The Secret of Success

decision in future," or "I shall myself see to it that relations are never allowed to deteriorate." This is a more positive approach to take where there is some possibility of similar opportunities or situations recurring and it certainly keeps one emotionally stable and mentally healthy enough to tackle things in this way. In situations where there is no possibility of a second chance, it is better to resign oneself to things as they are and to view things in as detached a way as possible. The material gain from such an approach is the saving of time and energy which would otherwise be wasted by wallowing in self-pity. Bitter memories can be channeled by positive thinking into useful experiences—precious lessons for the future. It should be appreciated, too, that remaining constantly apprehensive about the future is just as bad as lamenting over the past, and no sound future can be built by adopting such a fearful and negative attitude. The Making and Breaking of History According to B. Tuchman, "History is the unfolding of miscalculation." In other words, history usually develops in a manner quite contrary to people's expectations. While events are unfolding, observers may pass judgement on the course they are taking; but the course of history defies all prediction, and in the end things turn out quite differently from what people had initially expected. Consider an example from Islamic history in the year 6 AH when the Treaty of Hudaybiyah was signed between the Prophet Muhammad and the Quraysh of Makkah. At that time the Quraysh were one in thinking that the Muslims had signed their own writ of destruction, for they accepted peace on terms which were clearly favourable to the Quraysh. Yet, it subsequently transpired that this apparent defeat contained the seeds of a great victory for the Muslims.