19 Jul 2013

We Have Been Taught...


We have been taught to study hard to get a good job. We have been taught that the only way of life is to get a good job, work hard, earn money, settle down, have kids and keep earning money for them. You have all the time to smell the roses when you’re dead, right? We have been taught never to question our teachers and superiors. We have been taught to fall in line and diligently complete all tasks our bosses give us in the ways they want. We have been taught that the best way to get off work-related frustration is to spend on expensive gadgets and clothes. They make us feel good. We have been taught (though indirectly) that the Big Boss, Balika Vadhu, and Roadies are the best things on TV now. We have been taught that it’s a dog-eat-dog world; that we must trample on others to move forward. We have been taught that sycophancy can (and will) take us places. We have been taught that it’s a sin to think different, and those who do, will not fit in this world. We have been taught to lay low and not raise a voice against oppression, or we will be crushed (despite us being larger in number than oppressors).

Think Different... here's why...

What we haven’t been taught is the truth… the truth that there are other ways to lead life like wanting less. What we must learn through ourselves is that almost everything we have been taught is a lie. Companies employ toppers from universities not because toppers are smarter, but because they have toed in line with teachers. They never challenged the status quo and will continue following norms in the corporate also. Resistance eliminated. We think expensive gizmos, clothes and eat-outs are respites from mundane, unfulfilling jobs. Do we have time to enjoy what we own? Or can we eat a meal in peace without being harrowed by calls and e-mails from office? This spending is not a respite from crappy jobs; it’s a method to ensure we stay stuck in them. So that companies can make us work the way they want. They create this insecurity in us about being unable to sustain the existing lifestyle if we don’t fit in. And we work against our will. We end up like cars on a manufacturing line; each one is the same as the other. Back in the days, 8-10 pm was always NEWS time for our parents, something that made them aware of happenings around them. Today, we’re hooked onto reality shows and soap operas, which keep us from becoming aware of what politicians and crooks are really up to. We’re more interested about what happened in Pavitra Rishta than inflation rates.

Are you really passionate about something? Are you willing to take a risk for it? If you won’t question the way things function, how will you make a difference? People won’t approve if you try something different, but the only approval you need is your own. If you want to do something different, know that you’ll stand alone, but you’ll stand apart. You can’t keep doing what everyone does and expect different results. So make a conscious choice to control your own life, to call your own shots. Start doing something today so that you don’t have to put up with bullshit tomorrow. Live your life like your actions will be published on the left hand side of the front page of leading newspapers. For all you know, someday they will.

image courtesy: Google Images

17 comments :

  1. Wow Vishal. That sounded so vehement and a little angry too :) But truth and nothing but the truth :)

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    1. It's something troubling me for years, Jaishree...

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  2. Ohh, a motivational end and a hope that things will change if we want it to change.. And its interesting the way you mentioned abt mundane work life when we can afford to earn a little less and enjoy a little more :) I wish we all knew how to enjoy life..

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    1. Thanks, Binu... We can enjoy life more... we just need to make a conscious choice to do so...

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  3. After Reading such articles how I have always wished life was less complicated than only what we have been taught. I am married and have a daughter.I have been taught...how to cook..work and take care my home & my family.I have been told how to be a good girl, a good wife, a good daughter-in-law..How I wish I could say that I want only Diamonds, gizmos and clothes & so we should work & listen to our bosses. Why don't we think that we have come after generations of people in each of our backgrounds, who would have worked hard, saved us from harsh weathers, hunted food for us, even as nomads to feed their next generation,why are we doing this.?? Only for undying social standing norms & lifestyle needs. I don't think so...there are many more things. With prices of petrol & vegetables soaring to sky high and my daughter's admission being charged at 1.2 Lakhs... iIthink it is beyond all this. It is now to give our children a better education, a safe home, a safe commute to school ,good food, and a hope that they will be able to lead a Happy Life .Why cant we all just burn down what we have created ( gizmos, lifestyle accessories,Expensive schools, Play stations, LED TV's , Bikes , Cars) go back to being in caves. Would that solve the problem or even then the stronger tribes would destroy the weaker tribe and we will end up building the same world we live in today...?? Think about it!! I think that's what my Papa kept telling me...that someday he wants to do this: "Ek jhola leke gaon chala jaunga aur thodi si khet karke sidhi sadhi zindagi mein rahunga...."

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    1. We don't have to go back to caves, neither am I advicing anyone to live in villages. But what you're doing now is also something that parents and society have taught you. For reasons you've listed, you are unable to quit your job even if you despise it and have to put up with people's tantrums, however much of talent you may have in other fields. That's what this post is about. Do you have a desire which burns stronger than raising a family? If no, this post is not for you. It is for those people who want to do something for what they believe in. No offense.

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    2. we all are a victim of what we have been taught. and perhaps, i too am doing what I have been taught. I agree its risky to get out of this. specially, if people are dependent on you.

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  4. It's easy to suggest things like this to others. What is difficult, however, is to live the life (you fantasize), be successful with it, and then advocate it to other people. By no means do I want to refuse the truth in your post, but there are good reasons why people do the 'mundane' things over 'risky' ones.

    Destination Infinity

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  5. Agree wholeheartedly. Life is not just about happy living but an awakend living and creating ur own nich. Swati

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    1. Thanks, Swati... By the way, I love your website...

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  6. Totally agree with your views. That was wonderfully penned down.

    And the question here is 'are you REALLY willing to take a risk for it'? If our actions suggest a yes, then we will surely see different results than what we have been seeing all this while.

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    1. Thanks, Purvesh... You've hit the hammer on the nail... Hope we'll be able to take forward what we've been talking about for years :)

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  7. Most of the frustration that you have expressed in your post not only stems from 'what we have been taught' but also from the fact that we consciously or unconsciously engage in the 'rat race'. Most of us judge ourselves and our achievements by comparing them with the person next to us or our peers. We never pause for a moment and compare ourselves now with ourselves yesterday, and that to me is another important reason why we feel frustrated with ourselves.

    Nice post...

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    1. Very true! You're spot on... We must desist from comparing our achievements with others; we must live our own lives. While others may have what we don't, bright chances are they don't have what we do.

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  8. Extremely insightful Article Vishal , and a well-deserved award too.

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