Leo Tolstoy once said, “Stop a moment, cease your work, look around you.” In his writings, Tolstoy urges us to resist the tendency to become so consumed by our work that we forget to take in the world that surrounds us. This idea is further explored in O. Henry’s short story, “The Romance of a Busy Broker,” where he demonstrates how allowing work to swallow us whole results in missing out on the beauty and humanity of life.
The protagonist of the story, Harvey Maxwell, is portrayed as an efficient and hard-working broker who becomes completely engrossed in his work. He is described as being “no longer a man” but rather a “busy New York broker, moved by buzzing wheels and uncoiling springs.” His obsession with work is evident when he fails to notice his young stenographer, Miss Leslie, approaching him with a kind smile and a distant expression on her face.
One day, a young and lively woman comes to the office to apply for the stenographer position. However, Office Manager Pitcher mistakenly brings her to Harvey, leading to his confusion and frustration. In his state of absorption, Harvey forgets that he had instructed Pitcher the day before to replace Miss Leslie. He defends her, saying, “Miss Leslie has given perfect satisfaction during the year she has been here. The place is hers as long as she chooses to retain it.”
As the day progresses and the office quiets down, Harvey starts to look up from his work. He opens the window to let in the refreshing spring air, and with it, the sweet scent of lilac overwhelms him. This scent triggers his thoughts of Miss Leslie, associating it as her signature fragrance. The scent captures his heart and mind, completely erasing any thoughts of work. Filled with love and determination, he decides to seize the moment and propose to her.
With newfound purpose, Harvey rushes to Miss Leslie’s desk. As she looks up at him with a smile, he quickly pours out his love and proposes to her, admitting his inability to court her properly. However, his proposal surprises and confuses Miss Leslie, who exclaims, “Oh, what are you talking about?” She must remind Harvey of what had just transpired, indicating that he had forgotten the events of the day.
Through this story, O. Henry emphasizes the danger of allowing work to consume us to the point where we lose sight of what truly matters. When we become so absorbed in our jobs, we fail to notice the people and moments that are most important in our lives. We overlook the significant words and actions that define our relationships, and we forget the beautiful secrets and connections we share with others.
Work is undoubtedly important, but it should not be our sole focus in life. We must remember to look up, to be present in the world around us, and to appreciate its wonders and beauties. Life holds countless treasures waiting to be discovered, and it is these treasures that make our lives truly worthwhile. So, let us heed Tolstoy’s advice and take a moment to pause, to cease our work, and to look around us, for within these moments lie the essence and meaning of life.
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