DISCOVER YOURSELF
Pay the Price
OF the several definitions which attempt to define mankind, there is one which is met with more general approbation. That is, man is born with an innate feeling which tells him that he is better than another; better than that intolerant neighbour and that incompetent colleague. This uncanny awareness constitutes one of the first characteristics of man’s being. Indeed, the most ordinary thing about each individual is the fact that he considers himself a little extraordinary.
In thinking that we are extraordinary we acknowledge only a portion of the truth. The other half of the truth is the fact that every individual, without exception, is born different, and is therefore unique. This part of the truth we unwittingly choose to ignore.
The intention of this article is not to deal with either the undue pride which the consciousness of this thought sometimes entails or the sad repercussions which its ignorance yields. The urgent, unaddressed question is: Why do most people, if they are born unique, consequently talented in some sense of the word, not achieve the success which they are entitled to?
Man starts dreaming while he is a child. Throughout his life, he strives and struggles to realize his dreams. However, when unable to establish his uniqueness, he sinks low in dejection and disillusionment.
To bring to the surface that talent, that will reveal the measure of your mind, you must work towards developing it with complete dedication and undivided attention.
In view of these circumstances, the first step is to understand the role that we can best play. Discovering this uniqueness is the starting point. Explaining the situation of one who is bereft of this self-knowledge, the Prophet Muhammad has said: “The condition of an unwise man is that of an animal who is not aware of why its master has tied it or untied it.”
The answer to the question as to why many fail to actualize the gifts heaven bestows on them, if looked at from different perspectives, might have varying answers. One perspective could be that we have to pay a price to acquire anything in life whatsoever. Nothing comes for free. The uniqueness of the individual can be brought into light only after paying the due price.
“To do one task, you have to abandon all others”, are the enlightening words of an eminent Sufi which could be an answer to this question of why don't people achieve success in spite of being unique?
Therefore, to bring to the surface that talent, that will reveal the measure of your mind, you must work towards developing it with complete dedication and undivided attention. All else should be secondary. On the other hand, it must be conceded that this is not an easy path to tread. Embarking on such a journey calls for practicing an iron restraint over your whims and fancies, a need to control unruly emotions and avoid every distraction.
Problems multiplying our fears and shaking our resolve, will show up at every corner. It is in such circumstances that we must hold on. To overcome such unpleasant situations one ought to become a 'big bird' thinker. For when a storm strikes, big birds fly well above the reach of the storm, and thus save themselves. It is this which is required from a man who undertakes the mission to discover himself.
To overcome unpleasant situations one ought to become a 'big bird' thinker. For when a storm strikes, big birds fly well above the reach of the storm, and thus save themselves
You will falter, commit mistakes and sometimes even get derailed; it will require colossal courage to get up again and march ahead with renewed zeal and determination. Truly, the value of a man lies in his excellence; nevertheless, he must not forget that to achieve this most desirable goal, he must pay an equally difficult price.
Life is an opportunity. It gives us the freedom to act as we should want to. If we fail to avail it because of our own neglect, we will have no justification to complain later.