Essay on cleanliness and hygiene
Answers
According to Addison, cleanliness is a mark of politeness, as it produces affection, and as it bears analogy to purity of mind. It makes us agreeable to others. It is an excellent preservative of health; and several vices, destructive both to body and mind, are inconsistent with it. Cleanliness is a much sought after virtue, not possessed by many.
Have you ever seen debonair men or svelte ladies lacking in cleanliness in any manner? They are so agreeably pleasant. They are the center of attraction at get-togethers. Cleanliness of the body not makes you appealing and attractive but also keeps all types of infections, contagions and diseases at bay.
Cleanliness is always associated with virtuous character. Hence the saying, ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’ came into being. All great men of all times have stressed on the importance of leading a clean and morally upright life for the attainment of all-round happiness. According to Rumford, effects of cleanliness extend to his moral character. Virtue never dwelt with filth. Cleanliness as a virtue has been part of Indian culture since ancient times. Vedas have laid strict instructions for students and spiritual aspirants to strictly observe cleanliness of body, mind and thoughts for faster progress in the path of self-actualization and enlightenment. Cleanliness is an indispensable virtue of character without which the objectives of leading a healthy, happy, fulfilling, and optimum life is impossible.
One really has to be quite active and dedicated to body’s cleanliness. It includes regular ablutions, bathing, grooming, pruning, intake of nutritious diet, exercise, meditation, etc. Human body is like a very complex machine which has many parts and sub-systems. Slightest neglect of any part can lead to infection or disease. So we must take care of our body’s cleanliness meticulously.