Ambition

“Attach your wagon to a star.”

- R.W. Emerson

Ambition is the aspiration of a person for success or advancement in any field. It is the inner force that motivates a person to better his or her condition or state in life. It gives motivation to achieve great things through hard work, determination and drive. It helps a person to set a goal for oneself and reach it.

To a certain extent ambition has been responsible for the fashioning of giants in the world in all spheres of activity. Healthy ambition is free from selfishness, vanity and pride. It is considerate towards others and does not put down others in order to achieve its own aims and goals. Not all are gifted with healthy ambition. We can infuse this in those who show a lack of it. Ambition is a trait to be cultivated with care. It spurs us on to struggle with purpose.

Story

A man, eager to learn English in order to come up in life, entered a bookstore and asked the salesman: “How many methods do you have to learn English?” He was shown a shelf on which he counted fourteen methods in all. The man asked: “Which one of these is the best?” The salesman answered: “Take any one; one is as bad as the other.” The man asked: “Then what am I supposed to do?” The salesman said: “If you want to learn English, be ambitious; mix with people who speak English and start talking. Once you set your goals with ambition, you will succeed.”

Ambition Can Be Cultivated through

• Gaining self-knowledge of one’s character, aptitudes, potentials and limitations.
• Working purposefully and optimistically towards achieving one’s goals.
• Taking pride in one’s home and working for its improvement.
• Helping others to achieve self-reliance.
• Taking up part-time jobs.
• Getting involved in co-curricular activities.
• Promoting the interests of others to the extent of sacrificing one’s own time and money.
• Studying diligently and working hard.
• Pioneering in new fields venturing into creative areas of work.

Exercises

• Recognize situations where people display ambitions.
• Distinguish between ambition and over ambitiousness.
• What are the positive effects of ambition?
• Recall to your mind some persons who have been successful in life due to positive ambition.
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting, T.V. or radio serial depicting this value.

Cleanliness

“Cleanliness is indeed next to Godliness.”

- John Wesley

Cleanliness refers to a habitual neatness or purity without any dirt, filth or corruption. In this narrowest sense it is freedom from dirt, filth, adulteration and corruption. In its widest sense, it is freedom from guilt, and defilement.

Cleanliness shows respect for the dignity of a human person. It prompts us to pursue principles of inner purity. It leads to a life that is systematic, well-ordered and healthy. It is a reflection of inner purity. It helps us to keep our surroundings neat and clean.

Narration

A famous scientist and Nobel laureate visited New Delhi for an international conference. Just adjacent to the five star hotel he was staying, he found a slum with lots of people living in unhygienic conditions. He visited them and to his dismay he realised that many of them had been affected by quite a few diseases. Immediately he met the authorities concerned and made arrangements to provide them clean and healthy place for living. After that the people were able to live a healthy life with a clean environment.

Cleanliness can be cultivated through

• Keeping all things in their place and wearing clean clothes
• Keeping the body, mind and soul clean and pure
• Helping others to keep the house and surroundings neat and clean
• Avoiding bad and indecent language
• Not scribbling on the walls, using dust-bins properly and keeping toilets clean
• Keeping clean all public places
• Contributing to environmental cleanliness
• Keeping away from morally harmful activities and situations.

Exercises

• Recognize situations of cleanliness and uncleanliness.
• Recall to your mind some people who have adhered to cleanliness.
• What are the positive effects of cleanliness?
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk-song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting, T.V. or radio serial depicting this value

Contentment

“Contentment comes not so much from greater wealth as from fewer wants”

- D.J.D.

Contentment refers to a state of desirelessness. It is the ability to be satisfied with what one has without unnecessary desires or avarice. It does not imply that one does not want to strive to achieve great things or work hard. Contentment cultivates self-discipline and a life style that is devoid of luxury and ease.

Contentment negates greediness. It arises from the subduing of one’s desires. As Buddha says, “Desire is the root cause of all evil,” so contentment aims to overcome desires which are worldly, petty and greedy. A contented mind is the greatest blessing we can enjoy in this world.

