When Darwin framed his theory of evolution, he said that for any individual organism of a species to survive, it must adapt to the changes in its surroundings. In the case of humans, the changes are rapid. Though funny it might seem, it is the only constant throughout our life. If we must survive in this highly competitive world, we must adapt fast to the changes taking place in our world. If we don’t, then we will be trodden underfoot, forgotten and left behind to rot. One who adapts better to the changes ensures his/her survival. Those who don’t adapt, well I think not even god cares about them these days.
It is one thing to accept the change, but an entirely different game to adapt to these changes. One can easily accept the changes, but how he faces the changes and performs under these new conditions brought about by the change determines his survival. It is happening so rapidly that we are left gaping at the distance by which we have fallen short of the times in so short a period. It has gone to such an extent that the gap that can be called ‘Generation Gap’ has fallen to 4 years. Change is taking place so fast, I am forced to comment that one day, change itself will be left behind as a time will come when we predict what the next change is, days or even months in advance.
It throws up one important question- where are rushing towards? To what end and purpose is our journey? What do we intend to achieve with all these changes? What is the need for the scientific, technological, political, economic and sociological development if those who can handle these changes and adapt effectively to these changes constitute only a minor fraction of the entire population? The answer is not known to anyone I am quite sure. We embrace change to survive, but this change itself jeapordises our survival and continual existence. All the advancements in science, technology and other fields are pursued keeping in mind the well being of the people and to provide a better life to all of us. That is the reason given for scientific, technological and political endeavours. But isn’t it ironical that these are the very same efforts that make our life more difficult?
I am forced to question the purpose of development as we have now come to call the changes that we make to our understanding and interpretation of science, technology and economics and also the changes that we bring about in our world. Aren’t these the changes the very same thing that threatens the livelihoods of people and makes life more difficult for them? We discovered radioactivity and put it to the wrong use. We make computers, cell-phones, vehicles, factories but aren’t these that force people to be overworked and under-paid and aren’t these the ones leading to exploitation of the consumers and aren’t their activities damaging our environment? Hasn’t the changes brought about more disturbance than well-being? Wouldn’t we have been better off without these changes? The changes are benefiting only the rich and powerful, which constitute only a small minority of this world and if one argues that this the scenario of survival of the fittest, then I see no point in the so called human rights and the claims that all of us are created equal but gives sound backing to the words that some are more equal than others. Our environment is being polluted- the air we breathe poisoned to manufacture goods, water is being used up by industries reducing availability for our basic needs, land is being polluted by fertilizers and pesticides to satisfy our need for industrial scale agriculture and cash crops.
Laptops, tablets and mobile phones have penetrated our homes and brought offices to our homes. People spend more time at work than with their families, people get to see less and less of their kids and more of their bosses who they don't like. Blood pressure, diabetes and stress disorders are on the rise and this is in a world where there are people dying of hunger of malnutrition in our own country. What this shows is not the inequality but also the purposeless and useless development model that we currently follow.
Equal advancement, opportunities and well being for all was the stated claim for learning more about world which is the purpose of science (the word science comes from the latin word scientia which means to know). The changes all have this same purpose as their stated reason, but clearly, the world has never been more distinctly divided in to the rich and poor, into strong and powerful. So, where is this taking us? Undoubtedly, we are moving into a world more dominated by the rich, and the poor will be left at the mercy of the rich, most of whom, do not have a good reputation of being considerate towards others. What it means is that the rich will become richer and this will come at the expense of the poor, who will be pushed down into greater poverty. A few rich ones will control the and exploit this world for their benefit and they will do this without considering the impact of their actions on the world and the environment. It is clear that, the richest nations are the ones that cause the maximum damage to the environment. This is where the current changes are leading us. We must ask ourselves, is this what we want? No, definitely not. We want a world where there is equality, freedom, liberty and rights as well as duties. Although for centuries these ideals have been talked and incorporated into the constitutions of many countries including ours, it is a matter of concern whether this has been actually implemented in these nations. Utilize advancements in science, technology and other fields to bring about welfare for the masses and this is something called inclusive growth where everyone gets a share of the development.
So the million dollar question is-in what ways can we change ourselves or how can we equip ourselves to survive in this world? I do not claim to present a complete solution or a comprehensive answer to the question that I have raised as it something that my age and lack of experience with the world doesn’t permit me to do. But I do make an attempt at this-
We must be willing to work hard in pursuit of success and our goals
Do have concern for one’s fellow beings and for the environment
One must not hesitate to speak openly and when necessary, should raise one’s voice for the righteous cause
Think differently, think about the world and the issues facing the world and think about the changes that you can bring about in this world
We live in age of information where the information you possess can determine whether you succeed or fail and so be upto-date with the world happenings
Think and act and do things for the common good of all
Fight against or atleast oppose corruption and injustice
Grab the opportunities that come your way and utilise it to the fullest
Teamwork is important. In a team, you have certain skills and you don’t posses all the skills that the team requires. Contribute what you can with what you have and be ready to accept your teammates; remember, if you can’t beat them, join them. Fight against those weaker than you but never against your equals or those stronger than you. Make peace with them for your own benefit.
Most importantly, be the change you want to see in this world.
One can say that these are the ways to survive and compete successfully in any field, but I wish to say that these have special significance in the current scenario, especially the ones about teamwork, grabbing your opportunities and collecting and using the information to one’s advantage.
