If you happen to be in an open field when it starts to rain, you hasten to find shelter. This is not cowardice. This is realism. Similarly, when there is an earthquake, you immediately rush out of your home and look for an open space. This, too, is not defeatism, but an acknowledgement of the reality of nature. Where some difficulty arises between man and nature, the solution to the problem lies only in acknowledgement of the issue, and not in confrontation with it. The great secret of life is realism. Acceptance of defeat is the greatest form of realism. To do so is to acknowledge the fact that, far from being ahead of others, one is behind them. In other words, it is to know where one stands in life. Then we can plan our journey ahead realistically. While acceptance of defeat is very important; however, people find it difficult because they are not ready to accept the role of the law of nature in deciding a result, be it success or failure. Man is often governed by his ego and whims, which makes him a case of failure. The logo of ‘The Times of India’ bears the following inscription, ‘Let truth prevail.’ On the same lines, I would say in real life, the principle to be followed is: ‘Let the law of nature prevail.’ If, however, we desire that our ego prevails, it would be hard for us to accept failure and defeat and draw a positive lesson from it. On the contrary, if we accept our shortcomings, not only are we able to accept failure but also work towards self-improvement.

Source: The Spirit of Islam Magazine