Hi and a big thank you for your time on Lost in Labyrinth.
Recently I read something that brought to effect a changed perspective. It is quite intriguing to me and I have often been surprised by how influences come from the most unlikely of places. In 2007 I read a masterpiece " Freakonomics" co-authored by economist Steve Levitt and New York Times journalist Stephen J Dubner. The book had me at the prologue. The book opens on the discussion of surging crime rates in US for about three decades between 1960s to 1990s. Even the most pessimistic estimate stated that the crime rates would double. Everyone was scared. The Republicans and Democrats agreed alike that violent crimes are out of hand and the criminals are only getting younger. They tried everything in their power- better policing, reintroduction of capital punishment, boasting a strong economy, or demise of crack epidemic to check this menace but failed miserably. But in early 1990s, to everyone's amazement, somehow the numbers started dwindling. But what lead to this unprecedented and wildly unexpected turnaround? A theory that surfaced was quirky but had great explanatory power. You see, the US Supreme Court legalized abortion in all 50 states that lead to sharp decline in unwanted pregnancies. These abortions resulted in plunging numbers of uncared for, uneducated youth which were more drawn to these criminal activities. Surprising isn't it but probable, hell yeah!!
In one of my previous episodes 'Stamping Lives' I narrated how we are caught up in the circle of influence-both receiving and imparting...sharing my experiences as a parent.
We Hindus observed Janmashtmi recently and it was on this occasion I read the following that changed my world view significantly.
While the battle of Kurukshetra was at its peak, Arjun and Karan were fighting each other ferociously. As the legend goes, the flurry of arrows were being exchanged and even the gods were witnessing this epic battle between the two warriors. Arjun would shoot his arrows and impact was such that Karan's chariot would be pushed back by 25-30 feet. Karan was no less. When he shot his arrow the chariot of Arjun would be pushed back too for about a couple of feet. Every time Karan's arrow hit Arjun's chariot, Krishna would applaud Karan wholeheartedly. Not once in the whole battle he complimented Arjun for his performance. Puzzled at the end of the day, Arjun asked, " O Lord, I shot so many arrows that displaced Karan's chariot like a feather in the wind, but not once you appreciated. While when Karan moved my chariot only a little you showered him so generously with your praise?" Krishna smiled and replied, " Dear Arjun remember your chariot is protected by Hanuman on the flag at the top. You have me as a the charioteer in the front and Sheshnaag at the wheels. And yet when valiant Karan would hit us the chariot would get inched away. On the other hand Karan is fighting audaciously on his own." This made Arjun realise he had to fight with the best of what he got. It is said that after the battle of Kurukshetra was over, Krishna refused to alight the chariot before Arjun. Once Krishna got off the chariot was up in flames and was soon reduced to dust.
Ever felt, how sometimes your adversary, influences your action and challenges you in a fashion that is very stimulating. Often we carry a negative emotion towards people we feel impugn us. And yet they drive us to excel.
Steve Jobs and Bill Gates is the closest example I can think of. They were starkly different personalities united in their love for technology. Their 'frenemy' relationship time and again proved how your nemesis can be your biggest driving force. Jobs mentioned Gates as someone with a bad taste who was not good in getting creative ideas and going in minor details. Whereas Bill Gates looked down upon Steve Jobs for being arrogant and his inability to do coding. However their love for technology was so great that when Apple was sinking it was funding from Bill Gates that caused Apple to rebound. Gates has been public with his remark that Steve Jobs is a visionary and really inspires him!
The world of sports is replete with such examples. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are not only the closest of buddies but have a great mutual admiration for one another. The couple have fought each other for 16 years on the ATP tour and are just one Grand Slam title apart on top of all-time list. Austrian racer Nikki Lauda and British F1 driver James Hunt is another glorious instance.
So my dear listeners, I today share with you this most recent lesson into respecting our rivals. Always keep an open mind when you are challenged and toil hard towards victory without directing your contention to hatred. Always always keep your efforts the center of your attention and not the person who you are challenging. Be honest in your appreciation. A worthy opponent only amplifies your performance, enabling you to learn and grow.
With the following parting thought I wish you a positive outlook and a happy weekend.
"Of all torments, all the cares,
With which our lives are curst,
Of all the plagues a lover bears,
Sure rivals are the worst!
By partners in each other kind,
Afflictions easier grow;
In love alone we hate to find
Companions of our woe! "
Goodbye!
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