I came across a quote today that was pretty straightforward as quotes go. I am not sure if it is an original from the person who shared, or something they picked up as interesting, or if it is something said by someone famous. Whatever, it set me thinking, and not at all the way the writer intended I am pretty sure, but rather on a tangent, as is usual the case with me. Here it is for you:

Don’t feel low when someone doubts your calibre. Just be proud of yourself, because people always doubt the gold for its purity, not the iron.

Pretty clear on the face of it. Hmm… You are the gold for being doubted, for if you were iron no one would even bother, which means when people question your calibre, you consider yourself valuable. My mind though wandered off this straight path, taking a detour and asking all sorts of questions of me. Why? Why? Why?

Why gold? Yup, I know its monetary worth is sky high. You can buy gold in many forms, “test it for purity” and pile it up either in a secret locker at home or in a bank locker. You can also wear it on your person and parade yourself in front of the world or that part of the world that knows you. When in dire straits you can even sell it and recover your money or whatever the buyer is willing to give you for the sale. End of story.

Now take iron. A crucial metal, is how it is described by one and all. Plays a vital role in steel production, infrastructure, biological processes. Appliances, tools, machinery, utensils, vehicles, ships, alloys, magnets, paint, surgical instruments, implantable devices, fences, railings, bridges, aircraft….all use iron. That’s quite a line up.

Gold is personal, it benefits you personally. Iron is practically public. It benefits everyone.Our life revolves around iron. It is an integral part of our every day life in its many forms. And yet, when we talk of something valuable, we compare it to gold, and dismiss the all-rounder iron as something unworthy. Like, really? Why?

In my opinion we are not gold. We are not decorative pieces to be kept away in lockers or flaunted at functions. We are not financial securities either. We are iron. Or should be. Our worth lies in the many ways iron can be (and IS) used.

Some of us are the iron in the stainless steel of the fork and spoons, helping people eat. Others are the iron in the hull of the ships that sail the oceans, yet others are like girders of bridges and buildings, frameworks of support. Then there are those who are the iron in the machinery, dependable and running non-stop turning out essential items.

Many of us are the iron in fences, protecting others from harm, while quite a number lay down as rails so others can travel forward. Some others though become the train itself helping people to their destinations. Some join with other kinds and make themselves even stronger to withstand any kind of storm. There are those that fly people to their dreams, as well as those like magnets, hold close, never letting go of those who need them.

So yeah, gold is gold, but iron is iron too. Be whoever you want to be, gold, iron, or even copper, brass, silver, or the many alloys, and be proud too whichever one you are. Each of them has a place in the scheme of things. Also, I think the quote is stupid.

©️ Shail Mohan 2025