THE notion of success dictates the direction of youth and revolutionizes society for the better. Unfortunately, our social behaviours and attitudes often promote the idea that the key to success is amassing wealth and power which compels youngsters to chase these objectives. Those with such ambitions often prioritize wealth and influence, even if it means compromising their values through dishonesty. When young people, who are the bedrock of society, adopt this mindset, society loses its core human values. The concept of success is never accurately defined by such a social setup. Societies like these rush headlong into the depths of self-centeredness and materialism. Societies have historically achieved success by eliminating the destructive forces of power and wealth and focusing on the common good. Such societies have become the epitome of success and glory.
The Ikarian Society in Ikaria, Greece, is renowned as a “Blue Zone,” where individuals experience substantially longer and healthier lifespan. Ikaria focuses on community, sharing and supporting each other. The primary focus of the residents is on the overall welfare of the community rather than individual benefits, leading to a tight-knit social fabric. Communal activities they engage in include cooking together, sharing resources and taking care of the elderly. In a society that values selflessness, individuals discover fulfilment and purpose through their contributions to the common good, fostering a culture of generosity, empathy and solidarity. This society has been created by the collective efforts of a community craving a successful mindset.
Conversely, a thorough analysis of our society reveals a regrettable truth: selfishness and materialism have been detrimental to our young generation and hindering progress for many years. The most devastating fact is that our rich culture and values have been eroded by the evils of wealth and power accumulation. Adding value to the lives of others is the true definition of a successful life which calls for contributing positively to society and bringing about transformation in traditional societal structures. To live a successful life, one must approach others with a non-threatening attitude. A person’s success is intertwined with helping others achieve their best.
A successful person’s actions demonstrate their belief in the equality of all people. Such a mindset embraces challenges and uses patience and wisdom to overcome obstacles. Success is shown through resilience in the face of challenges and using pain as a catalyst for personal development. A man who achieves success sacrifices for others and draws inspiration from the success of others. Success is not self-centeredness, but rather putting others first so they can enjoy a life filled with happiness and joy. Self-improvement is the key to fulfilment for successful individuals who never stop learning.
When closely reflecting on our society, it becomes evident that we have failed to educate our youth about the essence of a successful life. We are developing mindsets that seek fame, wealth and power to exploit others for personal gains. Exploiting others has become a common practice in our society. When young individuals observe that material possessions and power are necessary for survival in society, they adopt the path that leads them toward acquiring wealth and power. In such societies, equality and freedom fade away and individuals take pride in crushing others to ensure their survival.
In societies like these, showing off power and wealth becomes a way to impress and make friends. Ironically, failed societies value these success stories, inspiring other youngsters to take the wrong path for materialistic success. The reflection of our society reveals that our understanding of success has been misguided. If we had taught our generation the real meaning of success, our society would be a peaceful community with positive qualities like tolerance, patience, coexistence, equality and freedom.
The prevalence of societal evils is a direct result of the flawed definition of success we’ve been imparting into the minds of individuals for years. Progress and prosperity are the natural result of societies that prioritize collective well-being. It’s perfectly fine to aspire to be wealthy and powerful. However, it must not come at the expense of ruining others’ lives. Today, we witness a sad reality where people outsmart others using unethical tactics, making this society the worst form of community. It is essential to overhaul our education system so that it can truly empower our youth to drive social development. Teaching our children the real definition of success will not only help them thrive but also enable them to positively impact others’ growth.
Understanding that the true meaning of life is to make others’ lives beautiful requires adopting a successful mindset. A mindset of success encompasses all virtues, rejecting any traces of selfishness and materialism. It is important to uplift social leaders who have committed themselves to bettering our society. It is our main duty to recognize and celebrate those who have devoted their lives to serving humanity. It’s important to teach our youngsters that success is not solely about wealth, but about maintaining a moral compass. Our youth must understand that it’s preferable to live with minimal resources than to stray from the right path for materialistic gains. We must all step forward and move in the right direction to make this a reality. While success is open to interpretation, it reminds us that a purposeless and self-centred life is wasteful. Embracing a true understanding of success is vital for personal growth in today’s world. Our society’s future depends on it; without it, darkness and chaos will prevail.
—The writer is an educationist and a Commoner from 44th Common, based in Sargodha.
Email: [email protected]
