A concise yet wonderful motivational reading aptly suited for the
ever-changing circumstances that individuals face today. Dr. Johnson
very simply lays down a few simple facts of life, which help us all
deal with change.
The book narrates a simple story of 4 characters, Sniff, Scurry, Hem
and Haw, who are trapped in a maze looking for cheese. Sniff and Scurry
are mice while Hem and Haw are humans. They find a huge chuck of cheese
and are happy until one fine morning the cheese is all gone. Sniff and
Scurry waste no time in thoughtless analysis and are swift to start
hunting for new cheese. Hem and Haw on the other hand, stay at the same
spot contemplating how unfair it was for the cheese to be taken away.
Haw eventually catches up with the realization that the best solution
is to go out trying to find new cheese. Hem however, stays adamant and
remains unwilling to adapt to the cheeseless situation. Along the way
Hem realizes one after the other a few basic observations about the
situation he is in, which he finds worthy enough to write on the wall.
Finally Hem stumbles upon another huge pile of cheese, which happens to
be of a much better quality. The story ends with a hope that Hem,
someday will choose to move on from his loss and will be guided by the
writing on the wall by his friend Hem.
The author beautifully uses the character Haw, who is learning to deal
with change, to list a number of simple yet profound facts that apply
to all individuals. He chooses to call these rules THE WRITING ON THE
WALL. This book brings out the importance of being prepared to deal
with change and illustrates the fact that the faster we respond to
change, the brighter are the prospects ahead of us.
An easy and precise read, recommended to any individual facing
professional, personal and relational change at various stages of their
lives.