The Time Is Running Out! Know These Things To Change Your Life by Achieving Self Reliance

Self Reliance Meaning

Self Reliance: Introduction

One of the greatest virtues that one should try to develop is the habit of self-reliance. A man who depends upon himself wins a form of wonderful independence. For he has not to wait to be helped by others. His attitude to life is a heroic attitude. he is a host in himself. Life to him is a great journey, packed with interest and excitement. he never feels dull and dispirited. "Most happy he," said Cicero, "who is entirely self-reliant, and who centers all his requirements in himself." Thrown upon his own resources, he accepts the challenges of life and develops new virtues, new qualities. He is full of devices, ever ready to take the initiative, always confident of finding a way out of difficulties.

Self Reliance Meaning

We are by nature fatalistic in our attitude. Our tendency is to depend too much on fate, or chance, or some other person to help us and to pull our chestnut out of the fie. Fate is usually the scapegoat on which we place the heavy responsibility of our failures, which we always call misfortunes. This habit of mind destroys the springs of action. But if we have courage, daring, and initiative, we may become the master of our destiny. There are many who make their fortune by their own efforts and then call it fate. They think it is an act of piety, of humility towards God. But even this attitude is not proper. If it is God who has given us the strength of body and power to the mind, he surely expects us to help ourselves with these and not to be always wining for divine help. It is our duty to develop the gifts that He has given us.

Self-reliance is the parent of many virtues. The self-reliant man is patent and persevering. He does not cringe and complain. He does not shrink his duties or responsibilities. He does what he can by himself and uses it as an instrument for greater success. he does not envy others, nor does he think of begging favors from others. He faces his misfortunes with an act of quiet courage. Therefore Emerson calls self-reliance ' the essence of heroism', 'the first secret of success'. The self-reliant man feels neither fear nor shame to labor with his won hands if necessary. He is always learning new lessons, gathering valuable experience. His example is an inspiration and his achievement is an example to others. Failure can not shake his well-grounded faith in himself; it only spurs him on to renewed enterprise. This confidence in himself wins him the confidence of others. In the face of failure, a self-reliant man does not lose self-esteem and this gains him the esteem of the world.

Self Reliance Image

The great Italian artist, Michelangelo, said, "The promises of the world are for the most part vain phantoms." If we trust in these we only delude ourselves. When the time comes they invariably betray us. And even if they do not, they only help to underline our weakness and breed in us a feeling of inferiority, a ruinous distrust in ourselves, a pathetic dependence on others. As Bernard Shaw pointed out, "it is easy -- terribly easy-- to shake a man's faith in himself." And nothing does this more effectively than the habit of relying on others, of expecting the world to help us.

The history of human achievement is indeed a record of what man can do by himself. Great heroes, great scientists, great merchants, -- they were all self-made men. Babar founded an empire relying on his own strong arm. Benjamin Franklin was born of poor parents who could give him little education, and yet, by relying on his own God-given powers, he made his name memorable in science and in statesmanship. Micheal Faraday began as a book-binder but rose to be one of the greatest scientists in the world.

Self Reliance: Conclusion

Self-reliance does not mean that one should be conceited about oneself. It should always go hand in hand with a proper feeling of modesty. Another defect to be guarded against is selfishness: self-reliance should not make one selfish. A man should act not for himself, but be ready to lend a helping hand to others in their need. This is not difficult for him, for by his habits of self-reliance he has so developed his capacities that he can extend his duties beyond himself. Finally, the self-reliant man should not disdain to accept. help from others. If anyone comes forward to help him, he should accept it gratefully. It only means that he should not remain to wait for others to come and help him. "There is no dependence that can be sure but dependence upon one's self," said John Gay.

Self Reliance By Emerson

Generally, the world estimates us as we estimate ourselves. If we think poorly of our own abilities, if we look to others for guidance at every stip, we cannot expect others to rate us high and put confidence in us.