This is a critical subject and it is interesting to analyze something that is so basic as being "Self Made." Let us understand what this connotes in the US, the one country that has considered it important enough to be included in the concept of the "American Dream." The concept of the "Self Made," man is deeply rooted in the "American Dream."
It is as old as the United States. But what most people fail to realize is that this is a byproduct of "Karma," and "Purusharth," meaning "Actions," and "Hard work," respectively, two most important concepts of Hinduism. Hence, it would be fair to say that the "American Dream," has been, in reality, inspired by Hinduism, which first conceived it.
Benjamin Franklin, one of the "Founding Fathers," of the United States, is also sometimes said to have co-founded this very concept in the US. In his autobiography, he describes his way from a poor, unknown son of a candle-maker to a very successful businessman and highly acknowledged member of the American society.
Franklin creates the archetype of someone coming from low origins, who, against all odds, breaks out of his inherited social position, climbs up the social ladder and creates a new identity for himself. Key factors in this rise from rags to riches are hard work and a solid moral foundation. Franklin also stresses the significance of education for self-improvement.
I would say that this is true probably for an individual. If a person makes efforts to come up despite monetary restrictions, social hurdles, educational difficulties and personal deficiencies it should be considered a matter of pride for the nation to reward such a person for the character of a country is determined from the strength of its individuals. It is possible to achieve unimaginable heights in life only if we are guided by the right ideas, work hard, bring about social changes in the society we live in, remain honest and display the character of a high order, whatever our situation may be in life.
Remaining focused, working on improving the social well-being of all in the society and communicating well are some key components of being successful in becoming "Self Made." Many would argue that knowing people or being networked is the key to success and so nobody is really "Self Made."
But the truth is that a person who can claim to be really "Self Made," is one who can be a totally unknown entity and might have been a victim of prejudices and discrimination while not being connected at all and yet by his karma and perseverance develops goodwill for his efforts. Such a person develops connections which have not been given to him by his elders or others in the society but from his initiatives that have borne fruits.
Most well-placed people in today's societies are handpicked because of their race, religion and because of their relationship with the controlling powers and not necessarily because of their merit or their character, thereby making the societal structures, oppressive and undemocratic.
It is the "Self Made," people who are the true heroes who must be awarded in life by the people for they have shown how a person can rise above the adversities of life, however harsh because of their willpower and honesty and have set an example for others to follow. Anybody can be "Self Made," you or me and for that the most important aspect is to believe in oneself and God, one Who creates, preserves and destroys and your efforts too.
A "Self Made," country is one which has "Self Made," people. Most of the rich and developed countries of today who have the most patents and have a healthy economy are closest to the definition of being called "Self Made," and are actually basking in the glory of being one, only because God bestowed them with His blessings in the form of Renaissance and Industrial Revolution.
It is they who should now lead the way and make each person and country of the globe "Self Made," by working with different nations as this is what they are expected and what the world needs. It is to be remembered that, in reality, only those who can give are indeed rich and for that, it is imperative that we all have the ability to empathize with the problems of the sufferers.
Much of joblessness, corruption, terrorism, drugs, alcohol, suicides, matrimonial breakups, social prostitution and social menaces like jealousy, poor mannerisms, racism, casteism, bigotry etc., are a direct result of lack of a structure for such a thing. The G8 countries, the richest of all have a duty in this regard.
Their imperial wealth looted from today's poor countries of Asia, Africa and South America, largely speaking, should be used to make people become "Self Made." "Aids and Loans," programs are not the cure because they are never properly utilized for the reason that most poor countries are corrupt and devoid of proper management where corrupt and illegal regimes rule the roost. For this to succeed, a framework needs to be developed and implemented as the World Bank and IMF programs of today do not meet the needs.
It is the author's estimate, that during the imperial era, the quantum of wealth that was looted by the European powers, by exploiting the rest of the world, a large portion of which also made its way to North America would in present value be about $25,000 trillion. Why cannot we use this money for making our mother Earth a happier and safer place through this mechanism only if we are ready to change ourselves for our needs and those of our children? This would be a redistribution of wealth driven by the rich nations and not a loss of wealth.
There is an old Sanskrit proverb, "Vasudhev Kutumbkam," meaning, "The world is my home," and this strategy justifies our readiness to accept this, thereby making the world a better place where the resources are shared equally and one that promotes the idea of racial harmony. This is in tandem with the concept of "Equality Of Races," something which means the world is one entity, no one race or group is superior to avoid imbalances and injustices. Making individuals and countries, "Self Made," helps achieve just that.
If we all remain prejudiced and political, be it on the individual, national or international front, there will never be true peace and happiness in this world. We have taken the world for granted and most of us do not strive to make it a better place than what we found it to be and that is a shame as we do not learn from history.
"Self Made," is a key concept in making the world safer and satisfied and correcting the mistakes of the past as it aims to make people
self-sustaining and proud thereby less jealous and hateful. This automatically translates to better international relations and global peace. A "Self Made," individual is happy and satisfied and makes a good global citizen because he understands life better and pays back on time every time.
As the last word, I appeal the people to unite and save the world from its current inferior status and make it happy thereby saving the lives of one and all.
Comments
Post a Comment