To be happy and satisfied with what we have is the key to a peaceful life. Of course, this does not deter any one from making progress in life. A contented person is never jealous, contentment prompts one to enjoy one’s life without comparing it with that of another; it will not pave the way for unhealthy competition. A contented person will enjoy serenity and peace of mind. Never will we hear complaint or dissatisfaction from contented persons. A contented person is a friend of all. The fewer our wants, the nearer we resemble God

Story

A wise man from China once received the favour of visiting heaven and hell. In hell he saw men and women with sunken faces and bony limbs, seated around an enormous heap of tasty rice and fruits. They were all terribly hungry; their hands were tied with long spoons and they could not fold their arms to eat. When they tried to reach their food to the mouth the food was thrown to the floor. They were thinking of only themselves. Whereas in heaven he saw also men and women seated around another heap of rice and fruits very similar to the one he had seen in hell. But here all were very happy with beaming faces and aglow with health. They too could not fold their arms while eating. However, everyone was thinking of the other and hence they were feeding the person in front with contentment and joy.

Contentment Can Be Cultivated through

• Enjoying one’s life without comparing it with that of others
• Controlling carefully the use of food, clothing, time, recreation, travel
• Desiring and requesting only the basic essentials
• Finding time daily for quiet reflection, to replenish moral and spiritual resources
• Purchasing only the essential commodities for simple living
• Overcoming the obsession for foreign goods.

Exercises

• Recollect life situations where contentment can be practised.
• What are the positive effects of contentment?
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk-song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting, T.V. or radio serial depicting this value.

Courage

“Often the test of courage is not to die but to live”

- Alfieri

Life has many challenges and they must be faced with courage. Courage is the ability to face the strains and setbacks of our rapidly changing environment, with valour.

It is inherently dynamic. It motivates us to fight for our principles and values. It prompts us to face any situation and spurs us to stand boldly even in the face of death.

Courage coupled with love makes us even sacrifice our life. It bestows on us superhuman powers leading us to heights of heroism. True courage is linked with deep faith.

Courage has driven philosophers, scientists, technologists and freedom fighters to forge ahead undauntedly to achieve the impossible. It emanates not from the absence of fear but from the ability to overcome fear. It is the only force that induces us to meet peril, disaster and melancholy with calmness, poise, tranquillity, fearlessness and confidence.

Testimony

“Due to my involvement in the struggle for the freedom of my people, I have known very few quiet days in the last few years. I have been arrested five times and put in Alabama Jails. My home has been bombed twice. A day seldom passes that my family and I are not the recipients of threats of death. I have been the victim of near-fatal stabbing. So, in a real sense I have been battered by the storms of persecution. I must admit that at times I have felt that I could no longer bear such a heavy burden, and have been tempted to retreat to a more quiet and serene life,. But every time such a temptation appeared, something came to strengthen my determination. Faith in Jesus gave me courage to face all these.”

- Martin Luther King

Courage Can Be Cultivated through

• Accepting corrections in the right spirit
• Overcoming frailties and weaknesses
• Rising above criticism and rash judgment
• Resisting fear complex
• Owning our mistakes
• Facing new challenges and shouldering responsibilities
• Placing trust and confidence in God and developing an unshakable faith in him
• Facing the realities of life and accepting one’s own limitations
• Learning to accept failures as stepping stones to success
• Enduring trials, accidents and unexpected happenings with tolerance and composure
• Resisting bad influences
• Standing up for one’s convictions and acting according to principles
• Standing for truth even at the expense of losing one’s popularity
• Fighting against social evils
• Standing for the rights of the underprivileged.

Exercises

• Recollect some people who have acted with courage.
• Have you shown courage in your life in facing situations?
• What are the positive effects of having courage?
• What are the effects of fear?
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk-song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting, T.V. or radio serial depicting this value.

Creativity

“Creativity brings forth the best in every one of us …”

- S. Ignacimuthu

Creativity empowers a person to uncover the hidden forces lying dormant. It helps a person to travel the path of the unknown and to unearth the hidden mysteries.

Creativity makes us to constantly search. It awakens our intellect and sharpens our thinking. It teaches one to be objective and factual in all fields of enquiry. Creativity blossoms in an atmosphere of freedom and openness. It leads us to new discoveries and helps us to explore in to our own inner being.

