Symphony or Cacophony?

When we use the terms 'symphony' or 'cacophony', we may be referring to something other than music or noise. Cacophony conventionally refers to jarring, discordant and rude mixture of high- decibel sounds that are disturbing. 'Symphony' is all about harmony, howsoever varied the musical instruments are and how-many-ever different notes, pitches and intonations are incorporated.

Although the terms are associated with noise and/or music, they are also used as metaphors while speaking of lifestyles, behaviour, cuisine, fashion, architecture, and even the way ideas are thrashed out in board rooms. And, of course, these terms also have deep spiritual significance.

When you create a menu, ingredients, dishes, colours, flavours and presentation, all go to create either a symphony or cacophony. There are ways to integrate harmoniously different elements in life, whether cultural, religious, ethnic, political, academic or otherwise. Whether you create a symphony or cacophony depends on your attitude, passion, dedication, diligence and observation.


'To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common - this is my symphony,' wrote the 19th-c. clergyman and reformer William H Channing.