Together we can make a better world where there is equality, freedom, rights and duties, justice and all are happy. Although this might seem a distant dream, it is with dreams that all change originates and it is with a dream that one man achieved equality for an entire community in U.S.
It is one thing to accept the change, but an entirely different game to adapt to these changes. One can easily accept the changes, but how he faces the changes and performs under these new conditions brought about by the change determines his survival. It is happening so rapidly that we are left gaping at the distance by which we have fallen short of the times in so short a period. It has gone to such an extent that the gap that can be called ‘Generation Gap’ has fallen to 4 years. Change is taking place so fast, I am forced to comment that one day, change itself will be left behind as a time will come when we predict what the next change is, days or even months in advance.
It throws up one important question- where are rushing towards? To what end and purpose is our journey? What do we intend to achieve with all these changes? What is the need for the scientific, technological, political, economic and sociological development if those who can handle these changes and adapt effectively to these changes constitute only a minor fraction of the entire population? The answer is not known to anyone I am quite sure. We embrace change to survive, but this change itself jeapordises our survival and continual existence. All the advancements in science, technology and other fields are pursued keeping in mind the well being of the people and to provide a better life to all of us. That is the reason given for scientific, technological and political endeavours. But isn’t it ironical that these are the very same efforts that make our life more difficult?
I am forced to question the purpose of development as we have now come to call the changes that we make to our understanding and interpretation of science, technology and economics and also the changes that we bring about in our world. Aren’t these the changes the very same thing that threatens the livelihoods of people and makes life more difficult for them? We discovered radioactivity and put it to the wrong use. We make computers, cell-phones, vehicles, factories but aren’t these that force people to be overworked and under-paid and aren’t these the ones leading to exploitation of the consumers and aren’t their activities damaging our environment? Hasn’t the changes brought about more disturbance than well-being? Wouldn’t we have been better off without these changes? The changes are benefiting only the rich and powerful, which constitute only a small minority of this world and if one argues that this the scenario of survival of the fittest, then I see no point in the so called human rights and the claims that all of us are created equal but gives sound backing to the words that some are more equal than others. Our environment is being polluted- the air we breathe poisoned to manufacture goods, water is being used up by industries reducing availability for our basic needs, land is being polluted by fertilizers and pesticides to satisfy our need for industrial scale agriculture and cash crops.
Laptops, tablets and mobile phones have penetrated our homes and brought offices to our homes. People spend more time at work than with their families, people get to see less and less of their kids and more of their bosses who they don't like. Blood pressure, diabetes and stress disorders are on the rise and this is in a world where there are people dying of hunger of malnutrition in our own country. What this shows is not the inequality but also the purposeless and useless development model that we currently follow.
Equal advancement, opportunities and well being for all was the stated claim for learning more about world which is the purpose of science (the word science comes from the latin word scientia which means to know). The changes all have this same purpose as their stated reason, but clearly, the world has never been more distinctly divided in to the rich and poor, into strong and powerful. So, where is this taking us? Undoubtedly, we are moving into a world more dominated by the rich, and the poor will be left at the mercy of the rich, most of whom, do not have a good reputation of being considerate towards others. What it means is that the rich will become richer and this will come at the expense of the poor, who will be pushed down into greater poverty. A few rich ones will control the and exploit this world for their benefit and they will do this without considering the impact of their actions on the world and the environment. It is clear that, the richest nations are the ones that cause the maximum damage to the environment. This is where the current changes are leading us. We must ask ourselves, is this what we want? No, definitely not. We want a world where there is equality, freedom, liberty and rights as well as duties. Although for centuries these ideals have been talked and incorporated into the constitutions of many countries including ours, it is a matter of concern whether this has been actually implemented in these nations. Utilize advancements in science, technology and other fields to bring about welfare for the masses and this is something called inclusive growth where everyone gets a share of the development.
So the million dollar question is-in what ways can we change ourselves or how can we equip ourselves to survive in this world? I do not claim to present a complete solution or a comprehensive answer to the question that I have raised as it something that my age and lack of experience with the world doesn’t permit me to do. But I do make an attempt at this-
We must be willing to work hard in pursuit of success and our goals
Do have concern for one’s fellow beings and for the environment
One must not hesitate to speak openly and when necessary, should raise one’s voice for the righteous cause
Think differently, think about the world and the issues facing the world and think about the changes that you can bring about in this world
We live in age of information where the information you possess can determine whether you succeed or fail and so be upto-date with the world happenings
Think and act and do things for the common good of all
Fight against or atleast oppose corruption and injustice
Grab the opportunities that come your way and utilise it to the fullest
Teamwork is important. In a team, you have certain skills and you don’t posses all the skills that the team requires. Contribute what you can with what you have and be ready to accept your teammates; remember, if you can’t beat them, join them. Fight against those weaker than you but never against your equals or those stronger than you. Make peace with them for your own benefit.
Most importantly, be the change you want to see in this world.
One can say that these are the ways to survive and compete successfully in any field, but I wish to say that these have special significance in the current scenario, especially the ones about teamwork, grabbing your opportunities and collecting and using the information to one’s advantage.
Together we can make a better world where there is equality, freedom, rights and duties, justice and all are happy. Although this might seem a distant dream, it is with dreams that all change originates and it is with a dream that one man achieved equality for an entire community in U.S.
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