Creativity sharpens our intellect to acquire knowledge. It shines through concentration of the mind. It cultivates rationality and prompts us to achievement and success and helps us to dare with a vision. Creativity is the ability to bring something new in to existence. This embraces a wide variety of forms: a mechanical invention, a chemical process, a poem, a painting, a musical composition, an essay, a book, etc. the emphasis in all these is upon originality, freshness, novelty, ingenuity, diversity, cleverness and aptness.

Illustration

After a tiring day, Walt Disney was in bed, trying to sleep. But he could not sleep at all the whole night since his friends, who had returned after a full day’s picnic, were snoring. Each one was snoring in his own way. Even though Walt Disney was not able to sleep; he made use of the time to record the pitch and rhythm and later composed a beautiful, snoring symphony which was included in the film ‘Full Bright Moon and Seven Stars’ which won him Oscar Award for music.

Creativity Can Be Cultivated through

• Observing and inquiring into the how and why of things and activities
• Developing curiosity in events that take place
• Cultivating hobbies suited to one’s temperament and disposition
• Following current events with an analytical mind
• Analysing one’s behaviour to arrive at a better understanding of one’s self
• Probing into the depths of knowledge
• Being alert
• Exploring inquisitively
• Being innovative
• Exercising a continued sprit of enquiry in any profession
• Appreciating art, music, folk art, folk music, etc.

Exercises

• Recall the moments from your life when you had put into practice creativity.
• Recognize situations when guesswork is operative.
• Enumerate the advantages of creativity in a person’s growth.
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting, T.V. or radio serial depicting this value.

Determination

“There is no such thing as a great talent without great willpower”

- Honore De Baleau

Determination refers to the quality of being firm, resolute and strong-willed. It enables a person to face peril, disaster and adversity with unflinching courage, firmness, strength of mind and spirit. It helps a person to stand up and fight against the events and circumstances that tend to destroy and cripple and thus helps one to achieve one’s aim in life.

Determination disciplines a person to meet calamity with patience and inner strength. It supplies inner energy and exudes quiet sustaining strength to meet all crises with composure helping us to maintain equilibrium at the time of all crises. Determination is an ingredient of a noble character that endows the individual with the gift to smile in the face of adversity and fills a person with confidence and courage to the trials of life. Determination develops a sense of self-confidence, maturity, and fulfilment. It gives courage and peace.

Parable A sparrow fell in love with a white rose, but the rose said to the bird: “Unless I am turned in to red, I will not be able to love you. “The sparrow, left in deep thoughts, wondered and searched for means to turn the white rose into red. At dawn of the marrow the sparrow was struck with the bright idea of pricking itself with a thorn and letting its blood flow on the rose. Having accomplished its task, when the rose turned red, the sparrow breathed its last after achieving its goal with determination.

Determination can be cultivated through

• Developing a positive outlook on life
• Accepting reverses with calmness
• Making continued, persevering attempts to attain a goal in spite of setbacks
• Maintaining quality of heart and mind
• Accepting failures with courage
• Facing the consequences of unjust punishment
• Suppressing personal grievances
• Working for the betterment of others
• Giving up one’s own interests for the sake of others
• Disciplining oneself to meet crises.

Exercises

• Recall your mind instances where you have acted with determination in your life.
• Give examples for lack of determination.
• What are the advantages of this value of determination?
• Do you know people who have acted with determination?
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk-song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting, T.V. or radio serial depicting this value.

Dignity of Labour

“No one can disgrace us but ourselves.”

- J. G. Holland

Dignity of labour impels us to develop respect for different types of work making us realize that every individual must contribute his or her quota of work for the betterment of society. We would no more discriminate between white collar jobs and manual work or between social elitism and false pride. Dignity of labour manifests itself through its characteristics of perseverance and diligence which encourage us to enjoy and take pride in our work. Dignity of labour will prompt all of us to work for the nation with dedication and commitment and contribute our mite in its march towards progress and growth.

