As reported in the April's issue of the National Geographic Magazine, the growth and development of Biomimetics (The application of designs from nature to solve problems in engineering and other fields) is gaining great momentum globally.One example featured is the Lotus Effect. In 1982, Professor Wilhelm Barthlott of the Nees-Institute for Biodiversity in Bonn, Germany, discovered that lotus leaf has a natural self-cleaning mechanism. The microscopic structure of the leaves not only prevent them from being wetted by water, it even causes the water to roll off the leaves' surface like beads, taking dirt, mud and other impurities with them. Professor Barthlott patented his discovery, calling it the Lotus Effect. Since then, nanotechnologists have developed treatments, coatings, paints, roof tiles, fabrics etc that can repel water and self-clean like the lotus leaf.
Science aside, I think that Lotus Effect can also be applied in another way. At times, we may be wronged by the words or deeds of others. Like the lotus leaf which is not wetted by water, we too can be untainted by bad experiences so that we stay calm in such situations and not filled with negative emotions such as anger, depression, frustation etc. Furthermore, these bad experiences are great opportunites for us to do self reflection and correct our mistakes, leading us to improve our conduct and personal effectiveness in life. This is akin to the lotus leaf using the water to clean itself without being 'tainted' by the water.
References :
No comments:
Post a Comment