I once saw a typed note on a colleague’s desk that read: “Don’t lose it—nobody wants it.” That phrase stuck with me. I modified it slightly for my title here.

What am I referring to? Temper. If you drop a rupee, hands will scramble to pick it up. But lose your temper, and no one cares.

Temper, anger, rage—call them what you will. I don’t care to define them precisely. Instead, I wonder: What triggers anger? And why?

Until I was 18, I rarely lost my temper. But when I landed my first permanent job, I vividly recall two instances where I acted rudely toward senior officers. Naturally, there were immediate repercussions—angry words and scowls. Yet, over time, my superiors forgave my outbursts, recognizing the hard work I put in and my willingness to take on responsibility. My good performance in the banking exams and training only strengthened my relationships with them.

After retiring, I found leisure gave me space to reflect on past mistakes. When I look back at those angry outbursts, I cringe. Who did I think I was? I wasn’t a millionaire or the heir to some big-shot fortune. I was just a young, inexperienced kid relying entirely on that job.

My anger was born out of youthful ignorance and rebellion, lacking humility, obedience, or discipline. Thankfully, I returned to my usual cooperative self soon after. My superiors took a genuine interest in my development, ensuring that I grew professionally.

Interestingly, I later read that the logical part of the brain doesn’t fully develop until around the age of 25. It seems I managed to find my way back to my better self before that milestone.

Contd. 322. If You Lose This No One Is Going to Search for It - Part 2