Dignity of labour tells us very clearly that work in all its form is ennobling. The greatness of human beings lies in their ability to toil in any kind of work. Dignity of labour recognizes that every one’s work is important. It impels us to avoid class consciousness. Dignity of labour helps us to discover ourselves, gives satisfaction and peace, and contributes to our growth and independence.

Illustration

When General Washington was made commander of the American Forces, he came one day to a group of soldiers who were working hard to dig a pit while their officer stood aside shouting at them. Washington asked him why he did not give them a helping hand. The officer answered: “You should know, Sir, that I’m a corporal. I’ll never stoop to this kind of work.” Washington said nothing but stepped in and started helping the men. When the work was over, he turned to the corporal and said: “When you have any more work like that which you are not ready to do yourself, just ask for General Washington and I shall be only too eager to come.”

Dignity of labour can be developed through

• Helping in cleaning, washing, cooking, shopping, repairing, running, errands
• Learning different works and picking up skills in cookery, laundry, carpentry, embroidery, plumbing, electrical work etc.
• Respecting the helpers and other workers
• Taking up ‘earn while you learn’ jobs
• Caring for the sick and the aged
• Participating in community development projects with an aim to eradicate social evils, prejudices and superstitions.

Exercises

• Recognize the nature of different works in the life of people.
• Recall instances of people who respect labour.
• Have you experienced a positive outlook about different works?
• What are the positive outcomes of the dignity of labour?
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk-song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting, T.V. or radio serial depicting this value.

Diligence

Diligence is perseverance and steady effort. It makes a person industrious and hardworking helping him/her to face the challenges in this competitive world with courage and conviction. It gives a person the ability and the enthusiasm to undertake a time-bound, goal-oriented task and the patience to pursue the goal cheerfully in spite of setbacks and failures. It contributes to fulfilment and negates aimlessness, goallessness and meaninglessness.

Diligence has produced persons of great calibre, endowing them with constancy, security and sound character. It brings out creativity in individuals, inspires people to do great things and goads people to dare impossible feats.

Testimony

A man walking through the forest saw a fox that had lost its legs and wondered how it survived. Then he saw a tiger come in with a prey in its mouth. The tiger had its fill and left the rest of the meet for the fox.

The next day God fed the fox by means of the same tiger. The man began to wonder at God’s great goodness and said to himself, “I too shall just shall just rest in a corner with full trust in the Lord and he will provide me with all I need.”

He did so for many days but nothing happened and the poor fellow was almost at death’s door when he heard a voice say, “O, you who are in the path of error, open your eyes to the truth! Follow the example of the tiger and stop imitating the disabled fox. Be diligent and work hard.”

Diligence Can Be Cultivated through

• Cheerfully participating in the work at home, institution, etc.
• Exploring one’s potentials and talents
• Looking out for creative opportunities
• Applying one’s mind to studies seriously and regularly
• Paying full attention in classes
• Undertaking remedial exercises
• Trying to develop the intellect to the maximum
• Being punctual and regular
• Making efforts to improve one’s efficiency
• Being engaged in productive work

Exercises

• Give examples of success and failure due to diligence from your own life.
• Identify diligence and its positive effects and fruits.
• Analyse the working places and assess whether diligence is at work.
• List the names of diligent people you know.
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk-song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting, T.V. or radio serial depicting this value

Discernment

“You shall judge a man by his foes as well as by his friends.”

- Joseph Conrad

Discernment implies good judgment. It is a mental process that helps us to perceive the differences between good and bad enabling us to sift between valuables and non-valuables. In this materialistic world, we are exposed to numerous allurements through sensual attractions and advertisements. We are faced with numerous choices to choose from. It helps us to assess our actions in the background of the ideals and values we cherish.

Discernment should be exercised honestly in the full light of critical thinking and deliberate reflection. It considers the facts and rejects thoughts and feelings that are biased and prejudiced. Discernment exposes hypocrisy, false self-pride, pretence and looks at reality in a perceptive way. It helps people to refine their character, gives scope for the practice of the values of integrity, sincerity, frankness and openness. Discernment gives insight in to problems, creates clarity of vision and develops an open mind.

Illustration

The Zufi Bayazid says this about himself: “I was revolutionary when I was young and all my prayer to God was: ‘Lord, give me the energy to change the world’.

