Essay (UPSC + Psc )

Emocracy:

‘Emocracy’ (Emotion-Driven Democracy) refers to governance influenced by emotions rather than rational policy-making.
It replaces evidence-based decision-making with populist rhetoric and emotionally charged narratives.

Key Features of Emocracy:

Emotion Driven policies- Governance decisions are based on public sentiments rather than long-term planning.

Rise of Populism: Leaders focus on short-term popularity gains through excessive electoral promises.

Weakened Institutional Decision-Making: Political discourse is shaped by emotional appeal, sidelining expert-driven policies.

Economic Burden: Unplanned social spending reduces government investment in critical infrastructure.

Declining Democratic Accountability: Public support is swayed by emotions, making it harder to hold governments accountable.


#use such keywords in essay and Gs

India’s Progress in Advancing Gender Equality

India’s Progress in Women’s Health, Education, and Empowerment Since the Beijing Declaration

1. Advancements in Women’s Health and Education

Maternal and Child Health
• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) reduced from 130 to 97 per 1,00,000 live births (2014–2020), aided by schemes like:
• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
• Institutional deliveries increased to 95%, ensuring safer childbirth.
• 56.5% of married women use modern contraceptives, promoting reproductive health.
• Ayushman Bharat has provided free healthcare to millions of women.

Education and Gender Equality in Learning
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao improved the child sex ratio and increased girls’ school enrollments.
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 boosted STEM education for girls, fostering career opportunities in science and technology.
• Improved sanitation facilities have reduced menstruation-related school absenteeism among girls.

2. Women’s Economic Empowerment

Financial Inclusion and Digital Access
• Nearly 100 million women connected to financial systems through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under:
• National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)
• National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM)
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has simplified digital transactions, enhancing women’s financial independence.
• Over 35 million rural women trained in digital literacy under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA).

Budgetary and Entrepreneurial Support
• Gender Budgeting allocation increased from 6.8% in 2024-25 to 8.8% in 2025-26, amounting to $55.2 billion for gender-specific programs.
• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihood Mission has strengthened women’s financial literacy and access to credit, supporting entrepreneurship.

3. Challenges in Addressing Gender-Based Violence

Persistent Issues
• Gender-based violence remains a significant issue, despite national and global efforts.
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 strengthens legal protections, but effective implementation remains a challenge.
• 770 One Stop Centres provide essential support, but their reach is limited compared to the scale of the problem.
• Blockchain-based systems in Odisha ensure swift and confidential support, but such coordinated efforts are not widespread nationwide.
• Efforts to improve gender-responsive policing (e.g., Rajasthan Police Academy initiatives) face challenges in building consistent trust with survivors.

4. Women’s Leadership and Its Impact
• The Women’s Reservation Bill ensures 33% legislative seats for women, empowering 1.5 million women political leaders—the world’s largest group of women leaders.
• Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) supports women’s representation in STEM fields.
• The G20 TechEquity platform has trained thousands of young women in emerging technologies, fostering leadership in innovation.
• Women’s leadership is shaping India’s progress in gender equality, social development, and inclusive economic growth.

5. India’s Approach to Achieving Gender Equality
• India follows a multi-pronged strategy that includes:
• Government leadership in policy formulation and implementation.
• International partnerships for gender-focused initiatives.
• Comprehensive policies promoting women-led development.
• Key focus areas:
• Financial inclusion to empower women economically.
• Social transformation through education, health, and leadership opportunities.
• The Beijing Platform for Action continues to guide India’s efforts toward inclusive and sustainable growth, with a focus on addressing systemic barriers and empowering young women leaders.

Prahlada’s faith in God

Prahlada was the son of king Hiranyakashipu and queen Kayadhu. Hiranyakashipu believed himself to be the God and there is no other god than him. But Prahlada was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu and continued to pray Him despite getting repeated warnings from his father.

🧤Hiranyakashipu did not like Vishnu because the latter had killed Hiranyaksha, the evil brother of Hiranyakashipu. He scorned upon Prahlada’s devotion and attempted to kill his son several times, but every time the boy was saved by Lord Vishnu.

