What cost the lost of one's temper?

One morning, not too early by most standards as it was already nine-thirty, the children at a kindergarten were rudely scolded by a hoarse loud voice from the balcony of a house across the street.

The voice came from a tall man in his pyjamas, his hair unkempt, his face foaming at the mouth, saliva spitting forth as his mouth released its venom with unprintable words at the kindergarten children enjoying themselves in a game, their shrill laughter piercing the bright cool air.

The man at the balcony was obviously angry at being awakened by the children's voices. Yet, it was not too early for children to be at play. His scolding shocked the kindergarten teachers and a few parents who were around in the compound of the house used as the kindergarten.

The children were just as shocked at the tall devilish figure in the balcony. There was instant silence. None of the people present were able to rouse themselves out of the sudden interference into their activities.

And the man appeared to be satisfied to have quelled the cacophony of boisterous children. He turned and slowly retreated into his room. It took some time before the children resumed their play and laughter.

What was in the mind of the adults? They found it ridiculous that a matured man could not have the intelligence to understand that children at play are like that, with their noise accompanying their playful actions. They believed that man was too rude to the innocent children whose only 'wrong' was to be children. Furthermore, it was not as if it was six in the morning when one could expect some people to be still in bed.

Well, the man lost his temper and his good name in just a few minutes. Since then, the people in his neighbourhood do not bother much about him. He was ostracised by everyone who knew what had happened that morning. They avoided him and although he lived in a luxurious house, none treated him with respect. And whenever they meet anyone who knows not what had happened, they would gladly recount how he lost his temper and shouted such such harsh words at the lovely innocent children.

The poor man may not realise what he has lost that morning but it was to last him a lifetime. More than five years later, I happened to be one of their latest friends to whom the above incident was told. So, to be able to control one's temper is important.