“As I approached middle age and realised that half my life was gone without my changing a single soul, I changed my prayer to: ‘Lord, give me the grace to change myself!’ After this I found changes in myself and others. If I had prayed for this gift right from the start I would not have wasted half my life.”

Discernment Can Be Cultivated through

• Assessing one’s potentials, aptitudes, skills and talents
• Analysing processes and procedures of action in the light of the goals to be accomplished
• Probing the depths of our inner being in consonance with our inner voice
• Weighing friendships for their good or bad influence on individuals
• Subjecting one’s opinions to critical investigation to rectify bias or prejudice
• Probing the deep implications of advertisements, films, fashions, drugs and so on
• Opting for changes and innovations only after estimating their importance and genuineness
• Sifting all things to determine their intrinsic worth.

Exercises

• Recognize situations where discernment is needed
• What are the positive effects of discernment?
• Recollect some persons who have practised discernment.
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk-song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting, T.V. or radio serial depicting this value

Excellence

“Lives of all great men remind us, we can make our lives sublime.”

- Longfellow

Excellence means to be extremely good or competent. It instils in a person a longing for perfection in all spheres of activity, whether individual or collective. You become engaged in ceaseless industry and dogged persistence, till the task is accomplished. Excellence manifests a restlessness that is only satisfied by exceptional performance. Average mediocrity is not enough. It does not live on praise and recognition either.

Excellence evaluates its performance from time to time, to devise means of improving its end-product. It is open to criticism and suggestions, and studies them objectively to enrich the quality and the quantity of production. It develops a spirit of enquiry, research, perseverance and constancy always looking for new ideas, views, experiments and creative and innovative thinking. It exhibits determinations, drives us to give our best to make our work outstanding, and infuses mastery and love for quality work. Excellence always looks for perfection.

Narration

Blondin, the famous tight-rope walker of America once balanced himself across a thin wire high above Niagara Falls, while hundreds of gaping spectators held their breaths. When the incredible walk feat was accomplished and the applause had died down, Blondin called out: “Do you believe that I can do it again?” A tremendous roar of assent went up from the crowd. “All right,” shouted Blondin with great confidence, “who will sit on my shoulders as I make the return trip?” He was Excelling in tight rope walking because of his determination, hard work and perseverance.

Excellence Can Be Cultivated through

• Working hard to shine in life
• Maintaining our working place clean and tidy
• Beautifying the surroundings of our home
• Doing our works as perfectly as possible
• Practising the art of evaluation and critical analysis after major undertakings
• Aiming at quality performance in all that we do
• Making critical assessment of various activities
• Realizing that individual’s excellence contributes to national excellence.

Exercises

• Recognize situations where excellence is operative.
• Identify people who have practised this value.
• Compare and contrast excellence and mediocrity.
• What are the positive results of excellence?
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk-song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting, T.V. or radio serial depicting this value.

Honesty

“An honest man is the noblest work of God.”

- A. Pope

Honesty means truthfulness. It is a quality within an individual that urges a person to be true to oneself and to others. Honesty does not permit any camouflage or duplicity. It shows no deception. It is actualized by a person’s ability to stand up for one’s convictions, honouring one’s commitments. Honesty ennobles a person’s character, establishes a person’s reputation as a trustworthy individual, and brings respectability. There is no treasure as rich as honesty. Honesty brings peace of mind and happiness. It stands by convictions and right discernment and its demands firmness of mind and upright thinking.

Illustration

A boy went to a lady’s house to sell some berries he had picked. “Yes I’ll buy some,” said the lady as she took the pail and went inside. Without concern for the berries, the boy stayed at the door, whistling to some birds parched in a cage. “Don’t you want to come in and see that I don’t take more than I should? How do you know that I won’t cheat you?” she asked. The boy answered: “I’m not worried. Besides, you’d get the worst of it.” “Get the worst of it?” said the lady. “What you mean by that?” “Oh, I would only lose a few berries, but you would make yourself a thief.”

