The De-Conditioning of a Conditioned Mind

So, if this de-conditioning was possible for him, why should it not be possible for others? What is the importance of de-conditioning? It is the only way to intellectual development. It is a generally accepted fact that education is an important tool for personality development. But at the same time, one must try to de-condition one’s mind; otherwise one cannot receive the fruits of education in their totality. I know a person belonging to a minority community who was obsessed with the concept of discrimination. He said that, without there being positions reserved for members of minority groups, he could not find a good job in this country. I said: “No, at present you are thinking in terms of discrimination, but please revise your thinking and try to understand the matter in terms of excellence.” I reminded him of a well-known saying: ‘There is always room at the top.’ I said that if you were an average student, then you might face some kind of discrimination, not only in this country but elsewhere in the world, but if you enhanced your efforts, if you became a topper in your institution, then you would certainly achieve the job you desired. I said that discrimination had a limit and you could cross that limit only by dedication and hard work. The said student accepted my advice and started rethinking. He increased his efforts and the result was miraculous. He got first class marks and, of course, he was offered a good job in some institution. Those who look only at external factors invariably underestimate their own capacity. But those who discover themselves become free of this obsession and can meet all challenges.