Mistakes aren't always stepping-stones

I have always maintained that the English language is a beautiful one albeit filled with plenty of idiosyncrasies and crazy contextual vagrancies! This could be just my viewpoint, of course. Many people find it easier to express themselves in their native language. Though I grew up in a household that gave a lot of importance to awareness about my native language, I must admit that English is the language I think in. It, thereby, became the language I express myself in the best way.

As the years rolled on, I have fallen more and more in love with the language. So much so that I have begun to almost revere it! :D But this has led to a problem of sorts. I can't tolerate mistakes - either grammatical or spelling! I find it (almost) criminal to make a mistake. I make mistakes too...for I am no machine. But each time I make a mistake or am told of a mistake, I make a mental note never to make it again. I would definitely not get angry with the person who pointed it out, let alone talk about them behind their backs ('who does he/she think he/she is?Shakespeare?')...

It is that very treatment that has been meted out to me most often. I get told off for correcting people on their vocabulary. People say their ego is hurt when a mistake is pointed out to them. I get told, 'But you understood what I was trying to say,no? That is important'...No,THAT is not the only thing that's important, IMHO. I find it irresistible to NOT to point out a mistake when it is made. I surely mean no harm...nor is my intent to belittle the other person. Period. But a mistake is...well...a mistake. And it is the duty of any person with a higher level of knowledge about any subject to correct another person when he/she makes a mistake in that subject. I consider it as just another way of spreading knowledge. And knowledge is a much better thing to spread than gossip or hatred! My corrective statements and raised eyebrows may be offensive to many, and I do know that I have hurt many an ego with my blunt remarks. I would be happy if people were to realise that my comments are just like an artist's advice at an amateur's careless stroke...or like how a mother adds that additonal pinch of salt to her daughter's first try at cooking (ah!now it's perfect,honey!)...I wish more people would understand.

It actually feels nice to be a candle that lights a million candles...rather than be a mirror that merely reflects :)

Hmm.....