THE UPPER HAND OF EFFORT

It has been rightly said: It is not ease but effort, not facility but difficulty, that makes men. Facility can look attractive, but in terms of results, difficulty is better. Choosing effort strengthens the body, sharpens the mind, and ennobles the character. Living on favours makes one a taker in society; living by hard work makes one a giver. And the giver is invariably better than the taker. What you earn by dint of effort brings with it something priceless—confidence. Hard work and confidence travel together, and confidence leads to peace of mind. There is no gift greater for the soul than a settled, peaceful heart. A man came to the Prophet of Islam and said, “I am a pauper. Give me some money for my livelihood.” The Prophet replied that this would not be good for him, and taught him a formula for dignity: “The upper hand is better than the lower hand.” He then gave the man a few silver coins and advised: “Go to the forest, cut wood, sell it, and earn your livelihood. Meet me again in two months.” The man accepted this counsel, worked with his hands, and returned after two months saying, “I am happy with my work. I have decided not to ask anything of anyone.” He had exchanged dependency for dignity. By hard work you can earn money; with money you cannot buy the habit of hard work. This is the best formula for life: do not seek favours from others—rely on your own efforts. In that reliance lies creativity, confidence, peace of mind, and the quiet nobility of the upper hand.  criticize without quarrelling. The wise