To Shave or not to shave, THAT is the real question!

It is a truth, universally acknowledged that a single man, in possession of clothing, must be in need of a laundry. The fact that these are unattached to most homes in Austin, makes life very difficult. However, there are more pressing matters on a man's mind than clean clothing.

It is another truth, universally acknowledged that no man likes to shave. It is with an amazement that every young man admires the father figures in his life, hoping that he may one day shave like them. It takes him precisely 2 minutes after his first shave to realize what a fool he hath been for thinking so!

Women often complain that men are in need of a shave. But, in their defence, men have only this to say:

In sooth, I know not why I am so
It wearies me, you say it wearies you.
But how I caught it, bought it or came by it
What stuff 'tis made of, whereof 'tis born
I am yet to learn.

Men have long since acknowledged the futility of shaving. History is littered with instances of men failing to make that fatal promise.

Even Shakespeare could not bring himself to make Romeo utter such words. I am sure when Juliet proclaimed:

"That was the nightingale and not the Lark"

Romeo heaved a sigh of relief for the few more hours spent away from the razor's edge. (Now one understands the true purport of Maugham's words!)

Bheeshma could take the terrible vow of celibacy, but even he could not bring himself to say: "Hear me O Gods! I vow that henceforth, I will shave everyday!"


Many brave men have promised the women in their lives - "I shall climb the highest mountains for thee", "I shall sail the seven seas for thee", but, it is truly a brave and lovestruck man that promises: "I will shave everyday for thee."

Instantly, upon uttering these words, a man's measure rises infinitely in the eyes of his peers. Fortunately, women seem content with the fact that all the mountain climbing and sea sailing are significant enough expressions of love.

But mountains can always be climbed, and seas always be sailed without the pain of shaving everyday. In fact, 'tis a little known fact that all these feats were performed as a means of getting away from shaving everyday. For, on a long sea voyage, one does not feel such a need. It was this singular fact that convinced men that the world should be flat, for that would mean never having to shave again!


(With sincere apologies to William and Jane)