🧤One day, Hiranyakashipu challenged Prahlada to show Lord Vishnu, if he really existed. When his son replied that God was everywhere and in everything, Hiranyakashipu showed a pillar and asked Prahlada if Lord Vishnu was there in it. When Prahlada said ‘yes,’ his father got angered and raised his sword to kill him.

🧤Lord Vishnu appeared from the pillar in the form of Narasimha, a half man-half lion, and killed Hiranyakashipu.

Moral: Be faithful to what you believe and don’t get discouraged by naysayers

Our moral, religious and political traditions are united in their respect for the dignity of human life.

Quotation based

🧤• “Yet what greater defeat could we suffer than to come to resemble the forces we oppose in their disrespect for human dignity?” - Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Former justice of supreme court of USA

🧤• “A human being should never become a means to an end.” - Viktor E. Frankl, in Yes to Life: In Spite of Everything

🧤• “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of
a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.” - Nelson Mandela

🧤• “Human rights rest on human dignity. The dignity of man is an ideal worth fighting for and worth dying for.” - Robert C. Maynard

🧤• “Today, no walls can separate humanitarian or human rights crises in one part of the world from national security crises in another.

What begins with the failure to uphold the dignityof one life all too often ends with a calamity for entire nations.” - Kofi Annan

🧤• “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”- Eleanor Roosevelt

#2 Through anecdote

🧤# UN human rights experts have denounced the decision by the US Supreme Court to strike down Roe v. Wade, a legal precedent that has protected women’s right to choose to have an abortion.

They described the decision as a shocking and dangerous rollback of human rights and dignity that
will jeopardize women’s health and lives in the long run. On the other hand, the Supreme Court of India has reaffirmed the ‘centrality of human dignity to the Indian constitution’ with decisions
on Aadhaar, IPC 377 and the Right to Privacy. The concept was invoked 120 times in the privacy decision, and 128 times in Navtej Johar. The SC’s application of dignity perhaps reflects the commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

🧤# The Indian mythology has numerous instances of struggle to preserve human dignity. Notable
among many is the character of Draupadi in the epic Mahabharata. Draupadi was the wife of the five Pandava princes in epic Mahabharata. Many see Draupadi as an ‘early feminist’ because of her
fearlessness in admonishing those who harmed her or her family.

Draupadi existed in a time when
a woman’s role was to serve her husband. The incident of ‘cheer- haran’ i.e. disrobing of Draupadi
had been the turning point and the main reason of the epic war for Dharma. The essence of preserving Dharma is based on respect for human dignity. Our moral and religious traditions in the form of mythological works are based on the value and preservation of human dignity.

Cultural / Ego Superiority in the KIIT University Incident

Cultural and ego superiority often lead to discrimination, unfair treatment, and conflicts, especially in diverse environments like universities. The recent case at KIIT University highlights how such attitudes can escalate a tragic situation.
1. The Incident
• Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student from Nepal, was found dead in her hostel room on February 16, 2025.
• Before her death, she had complained about being harassed and blackmailed by Advik Srivastava, a fellow student.
• Despite her complaints, no serious action was taken by the university administration.
2. Ego Superiority and Lack of Accountability
• The alleged harasser, Advik Srivastava, may have felt a sense of power and impunity, leading him to ignore the consequences of his actions.
• The university’s lack of response shows a common problem—those in positions of authority sometimes dismiss complaints due to institutional ego, assuming that their reputation matters more than student safety.
3. Cultural Superiority and Discrimination
• After the incident, over 500 Nepali students were asked to leave the campus, reflecting a bias against foreign students.
• Reports suggested that some students were forcibly evicted and mistreated by security personnel.
• This action can be seen as cultural superiority, where certain groups believe they have more rights or privileges than others.
4. Public Outrage and Government Intervention
• The unfair treatment of Nepali students led to protests and diplomatic intervention from Nepal’s Prime Minister.
• In response to public pressure, KIIT withdrew the eviction order, apologized, and announced a scholarship in Prakriti’s memory.

