It’s true that the ultimate aim of human life is achieving happiness. In seeking happiness, man strives to grab power, acquire fame or popularity, satisfy his prejudices or earn wealth. The destination is the same, but the modes or means are varied.
History across the globe witnessed many emperors, many warriors, many artists et.al. who suffer from an instinct called success. The world and its inhabitants crave success only not failure. The people failed or fail ought to face utter humiliation in every arena.
Human society has got an untoward prejudice namely discrimination since its evolution. The difference it shows towards ill-fated people is absurd. It includes the difference between the haves and have nots, winners and losers, able and disabled etc, etc. Human beings are preoccupied with an incorrigible mindset, which knowingly or unknowingly motivates successful people and discourages failed ones.
Aren’t the common people eligible to enjoy their lives? Society, media and family compare ordinary person’s life with extraordinary people. If the ordinary person doesn’t exist, extraordinary people can’t survive or excel in their careers. To be a celebrity in films, sports, business or technology, they need the support and cooperation of common citizens. But, the system undermines and humiliates the common man, while simultaneously exaggerating the tasks of successful people.
However, it’s deplorable to know that these achievers regret their arduous journey of success and realize the true essence of human life only in the end.
The emperor Alexander’s last words were” When you bury my body, don’t build any momentum and keep my hands outside so that the world knows that the person who won the whole world had nothing in his hand while dying.”
Even the most famous business tycoon Warren Buffet expresses similar emotions regarding success and realizes that he isolated himself from fellow human beings in the midst of his hectic schedule. He reiterates that compassion, love and philanthropy are more indispensable in human life than any other thing.
This doesn’t mean that one shouldn’t strive for success, one can, but not at the cost of his life, space or emotions; as well as at the cost of others’ lives.
” Human life is far more important than just getting to the top of a mountain.”
Dr. K Saroja Devi
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