Honesty Can Be Cultivated through

• Obeying the dictates of one’s conscience
• Displaying correspondence between thoughts, words and deeds
• Accepting one’s potentialities and limitations and not hiding them from others
• Speaking truth on all occasions
• Admitting one’s faults truthfully
• Giving correct account of money spent
• Repaying loans, respecting the conditions attached to them
• Refraining from partiality
• Accepting full responsibility for works done
• Not deceiving others, avoiding copying in examinations
• Obeying rules and regulations
• Not giving or taking bribes
• Not transacting black money
• Having no part in evil practices such as smuggling, hoarding, adulteration, etc.
• Earning one’s livelihood by honest and genuine means.

Exercises

• Recognize situations where honesty and dishonesty are practised.
• Identify honesty and its fruits.
• Discover life-situations where honesty has to be practised.
• Analyse the problems that arise due to dishonesty and suggested remedies
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk-song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting, T.V. or radio serial depicting this value.

Hope

“Hope is like the glittering ray of the sun that annihilates all darkness.”

- S. Ignacimuthu

Hope is expectation with some confidence of some fulfilment. Deep in the heart of every person God has implanted a seed of hope. Hope looks on life with optimism. It cherishes a desire for good with the expectation of obtaining it and takes a positive attitude to action, discovering opportunities for success. Hope continues and strives hard resisting the temptation to quit. Trust prevails even in situations of hopelessness and problems are taken as challenges. Hope dispels despair.

Hope dreams in a big way. It is not weighed down by obstacles or setbacks. Defeats are used as a stepping stone to success. It spreads optimism and builds self-esteem. Hope focuses its attention on the worth of people instead of dwelling on their defects. It is not embittered by misunderstandings. It is confident in the inherent goodness of persons. Hope stands the test of time and is relevant for all ages. It anticipates future success and brings cheerfulness and confidence.

Illustration

Thomas Edison lost two million dollars’ worth of equipment and the record of much of his life’s work, when the Edison industries were destroyed by fire in 1914.

Edison’s son Charles, rushing about to find his father, at last, spotted him standing near the fire, his white hair blown with the winter wind. His heart ached for his aged father.

Edison saw Charles and shouted: “Where is your mother?” Find her. Bring her here. She will never see anything like this again as long as she lives.”

The next morning, walking among the ashes of so many of his hopes and dreams, the 67 year old Edison said “There is a great value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew.”

Hope Can Be Cultivated through

• Placing one’s trust and confidence in God at every circumstance
• Fighting against dejection and discouragement
• Having an optimistic attitude to life
• Developing trust and confidence in the improvement of others
• Using failures as stepping stones to success
• Helping others to rise above their difficulties
• Avoiding inferiority complex
• Being optimistic
• Focusing one’s attention on the positive aspect of life
• Encouraging others not to get dejected.

Exercises

• Recall some events from your life where hope has helped you to move forward.
• Identify situations of hopelessness and suggest remedy.
• Think of some people from your life experience who had acted with great hope at times of adversity.
• What are the positive effects of hope?
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk-song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting, T.V. or radio serial depicting this value

Maturity

“Maturity begins when we are content to feel we are right about something without feeling the necessity to prove someone else wrong.”

- Sydney Harris

Maturity is the blossoming of a person’s character in to a unified totality. It develops a balance emotional outlook, helping the individual to accept oneself with all the talents and limitations. It also helps to accept others as they are. Maturity assumes responsibility for one’s actions. It is accountable; it constantly assesses, judges and takes appropriate decisions. Maturity analyses values ant internalizes them constantly. It helps us to face emotional crises.

It is a gradual process that comes with self-knowledge and self-realisation. It shapes a person into a responsible adult helping him/her to overcome inferiority complex. It gives the serenity to accept what cannot be changed and the courage to change what can be. It gives the wisdom to know the difference between what is balanced and what is not balanced. Maturity helps to develop self-control as well as respect for others. It helps us to live by our convictions.

Illustration

Socrates was once asked by one of his disciples: “Why is it, sir, that you tell everybody who wants to become your disciple to look into this pond and tell him what he sees?”

“That is very simple, my friend,” answered the sage, “I am ready to accept all those who tell me they see the fish swimming around. But those who see only their own image mirrored in the water are in love their ego. I have no use for them.”

