A Stitch in Time Saves Nine

A stitch in time saves nine The meaning of this age old proverb is quite literal. It effectively warns us against neglect, small faults, imperfections which may develop into big trouble. A small timely effort will prevent more work later. A poet says, “Shun delays, they breed remorse”. Just as it takes a small spark to start a fire, if not put out in time causes great devastation. Similarly the minutest problem if not attended immediately could cause major catastrophe. Time waits for no one , so we should never put off till tomorrow something which can be done today . Opportunity knocks on our door but once and if we fail to open the door in time we will lose the opportunity and success also. As most of us would have heard of the saying “For want of a nail, the shoe was lost, for want of a shoe, the horse was lost, for want of a horse, the rider was lost, for want of a rider, the battle was lost, for want of a battle, the kingdom was lost.” This is the most practical advice given to us by our elders. History is replete with examples validating the above saying. Had Germany got a honourable settlement in world war I, the destruction of World War II could have been avoided. The beginning of any trouble is always small. Bad habits, vices come to our house like innocent looking guests and then enslave us and lead us to our graves. A puff of cigarette, a sip of wine may seem harmless at first but will give a ‘kick’ and give rise to addiction. Isn’t it said, “A small rift will sink a ship” Had our national leaders shown some maturity and understanding, the partition of the country could have been avoided. French Revolution that lasted years would have been avoided if the resentment in the heart of peasants and the downtrodden would have been wiped out by taking timely action to suppress a revolt. A small crack in a dam may lead to a breach in the dam and flooding the area, if not repaired properly. The recent flood in Bihar could have been