I don't enjoy going to a very big wedding or a party or a huge
I don't enjoy going to a very big wedding or a party or a huge gathering where there are lots of people. I enjoy small groups.
The words of Sharmila Tagore—“I don’t enjoy going to a very big wedding or a party or a huge gathering where there are lots of people. I enjoy small groups.”—reveal the wisdom of one who values depth over breadth, sincerity over spectacle. In these words lies a truth often forgotten by mankind: that intimacy nourishes the soul in ways that grandeur cannot. The heart finds its richest fulfillment not in the noise of the multitude, but in the quiet presence of a few kindred spirits.
The big wedding or huge gathering has always been a symbol of wealth and power. Kings and emperors summoned entire cities to celebrate their unions, for they believed that honor was measured by the size of the crowd. Yet Tagore’s voice reminds us that greatness does not always reside in numbers. True joy comes not from being surrounded by thousands, but by being truly seen and understood by a handful.
History gives us the example of Socrates, who turned away from the crowds of Athens to gather his disciples in small circles. In the marketplace he spoke, not to be admired by masses, but to plant seeds of wisdom in those who were willing to listen. His teachings shaped the course of philosophy, not through throngs of followers, but through a select few who carried his words into eternity. In this, we see the same principle: the power of the small group to nurture what the crowd might trample.
The desire for small gatherings also speaks of authenticity. In small numbers, masks fall away, and truth is shared. There is space for conversation, for laughter, for silence—things easily drowned in the roar of large assemblies. The one who seeks smaller circles seeks not to withdraw from life, but to dwell more deeply within it, treasuring the genuine bonds that give life meaning.
Therefore, O listener, take this as a lesson for your own path: do not be deceived by the glitter of the multitude, nor believe that joy grows with numbers. Seek instead the warmth of closeness, the strength of friendship, the peace of shared silence. For as Sharmila Tagore teaches, the soul is best nourished not in the banquet hall of a thousand voices, but in the simple communion of the few who truly matter.
HYHai yen
Sharmila’s point about small gatherings highlights how different people experience social events. Some thrive in large crowds, while others find them exhausting. What do you think makes some people prefer intimate settings? Could it be that smaller groups allow for more meaningful connections, or do you think some people simply prefer a more relaxed atmosphere?
LC04. Pham Ngoc Lan Chi
This quote really makes me think about the balance between socializing and solitude. While large weddings and parties can be fun, there’s something uniquely enriching about smaller groups where you can truly connect with others. Do you think people feel more comfortable in small settings because they allow for deeper conversation and genuine connections?
HLtrinh hoang linh
I agree with Sharmila Tagore. There’s something inherently peaceful about smaller, more intimate gatherings where you can actually have meaningful conversations. But do you think this preference for small groups is more about personality type or the current cultural shift toward more personal and meaningful connections in the digital age?
H112. Nguyen Minh Hieu 10a1
Sharmila Tagore’s quote brings up an interesting thought about social preferences. For many people, big gatherings can feel draining, while small groups feel more comfortable and real. How do you feel about the social dynamics at large events? Do you think they sometimes lead to shallow interactions or can they also offer valuable experiences?
MHMy Hoa
I totally understand Sharmila’s perspective. Sometimes, big events can feel impersonal, and it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. I wonder, do you think our social circles are becoming larger as we age, or is there a growing desire to simplify and focus on quality over quantity? What do you think makes small gatherings so special compared to big parties?