Maturity Can Be Cultivated through

• Adhering to regular programmes for studies, reading, reduce eating, etc.
• Participating in through provoking discussions
• Listening attentively to the opinion of others
• Recognizing one’s potentials and limitations
• Having self-control with respect to moods and feelings
• Being what one really is
• Understanding others as they are
• Not being easily swayed by the influence of others.

Exercises

• Identify mature persons and their life-style.
• What are the benefits of being a mature person?
• Recall life-situations when you or others have acted with maturity.
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk-song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting, T.V. or radio serial depicting this value

Regularity and Punctuality

“I have always been a quarter of an hour before time, and it has made a man of me.”

- Nelson

Regularity is the habit that contributes to the development of character. It exhibits the qualities of steadiness and constancy. It regulates and systematizes a person’s life. Regularity disciplines a person and negates any erratic and disorderly way of life. Punctuality manifests an appreciation and sensitivity for the value of time commitments. When punctuality is practised judiciously, it curtails any drain of a person’s precious movements.

Punctuality maximizes a person’s span of life. When punctuality is practised habitually, it develops peace, calmness, tranquillity and self-confidence. Punctuality wins the respect of others. Our effectiveness will depend on the punctuality and regularity we practise. When we are unfaithful to keep an appointment, we prove ourselves dishonest and unreliable.

“Take time to think, it is the source of power Take time to play, it is the secret of perpetual youth Take time to read, it is the foundation of wisdom Take time to pray, it is the greatest power on earth Take time to love and to be loved. It is a God-given privilege Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul.”

- Anonymous

Regularity and Punctuality Can Be Cultivated through

• Making it a habit of rising punctuality and regularity each morning
• Being on time for various activities
• Keeping to one’s promises
• Avoiding tardiness and lethargy
• Fulfilling time bound, goal-oriented programmes
• Being faithful to all appointments with others
• Adhering to retiring at fixed time table – retiring at particular times
• Keeping and observing a regular time schedule.

Exercises

• Identify situations of punctuality and regularity.
• What are the effects of being regular and punctual?
• Recall the moments you have felt irritated when others failed to keep punctuality and regularity.
• Analyse the problems that might arise if we are not punctual and regular.
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk-song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting, T.V. or radio serial depicting this value.

Self-Confidence

“The confidence which we have in ourselves gives birth to much of that which we have in others.”

- Rochefoucauld

Self-confidence implies trust in oneself and in one’s ability. It contributes to the enrichment of human character.

Self-confidence creates an awareness of existence of various abilities in us, gives us the boldness to face difficulties and problems, and helps us to build our human potential. It makes us think positively and develops in us self-respect and optimism. Self-confidence is the first secret of success.

Parable

“Who among you will take up the duty of feeding the hungry?” Lord Buddha asked his followers when famine raged at Shravasti. Ratnakar, the banker, hung his head and said: “Much more is needed than all my wealth to feed the hungry.” Jaysen, the chief of the king’s army, said: “I would gladly give my life’s blood, but there is not enough food in my house.” Dharampal, who owned broad acres of land, said with a sigh: “The drought demon has sucked my fields dry. I know not how to pay the king’s dues.” Then rose Supriya, the mendicant’s daughter. She bowed to all and meekly said: “I will feed the hungry.” “How?” they cried in a surprise. How can you hope to fulfil that vow?” “I am the poorest of you all,” said Supriya, “and that is my strength. I have my coffer and my store at each of your houses.”

Self-confidence can be cultivated through

• Learning to make one’s own choices and decisions
• Developing a strategy of accomplishing a goal
• Developing a sense of creativity
• Training oneself to assume responsibility
• Learning to maintain self-discipline
• Discovering one’s aptitudes
• Forming one’s own judgment with respect to the policies and achievements.

Exercises

• Recognize occasions where self-confidence is operative.
• Identify the moments in your life when you acted with self-confidence.
• What are the advantages of being self-confident?
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk-song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting, T.V. or radio serial depicting this value.

Self-motivation

“They are able because, they think they are able.”

