A Distinctive Capability

Some years ago, I chanced upon an article by a western writer in which he presented his findings on the reason behind the wealth and fame of certain prominent individuals. After considerable research on their lives, he concluded that those who reached a pinnacle of success possessed two special qualities: ‘curiosity and discontent.’

Curiosity always kept them engaged in their work and discontent spurred them on in their onward journey.

Another aspect of the successful individual is pointed out in a 108-page educational report prepared by Mrs. Anita Straker, Mathematics Adviser of Wiltshire, for her school’s council. This report makes this observation on the qualities of gifted children: “Pupils who are impatient with anything that is second best, are probably gifted.” (Hindustan Times, February 2, 1983)

It is a unique quality in a person if he declines to accept anything which is not the absolute best. This quality is the key to all successful achievements.

Such thinking compels a person to move forward towards absolute truth without compromising on any half-truth. It elevates him from being an inferior character to being a superior character. This thinking does not allow him to be content with small achievements. It continuously pushes him towards more and more successful achievements. It makes him do his duty by preferring only the ideal. Moreover, he achieves happiness by doing his duty to the full. It keeps motivating the individual so that he does not stop except at the highest good, and does not let himself be content with anything less than perfection.