The rapid advancement of science and technology over the last few decades, while having narrowed down the global boundaries and bringing the world closer, has, at the same time disassociated people from their traditional customs and caused erosion of ethical and behavioral values. This has, in turn, given rise to the present day materialism and consumerism both of which have also eaten into the social fabric and made it threadbare.
The present generation is gradually but inexorably drifting away from conventional systems and norms of living. Coupled with this, with a choice of different modes and easily accessible information they are now exposed to a series of unsavory truths and ground realities which hitherto were little known. The consequent result is that they are acquiring knowledge but not the wisdom to treat the knowledge for what it is worth. As a result there is ongoing mindless violence, reprisals and atrocities committed all around and the snowballing effect is uncertainty and insecurity.
Most may blame the situation on changing times, our stars and our destiny but these arguments are difficult to buy. The truth is that we are not strong or honest enough to take direct moral responsibility. As William Jennings Bryan said, “Destiny is not a matter of chance, but matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.” Therefore, let us refrain from excusing ourselves and instead use our own grit to shape our lives better and more meaningful.
But words like ‘better’ and ‘meaningful’ are fuzzy concepts for they mean different things to different people. Many might say that savoring delicacies at a multi-cuisine, a cozy home or holidaying at an exotic resort is a life of happiness and meaning. What they forget is that these are fleeting pleasures and hence temporal and short-lived. The finer things of life cannot be seen as they exist in the inner recesses of the mind and soul and therefore longer lasting and eternal. These are the things which have to be drawn out and nurtured. These are the things which make life meaningful and provide what one may say stability and happiness.
To live meaningfully, one must also set definite goals in life. If bereft of a definite purpose, a person tends to stagnate and drift and soon loses the purpose of living. Such people turn so isolated that they even have to find ways to kill time not realizing that time is the most precious thing we can have for life is very short. Life also assumes more meaningfulness, when one is able to give with an open heart. Success and wealth should not be hoarded. They have to be shared, especially with those who are less fortunate. We need to always remind ourselves, “Ask not what others can do for you – ask what you can do for others”. By making yourself accessible to others and by giving and sharing what you have is the way we can earn mutual love and respect and give ourselves a life worth living.
