TRAIN YOUR THINKING

his destination, he has to learn to brave these difficulties. Similarly, the animals of the forest have to learn to live among thorny shrubs and predatory enemies, for no forest is without these adverse factors. The case of the individual in society is very similar. There is no end to the unpleasantness between people because of clashes of interest. There will always be differences. This is a permanent situation and simply has to be lived with. In such circumstances, the only way for a man to lead a successful life is to follow the ‘in spite of’ principle. That is, in spite of all opposition, he must attempt to incline people in his favour; in spite of there being a great deal of unpleasantness in this life, he must learn the secret of harmonious living; in spite of the plots being hatched against him, he must forge ahead with conviction. He must learn that he can nullify all that is negative by being one hundred percent positive. In this world, man has to reach the flowers despite the thorns. He has to make himself healthy and sturdy despite the presence of innumerable germs. Similarly, he should not become depressed in the face of unfavourable circumstances. Neither should he waste time in protests and complaints. He must learn to cope with things and live with circumstances he cannot change. He must learn to sidestep the stones in his way. He must learn to settle matters by strategy rather than becoming provoked by antagonism. He must learn to be patient with his adversaries, so that they may become his future friends. o Wishing others ill is a poison, half of which one has to drink oneself.