Fish is not fishy

I remember reading somewhere about the many advantages of fish. There is no doubt about its nutrient value – people in the know will vouch for that.

What is however less known and appreciated – I read there – is that fish brings peace in mind. And pray how that is possible?

Researchers have observed that the scene of fish swimming in water has a tranquilizing effect on those who are close by. I use the word ‘scene’ because not only the fish in aquarium brings in calm and happiness, but so does the fish moving about in computer screensaver.

My love for fish is spontaneous though I haven’t much liked the sea-water variety, enjoying instead the fresh sweet-water ones more.

I’m prompted to recount my stories after I received an email from a friend who chooses to dwell on fish in that. Here goes his account:

Isaac Walton was born in a village near Stafford, England on this day in 1593. He was a successful businessman who turned to literature after the English Civil War in the 1640s. His most famous book, The Compleat Angler, has been printed in over 300 editions, more often than any English-language work save two: the Bible and the Complete Works of William Shakespeare.

You can’t hit a home run unless you step up to the plate. You can’t catch a fish unless you put your line in the water. You can’t reach your goals if you don’t try.
– Kathy Seligman

If you give a man a fish, he will have a single meal. If you teach him how to fish, he will eat all his life.
– Kwan-Tzu

Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish.
– Ovid, 43 BC – AD 17

Autumn comes to the sea with a fresh blaze of phosphorescence, when every wave crest is aflame. Here and there the whole surface may glow with sheets of cold fire, while below schools of fish pour though the water like molten metal.
– Rachel Carson, 1907 – 1964

The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storms terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.
– Vincent van Gogh, 1853 – 1890

Somebody just back of you while you are fishing is as bad as someone looking over your shoulder while you write a letter to your girl.
– Ernest Hemingway, 1899 – 1961

A giant grouper at the Georgia Aquarium, seen swimming among schools of other fish