The statement "Nothing is lucky if you put it away. If you want luck, you must put it to some use" from the short story "Cherry Tree" by Ruskin Bond carries a profound message about the nature of luck and its connection to action and effort.
In the story, the main character, Rakesh, plants a cherry seed that he believes to be lucky. He nurtures it with care and watches it grow into a sapling. However, as the tree grows taller, Rakesh becomes hesitant to climb it, fearing that his luck will run out if he uses it. He starts to believe that the luck of the cherry tree lies in preserving it rather than benefiting from it.
The statement challenges this belief and emphasizes the idea that luck is not something to be hoarded or kept away but something to be utilized and put into action. In other words, luck is not just a passive force but something that requires active engagement and initiative.
Rakesh's reluctance to climb the cherry tree reflects a broader human tendency to cling to things we consider lucky, afraid that using or sharing them might deplete their luck. The story suggests that true luck comes from taking chances, being proactive, and using opportunities wisely. It encourages readers to embrace luck as a tool to be utilized for personal growth, exploration, and achievement.
By climbing the cherry tree and cherishing the experience, Rakesh realizes that the tree's true luck lies not in preserving it untouched but in the fulfillment and joy it brings to his life. The story imparts a valuable life lesson about taking risks, making the most of opportunities, and understanding that luck is most potent when it is utilized and shared rather than hidden away.