Self-Respect | Moral Book | Class 7

Summary

In 1950s Madras, self-respecting artist Joose Rodrigo, despite facing poverty, refuses to compromise his integrity by creating art forgeries. His unwavering principles catch the eye of wealthy art collector Eric Gonzales, who initially offers him a deceitful proposition. Recognizing Joose's true worth, Eric later offers him a legitimate role as chief curator, acknowledging his strength of character and his talent.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Self-respect involves having a healthy regard for oneself as a moral and ethical being.
• ⚖️ It implies setting personal standards and boundaries of proper conduct and not compromising them for material or other gains.
• 💪 A person with self-respect has a strong sense of dignity and refuses to lower their standards, regardless of consequences.
• 🎨 Joose Rodrigo, a non-conformist artist in 1950s Madras, embodied this self-respect, despite living in poverty and being shunned by society.
• 🍞 Joose struggled to make ends meet through his art but refused charity, choosing to live with pride and dignity.
• 🖼️ Eric Gonalves, a wealthy art collector, initially offered Joose money to create fake paintings of Renaissance masters, which Joose angrily declined.
• 💼 Joose's refusal to compromise his artistic integrity impressed Eric, who had secretly tested Joose’s principles before making him a job offer.
• 💰 Eric then offered Joose the role of chief curator for his galleries, ensuring Joose's honest work would be rewarded with respect and a fair salary.
• 🎁 Joose's sense of self-respect and discipline ultimately led to an unexpected life-changing opportunity.
• 🌟 The story underscores the value of integrity and self-respect, which can lead to unforeseen rewards and personal growth.

Q & A

What is self-respect and why is it important?

Self-respect is a feeling of having a healthy regard for oneself as a moral and ethical being. It involves setting personal standards for proper conduct and not compromising one's values for material gains or other benefits. It is important because it forms the basis of a person's dignity and integrity.

How does self-respect manifest in a person's behavior?

A person with self-respect sets scruples for themselves and adheres to a certain standard of morality. They do not lower themselves below a certain standard, even in the face of adversity or temptation.

What is the relationship between self-respect and discipline?

Self-respect is often the fruit of discipline. The ability to say no to oneself and maintain a sense of dignity grows with self-discipline.

Who is Joose Rodrigo and what is his background?

Joose Rodrigo is a man in his early 30s living in a small studio in St Thomas Mount locality, Madras, in the 1950s. He was disowned by his family for his non-conformist ways and dabbled in art that the church deemed pagan.

What kind of art did Joose Rodrigo create and how did he earn his living?

Joose Rodrigo sketched portraits for a living. He earned his living by creating art, often sitting by the pavement and sketching for people in exchange for meals.

Why was Joose Rodrigo considered an outsider in his community?

Joose Rodrigo was considered an outsider because he was disowned by his family, did not conform to the community's norms, and practiced a form of art that was not accepted by the church.

What was the situation in St Thomas Mount during the time the story is set?

St Thomas Mount was experiencing a population transition with many Anglo Indian families leaving for countries like Australia and Canada, leading to properties being sold and bought frequently.

Who is Eric Gonzales and what is his interest in Joose Rodrigo?

Eric Gonzales is a wealthy man who made his fortune in the timber trade in Burma and is an art collector. He is interested in Joose Rodrigo because he recognizes Rodrigo's talent in art and sees a profitable business prospect in him.

What offer does Eric Gonzales make to Joose Rodrigo and why does Rodrigo refuse it?

Eric Gonzales offers Joose Rodrigo to paint fake artworks of the great Renaissance Masters for a significant sum of money, promising him a new studio, materials, and a house. Rodrigo refuses the offer because it compromises his integrity and respect for art.

What does Eric Gonzales realize about Joose Rodrigo after their encounter?

Eric Gonzales realizes that Joose Rodrigo is a man of great integrity and strength of character, unwilling to compromise his values for money, which makes him an ideal candidate to source art for Gonzales' galleries with honesty.

What job offer does Eric Gonzales extend to Joose Rodrigo after their initial meeting?

Eric Gonzales offers Joose Rodrigo the job of chief curator at his art galleries, recognizing Rodrigo's honesty and strength of character as valuable assets for his business.