The Identity

Ever since we were born, we were given a name by our parents, but how do people remember us? It’s by the name of our parents, that he/she is son/daughter of somebody, and not by one's name. It’s just that some one has to be a reference so that we gain an identity in the society or among our relatives. But, how do you your friends call you? It’s just by your name and nothing else, no parents and nothing in between. It’s from there we start feeling and thinking about individuality. There starts the need for an individual to gain an identity for him/her self. That one of the reasons for which one struggles so hard during the adolescence and the rest of the life as well.

Even if one tries hard to establish a career path for self, one’s profession would be made one’s identity. Even though one finds a place in the society, he is known by his profession rather than anything else that you are actually built and made of. People are of little concern to think of your character and your personality. The mask that we wear at work often becomes our face. We also think the same about others, that he is a doctor, software professional or a businessman etc. Is that the only thing that we are made of? One can find many examples of the atrocious, cruel and wild incidents and tragedies that are committed by people at authoritative positions and who come from well read and brought up families.

Does only our professional success, educational and family backgrounds entirely describe us? If not, then what’s the important thing that makes each one of us different? It’s the fundamental character that makes it all different and what’s this character made of? You don’t require any degree or a well established family to help others, to fight for the society and the environment and most importantly to find yourselves. Even you don’t require them to be happy either!! You need empathy, compassion, determination, sincerity etc, which are the building blocks of your character. It is by this character that you choose your friends.

So, what does this character made up of? How can one say about the character? How can one build a good character? Let me tell you my perspective of character and its identity. Character is the way one reacts to the happenings both involving and surrounding him. It is the willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life. It is the source from which self – respect springs. Watch a man do his most common actions, the way he eats, dresses and talks etc; those are indeed the things which will tell you the real character of a great man. Just observe the way one behaves with a less stature human than himself, the way one reacts to the responses of other humans, nature and animals. In western countries, they identify you by your hobbies, and not by your profession. When a westerner asks you, “What do you do?” he expects you to tell him about your hobbies.

Never judge a person by his position, because some rise by evil and some fall by virtue; instead measure the glory of men by the means they had used to acquire it. If you want to know a man’s character, place him in authority. Fidel Castro is the best example, he was a good revolutionist and freedom fighter, but became a ruthless dictator after he became the president of Cuba. The real test of a man’s character is to look at the way one behaves in difficult situations; Adversity reveals and shapes character.

First of all, be sure that Character is not readymade, but it is created bit by bit & day by day. It is a by-product produced in the great manufacture of daily duty. Even one can improve one’s character by observing others; when we see men of contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine us. To know your own character, look at the world. It is your mirror, and your mind is a magnet. What you perceive in the world is largely a reflection of your own attitudes and beliefs, which are the binding principles of your character.

The most important product of your effort in life is your own character. It’s the crown and glory of life. Remember that, character is like a white paper, if once blotted; it can hardly be ever made to as white as before. Don’t measure one on one’s professional success and educational and family backgrounds. Following is a simple way to build your character and your destiny:
Sow a thought, and you reap an act;
Sow an act, and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit, and you reap a character;
Sow a character, and you reap your Destiny.

You have no need to prove to the world what you are, just do what you like and desire, without hurting others and exploiting the nature. That’s better than helping others and all other deeds.