilt. It also has its obvious advantages. However, when does one draw the line? When does one realize that he or she is killing the proverbial Golden Goose? When is it that the joy one derived from the act is replaced by compulsion?

One may not realize it, but having the luxury of doing something because you want to, and not because you need to, is a privilege. For when we do something we want, it is fuelled by passion, and results in joy. On the contrary, if we need to do something, then, the best we can achieve from it is satisfaction on a job well done. Satisfaction, not joy. A lot of things in our life bring us satisfaction, but if we were ever asked to point out the truly memorable moments in our life, we most certainly would pick the ones that brought us joy. Now, if doing what we love does not fetch us joy, I wonder what will?

Many of us perceive what we love as an art form, fuelled by inspiration and nurtured by the love of the art. And therein, lies the catch. For art is not mass produced. Attempts to do so only serve to push it into the realm of banality, for, while effort is within our control, inspiration isn't. And thus is unearthed the primeval tension. Does one make a career of what one loves, thus running the risk of having the art slip towards that which is common? Or does one indulge in the art purely in moments of inspiration, thereby preserving its sanctity, while toiling away at something less exciting?

I guess most of us have made our choice. I have too, my analytical self overpowering my literary one. And I do not regret it. For, I can produce code sans inspiration, and settle for satisfaction in place of joy. But my romance with the language continues. There's a certain lure in something that's left unexplored.