Let's Change Ourselves !!

At some point of time, most of us would have wondered what is going to be the future of this world. Everywhere we see increase in all the negative aspects like falsehood, dishonesty, corruption, violence, unfairness, pollution, greed etc. We see the world getting tightly caught in the web of negative influences and thus deteriorating and degenerating. When we look back a few years, it seems that life was much better in the past. People seemed much simpler then and life was much more peaceful. We hope that those good times will return and we can re-live the past.

The big question, therefore, could be what needs to be done to stem the rot in our system? What should be done to prevent people from following the wrong path? Should we change the education system - inculcate moral values in the curriculum? Should we incentivise and encourage honesty? Should we teach people to be more selfless and caring? What is the most effective and sure method of improving the world?

In my view, all of these are important. I am sure my readers can think of even more effective and interesting concepts that may be tried. However, more important than attempting to change the world (such a huge task!) it is important that we look inwards towards ourselves. Are we living the right kind of life? Are we getting less selfish and greedy for ourselves? Are we being honest to the core (even when no one is looking)? Are we following the ideal kind of life that we expect the world to follow?

If the answer to any of the questions is no, then we have a serious challenge. How can we expect others to behave in a manner that we do not follow? Also, it should be easier to change ourselves (really?) than attempting to change others. If only we can master ourselves and our impulses, the world would be easy to conquer. People tend to look up and respect people who have mastered themselves. Such people become true leaders - Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela are a few names that come to mind.

I read somewhere that the whole world will become beautiful and clean, if only each person makes the effort of cleaning his house and his front yard. Let’s start with our houses and minds and soon enough, we will become living examples for others to follow and emulate.

"He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty" - Tao Te Ching