- Virgil

Self-motivation is the mental determination and will go to achieve what we want. It is the key to happiness and success in life. Self-motivation has two dimensions. One is mental-related to mind. It prompts us to think where we want to go and what we want to do. The other is related to action. It goads us to act and to achieve what we desire. Self-motivated persons determine the goals and act strongly to achieve them.

In order to be motivated, one must be self-confident. The most important point in self-motivation is to believe in one’s self. Belief in one’s self is the very basis of successful self-motivation. Belief in one’s self helps to develop positive attitudes. Faith in one’s self, faith in others and faith in God will help us move mountains. If we want to improve our positions in life, if we want to be happier and more successful, if we want to set newer records, if we want to do anything at all even though it may seem utterly impossible, we must get self-motivated.

Illustration

Edison, the greatest inventor the world has known, had a resolute self-confidence. Edison was not able to get along with teachers and students and hence he discontinued his studies. He received only four years of formal schooling. But he taught himself, by reading Physics and Chemistry books and the Bible and setting up a small laboratory at home. Despite constant financial problems Edison was on the creative rampage. He became one of the best scientists due to his self-motivation.

A friend of Thomas Edison asked him about the results of his experiments.

Thomas Edison exclaimed, marvelling at the bewildering total of his failures, namely, 50,000 experiments, before he succeeded with the new storage battery: “Results,” he said , “why man, I have gotten lots of results: I know 50,000 things won’t work.”

Motivation Can Be Cultivated through

• Making a list of goals in one’s life, arranging them in the order of priority and setting a date to reach them
• Listing the steps one must take to reach one’s goals
• Listing the qualities of personal behaviour to reach these goals
• Identifying the qualities one lacks to achieve these goals
• Overcoming the negative qualities
• Thinking positively about all things including one’s self
• Accepting the best and always doing the best
• Focusing on one’s goal constantly and visualizing them as being fulfilled
• Looking forward and far ahead
• Willing to pay the price to achieve one’s goals
• Believing in one’s self.

Exercises

• Recall the moments in your life when you acted with self-motivation.
• What are the advantages of being self-motivated?
• Compare persons with self-motivation and lack of self-motivation.
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk-song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting, T.V. or radio serial depicting this value.

Simplicity

“Simplicity of character is the natural result of profound thought.”

- Hazlitt

Simplicity refers to being unassuming, ordinary and without artificiality. Simplicity of character is the natural result of profound thought. It is the hallmark of true greatness.

Simplicity avoids unnecessary and careless spending on superfluous and luxurious things. It cultivates simple living life style and self-discipline, shuns pomp and show. It makes a person very humble and human and does not stand on formalities. It relates to all and sundry without any distinctions of status. It prompts us to reach out to the poor and lonely. Simplicity casts out all envy and jealousy.

Illustration

Once, a young man was travelling by train to Paris. After some time he noticed that the simple-looking man seated in front of him took out his rosary and began to pray. The young man thought: “It is interesting to see the faith of these simple people; they are so old fashioned. Nowadays no one is taking the rosary seriously any more. I would never be seen praying the rosary like that, least of all in public.” These were the thoughts of the young collage graduate as he watched the other man slowly moving the beads through his fingers. At last, when the man slowly finished his rosary, the young college graduate decided to speak to him and ask his name. Imagine what his surprise was when the old man replied: “Louis Pasteur.” “Not Louis Pasteur, the great scientist?” “Who else?” replied Pasteur. The young college graduate immediately felt very humble reflecting on the humility of the great man.

Simplicity Can Be Cultivated through

• Controlling carefully one’s expenses
• Requesting and using only the basic essentials
• Avoiding misuse of things
• Curtailing lavish expenditure on different occasions especially during various celebrations
• Practising simplicity in living and dress
• Overcoming the temptation pomp and show
• Respecting all people, even the poor
• Avoiding use of force and power when dealing with people
• Avoiding show-off in our activities.

Exercises

• Recollect to your mind some people who have been simple.
• Recall the moments when you have practised simplicity.
• What are the positive results of being simple?
• Think of a news item, short story, magazine article, literary piece, skit, street play, folk-song, poem, film, biography, photo, painting.

- Dr. S. Ignacimuthu
Former Vice Chancellor
University OF MADRAS