Lessons to learn in modern age

Mukhtar Karim

Throughout human history, mankind have not been too adept to learn from events whether these be of their making or natural occurrences.

This perhaps is more true now than it was before which should not be the case given the information technology making access to information at the touch of a button or not even that. But those who actually learn the lessons from the dramatic shifts across the world still remain in a relative minority.

History is an excellent foundation but the present is what you are living through and defining and adopting it as you go along. In another sense, what we do today will determine what the future may look like. Hence, the past, the present and the future are a continuous time line.

The state and its operatives are perhaps more powerful now than ever before. The ‘individual’ welfare is predominantly controlled and guided by state forces. The ability of individuals to affect change even at very personal is very much curtailed. The might of state sets the agenda and provides the direction, this is more so in the political and economic dynamics of society.

My objective here is to focus on what an individual needs to accomplish a more productive and rewarding life, leaving the state aside.

In contemporary society, wealth does not only determine one’s status but also one’s intellect. A rich person is usually considered wise, more in know-how and able to live a sumptuous life. The pressure is to focus on acquiring and accumulating wealth instead of focusing on developing intellect.

Wealth itself is considered to make you wise and sane. An intellectual is not heard the way a rich person is suggesting that the focus should entirely be on amassing wealth.

Secondly, politics is an integral part of routine life and understanding it will help to manage contacts, networks and relationships. Understanding and learning political skills help’s to stay intact outwardly.

Moreover, religion is not a determining force in current era. It must be kept to self instead of trying to impose it on others. Making religion a personal affair will add comfort and security in life. Religion has lost its relevance in major decisions of world.

Moreover, you need to find new skills and abilities with changing world. According to estimates, human beings will soon be replaced by robotics. Tomorrow, your skills will become obsolete and you will lose the tempo to walk along the changing world. Instead of thinking of what is required today, you need to think how long my skills are relevant for the tomorrow’s world.

Furthermore, psychological diseases such as depression and anxiety will be more common. The space for entertainment, recreation and relaxation will become more important.

This would require careful timetabling in the daily life. Hectic schedule of life sometimes does not allow one to spend time with one’s self  thus managing mental well-being will become crucial.

Finally, avoid arguing on the subjects which are irrelevant such as political parties, world conflicts, leaderships etc. You need to learn to take your side. What benefits you in one or another way must be point of interest. Sometimes, I have seen people arguing on Toyota car and Honda car which they have bought. The owner of Toyota keeps telling its features and same goes with the owner of Honda. There is a need to appreciate that on a car has been brought and not the company. The company has its own marketing team with better skills.

These lessions are very imperative for a productive life. Otherwise, indulging in such activities and discussions in reality are unproductive. The understanding of the present trends and grasping what is required will help to make life more rewarding.