Attitude is Everything ( AiE )

The following story has provided constant inspiration to my life:

Attitude Is Everything

   by Brian Cavanaugh

 A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul

Jerry was the kind of guy you love to hate. He was always in a good mood and always had something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"

He was a unique manager because he had several waiters who had followed him around from restaurant to restaurant. The reason the waiters followed Jerry was because of his attitude. He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Jerry was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Jerry and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?" Jerry replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, 'Jerry, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood.' I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life."

"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested. "Yes, it is," Jerry said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live life."

I reflected on what Jerry said. Soon thereafter, I left the restaurant industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that Jerry did something you are never supposed to do in a restaurant business: he left the back door open one morning and was held up at gunpoint by three armed robbers. While trying to open the safe, his hand, shaking from nervousness, slipped off the combination. The robbers panicked and shot him. Luckily, Jerry was found relatively quickly and rushed to the local trauma center. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Jerry was released from the hospital with fragments of the bullets still in his body.

I saw Jerry about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Wanna see my scars?" I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the robbery took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was that I should have locked the back door," Jerry replied. "Then, as I lay on the floor, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live, or I could choose to die. I chose to live." "Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked. Jerry continued, "The paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the emergency room and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read, 'He's a dead man.' "I knew I needed to take action."

"What did you do?" I asked.

"Well, there was a big, burly nurse shouting questions at me," said Jerry.

"She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes,' I replied. The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breathe and yelled, 'Bullets!' Over their laughter, I told them. 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead." Jerry lived thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything. 

"When you face the sun, the shadows always fall behind you"

~ Helen Keller

The foundation of Philosophy

If a philosophy has to stand the test of time, it should be constructed on the basis of truth. There is no other wing of human knowledge better than Science, which can provide us with the knowledge of the truth. That means Philosophy should take Science as its base to form its conclusions on any topic. For example, we all know the scientific principle 'Matter can neither be created nor destroyed.' What philosophical consequences does it give rise to? The matter was never created and never destroyed. That means nobody can create matter or destroy it. Then, where is the room for the Creator or Babas in this scheme of things?

Will India Become a Global Superpower?

In today’s interconnected world, no single country can claim to be a true superpower. Every nation plays a unique role in the progress we witness globally. For India to emerge as one of the leading nations, it must address its internal challenges and redefine its priorities to achieve comprehensive development.

India faces several significant hurdles that impede its growth and development, including pervasive illiteracy, widespread poverty, high levels of unemployment, and deep-rooted corruption. These issues act as formidable barriers to progress and need to be tackled with urgency and determination. The consequences of these challenges are far-reaching, impacting not only the economic landscape but also the social fabric of the nation. To truly transform, India must move beyond the constraints of fatalism and nihilism that have often shaped its historical outlook, which can lead to a sense of helplessness among its citizens. It must also free itself from the regressive influence of outdated religious practices and ideologies that hinder its advancement, often perpetuating inequality and stifling innovation. Instead, the focus should shift to placing human welfare and individual well-being at the center of its philosophical and developmental framework, ensuring that every policy and initiative is designed to uplift the human spirit and enhance quality of life.

A scientific outlook and rational thinking must be encouraged to foster innovation and progress across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and technology. This shift towards a more analytical approach will enable India to harness its vast potential and resources effectively. At the same time, ethical standards should be imparted to ensure that development is not just material but also moral and inclusive. Every policy, decision, and action taken by the state and society should aim at improving the lives of individuals and empowering them to achieve their full potential, creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This empowerment can be facilitated through skill development programs, access to quality education, and the promotion of entrepreneurship, enabling individuals to contribute meaningfully to the economy.

While focusing on its own well-being, India must also integrate itself into the global community. It should strive to contribute meaningfully to the collective welfare of humanity and life on this planet. Achieving global recognition is not merely about asserting dominance or power; rather, it is about playing a constructive role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. By collaborating with other nations, sharing knowledge, and participating in international forums, India can position itself as a leader committed to sustainable development and global solidarity.

The Importance of Inclusive Development: Mere industrialization and unchecked capitalism will not lead to sustainable progress. For development to be meaningful, its benefits must reach the lower strata of society. Economic growth that excludes the marginalized is incomplete and unstable, often leading to social unrest and widening disparities. Ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunities is essential for building a just and prosperous nation, where every citizen feels valued and included. This approach necessitates the implementation of policies that prioritize the needs of the underprivileged, such as affordable healthcare, accessible education, and social safety nets.

A critical aspect of this inclusive growth is education. Achieving 100% literacy should be a national priority because literacy is the foundation of a developed society. Educated citizens are self-reliant, empowered, and equipped to make ethical and informed decisions. An educated population can drive innovation, strengthen democracy, and contribute significantly to nation-building. Furthermore, education should not only focus on academic knowledge but also promote critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence, preparing individuals to navigate the complexities of modern life.

The Role of Ethics and Values Development is not solely about technological and economic achievements; it also requires a strong ethical foundation. Scientific temper must be balanced with values that promote empathy, integrity, and respect for all individuals. By fostering a culture that values both rationality and compassion, India can ensure that progress benefits every citizen and aligns with the principles of justice and equity. This ethical framework should permeate all levels of society, influencing governance, business practices, and community interactions, thereby creating a more harmonious social environment.

Global Integration and Contribution: As India charts its course toward becoming a global leader, it must remain mindful of its role within the larger international community. Contributing to global welfare—through advancements in science, technology, and culture—should be a key objective. India’s rich heritage and diversity can serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for the world, while its innovations and progress can address pressing global challenges. By sharing its knowledge in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and public health, India can play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future for all.

Conclusion: India’s journey to becoming a top country in the world is not solely about achieving economic power or industrial might. It is about fostering an inclusive, educated, and ethical society that prioritizes individual welfare while contributing to global progress. By addressing its internal challenges, embracing a scientific and ethical outlook, and ensuring the equitable distribution of the fruits of development, India can fulfill its potential as a beacon of progress and a force for good in the world. The path forward requires collective effort, visionary leadership, and a commitment to the principles of justice and equity, ensuring that no one is left behind on this journey toward a brighter future.