Change with the Times

Change with the Times

1988 7 July 14 Change with the Times (341)

“They became the masters of change rather than the victims,”

In a travelogue published in the Urdu version of Al-Risala (March, 1988), mention has already been made of Shogo Katakura, a Japanese engineer whom I met in the Maldives. To one of my questions on the success of the Japanese, he replied that Japan’s geographical conditions caused his people to be constantly in quest of new ideas. He explained that in Japan, the seasons are quite distinct from each other, and that earthquakes and tempests cause repeated changes in the pattern of living. The Japanese are, therefore, frequently compelled to think of how they are going to face up to the new situations produced by constantly changing conditions.

This state of affairs has made the proclivity to go in search of new ideas a constant of the Japanese temperament. It is this temperament which worked for the Japanese after the destruction caused by the Second World War. Considering anew their whole situation in the light of changed circumstances, they devised fresh plans which would ensure their success as a nation. “They became the masters of change rather than the victims,” as one American commentator put it.

The path along which the journey of life is made is never a smooth one. Life is full of trials and tribulations, and individuals and nations alike are confronted by them. This is a state of affairs which has been brought into existence by the Creator Himself, and there is absolutely no way that it can be avoided.

In such a situation, there is only one way to human success: man must continue his journey despite all difficulties. He must summon up the courage to reach his destination regardless of the thorns and stones which obstruct his steps.

When circumstances change, refrain from railing against them. That is a form of activity which achieves nothing. Try rather to find a solution which will fit the change in the circumstances, for it is only such endeavour which will enable you to find the path to success.