A Matter Of Perspective
January 2003
By Life Positive
“History is so boring,” said Rahul. He just could not understand why so much of importance was given to learning what had happened in the past.
‘Electricity has already been invented. Why should we need to learn its principles? All we need to know is how to switch the button on and off,’ was his take on science. Not surprisingly, Rahul was known as ‘Mr Crib’.
Once, Ananda took him along to a gardener digging to make space for some trees in the complex. ‘What are you doing?’ asked Ananda.
‘Can’t you see?’ he replied irritably, ‘Digging. What else?’ In the evening, Ananda took him again to another gardener doing the same work. ‘What are you doing?’ he asked him. He looked up, smiling. ‘I am making room for a new lot of flowering plants. You will see how beautiful the complex looks in just a few months,’ he replied, with excitement. Ananda patted him on the back and walked on. ‘See, Rahul, the task is the same for both the gardeners. It is the perception of the task that is different. The first views it as struggle and drudgery, and the second as part of a glorious mission.’
Therefore: If you are a tailor, work as if each gown that you create would be worn by a queen.If you are a doctor, work as God’s instrument in saving lives.
If you are an engineer or an architect, work to make every creation of yours so robust that generations to come will thank you for it.
If you are a teacher, work to create a young generation committed to values and constant learning.
If you are a student, Be thankful you have an opportunity to learn. This is an opportunity many in our country do not have.
Learn all that you can, questioning, understanding all along.Apply your knowledge wherever you can.Dream that you are going to create a new tomorrow using all the knowledge you have acquired.
The greatest and most important freedom that we have is the freedom to determine our own attitude…. Treasure it and use it well.Rahul looked at the garden again, this time with new insight.
Apply it: Learn and work with enthusiasm in every task that comes your way.