Tag: behavior

Something beautiful to see is when a mature individual, already possessing enviable merits and recognized as excellent, puts himself in the position of a complete novice in some activity and displays the humility characteristic of someone who sincerely wants to learn. It is not uncommon for him to seem to renew his life by doing so, allowing the authentic joy of being a learner again to blossom on his face. To the observer, the scene is extremely inspiring. And one is left with the certainty that life is only truly appreciated by those who allow themselves to learn continuously.

Perhaps the most effective aspect of Eastern tradition, centered on training individuals through a unique relationship between master and disciple, is the crystal-clear notion that takes root in the disciple’s mind, who, aware of the extent of his dependence on the master’s example, grasps the importance of being exemplary. This leads only to positive effects, and the habit is cultivated based on the certainty that only action is edifying. The disciple, imitating the master, becomes a master; he begins to teach as he has learned, and never loses the gratitude that manifests itself in the feeling that, in truth, he has done nothing but receive.

Merely living in different environments can produce men with such different experiences that, if they try, they will realize that it is not possible to establish mutual communication. None of them will be able to correctly grasp the meaning of what the other says, and will end up judging it as inappropriate before suspecting that the problem may lie in their own understanding. Reality, identical for all, has aspects revealed only to some. And if, not of free will, but out of some unforeseen and uncontrollable necessity that prevents deviation and demands confrontation, some of those aspects end up being revealed, the man who has to confront them will know from experience that they are real, and his personality may be transformed forever; but even so, he may never be able to put into words and convince another man of what he has experienced.

It is a rather beneficial habit to, routinely, after completing a task, or rather, after reaching the previously set daily goal, not interrupt the activity and allow oneself to go a little further. The most obvious result is a small gain in productivity. But psychologically, this habit produces something better. With the goal achieved, one experiences that good feeling of accomplishment; however, if the activity does not end there, one remembers that the goal only exists in relation to a larger objective. Getting closer to it, even if only a little more, increases the satisfaction experienced and educates the mind, which, by getting rid of a possible excuse, gets used to always doing as much as it can to get where it wants to be.