As we enter another year of struggling against the pandemic and other challenges that lay ahead, we could use these timeless guiding principles to overcome personal and collective adversities.
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas A. Edison
Perseverance and resilience are two values we need now more than ever in these trying times. And the words of the great American inventor encapsulate the idea of not giving up, no matter the odds, no matter how many times we fail. The past two years have been extra difficult for most of us, and in the process of rebuilding our lives, we cannot just give up just because we have failed so many times. The development of vaccines against Covid-19 is one example of this classic wisdom from Edison. After countless research, experiments, and trials, we have successfully developed several vaccines that have greatly helped reduce the spread of Covid-19 cases worldwide.
Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.” – Bruce Lee
In the book Beyond Pipe Dreams And Platitudes by Dr. Piorkowski, the author shares many psychological realities that are not totally in sync with popular culture. In one of the book’s chapters, Dr. Geraldine Piorkowski talks about how vulnerable people are more likable than super-confident ones. Sometimes, the only way to survive and achieve success is to submit to ancient wisdom and humble ourselves. Being arrogant and indifferent will not benefit us in this day and age. Collectively, the human race must learn to bend to the will of nature by not ignoring the signs of the times. Climate change, pollution, drought, and other calamities are ways Mother Nature tells us to take good care of our planet before it’s too late.
“United we stand, divided we fall.” – John Dickinson
There have been many quotes similar to this one. Though delivered differently, its wisdom in the same; there is strength in unity. The recent years saw polarization, political turmoil, civil unrest, and street riots in the United States and other parts of the world. The pandemic and other issues have created rifts and division among citizens and families. If we hope to recover and begin our march towards a brighter future, we need to work together and set aside our differences. Individuals must learn to cooperate with their respective leaders. Families must learn to respect each other’s roles. Government must learn to work with corporations and understand the needs of their people. The year 2022 is a time for great rebuilding, and we can only do it if we enlist the help of everyone.
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” – Leslie Brown
Speaking of rebuilding, resetting our goals is one of the primary objectives this 2022. It is not enough to revert to the old normal or the preCovid status quo. We need to not only set up a new normal founded on safety health protocols against pandemics but, more importantly, a comprehensive design that will usher us into a brighter and safer future. Proactive thinking is a key-value moving forward. Conservative thinking in terms of fiscal management, public administration, and disaster risk management will not save us in the future. Right now, as a human race, we must strive hard to advance our technology, harness natural energy, and develop strategies for sustainability.
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” – Frederick Douglass
The children will inherit the world we have built, but only empowered children can further steer society into a brighter future. Frederick Douglass might have conjured these words about slavery. Still, this statement can be applied to building a strong generation of young leaders, selfless individuals with morals and values necessary to build a just and human society. Sadly, the children we are seeing today are preoccupied with their self-interests, constantly seeking validation on social media and Internet. We must educate the young, empower them mentally and emotionally, and nurture their spiritual journey and interests. Producing future generations with a positive outlook, good values, and a sound mind is our urgent task as well.
Recent Comments