Key Takeaways
• Ego superiority (power dynamics within institutions) led to the negligence of harassment complaints.
• Cultural superiority (favoring one group over another) was evident in the university’s response to Nepali students.
• Accountability and fair treatment should be prioritized in educational institutions to prevent such tragedies.

This case serves as a reminder that no institution or individual should place their ego or cultural biases above justice and human dignity.

Goodness vs. Badness

Goodness refers to actions that are morally right, beneficial, and contribute positively to the well-being of others and society. It involves virtues such as:
• Kindness
• Honesty
• Generosity
• Compassion
• Integrity

Badness, on the other hand, refers to actions that are morally wrong, harmful, and detrimental to the well-being of others and society. It involves vices such as:
• Cruelty
• Dishonesty
• Selfishness
• Hatred
• Corruption

Examples Illustrating the Triumph of Goodness over Badness
1. Gandhi’s Principle of Non-Violence
• Mahatma Gandhi’s adherence to non-violence (Ahimsa) was a response to the badness of colonial oppression.
• Through his philosophy and actions, he led significant social and political change in India, proving how goodness can overcome systemic injustice.
2. The Buddha and Devadatta
• Devadatta, the Buddha’s cousin, was consumed by jealousy and sought to take over the leadership of the Buddhist Sangha.
• He even attempted to assassinate the Buddha by sending a wild elephant to attack him.
• Instead of responding with anger or retaliation, the Buddha met the elephant with calm and compassion, ultimately taming it with his presence.
• Devadatta’s malicious attempts failed, emphasizing the triumph of goodness (compassion and wisdom) over badness (jealousy and violence).

Politics without ethics is disasters

“The Downfall of Prajwal Revanna”

Prajwal Revanna, a young and dynamic politician from Karnataka, was seen as a rising star in Indian politics. Hailing from a prominent political family, he was elected to the Lok Sabha and quickly gained popularity for his eloquence and vision. However, during the 2024 general elections, allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against him. Reports claimed that explicit videos, allegedly involving Prajwal, were being circulated to dissuade voters. As the scandal unfolded, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe the allegations. Prajwal fled the country using his diplomatic passport without proper clearance, leading to further public outrage. Upon his return, he was arrested and suspended from his party. The incident not only tarnished his reputation but also served as a stark reminder that politics devoid of ethics can lead to personal and professional disaster.

कुंभ मेला की पौराणिक कथा

कुंभ मेले की पौराणिक कथा समुद्र मंथन की कथा से जुड़ी है, जिसका उल्लेख भागवत पुराण, विष्णु पुराण और महाभारत में मिलता है।

कुंभ मेले की कथा

प्राचीन समय में देवता (सुर) और राक्षस (असुर) अमरत्व प्राप्त करने के लिए संघर्ष कर रहे थे। अमरत्व पाने के लिए उन्होंने मिलकर समुद्र मंथन करने का निर्णय लिया, जिससे अमृत (अमरता का रस) प्राप्त हो सके।
• मंदराचल पर्वत को मथानी बनाया गया।
• वासुकी नाग को रस्सी के रूप में इस्तेमाल किया गया।
• भगवान विष्णु ने कच्छप (कछुए) अवतार लेकर पर्वत को संतुलित किया।

कड़ी मेहनत के बाद अमृत से भरा कलश (कुंभ) निकला, लेकिन देवता और असुरों के बीच इसे पाने के लिए भीषण युद्ध छिड़ गया।

अमृत की रक्षा के लिए गरुड़ (भगवान विष्णु के वाहन) उसे लेकर उड़ गए। उड़ान के दौरान चार स्थानों पर अमृत की कुछ बूंदें गिरीं:
1. प्रयागराज (इलाहाबाद) – गंगा, यमुना और सरस्वती के संगम पर।
2. हरिद्वार – गंगा नदी के किनारे।
3. उज्जैन – क्षिप्रा नदी के किनारे।
4. नाशिक – गोदावरी नदी के किनारे।

यही चार स्थान पवित्र तीर्थ स्थल बन गए और यहां हर 12 वर्षों में कुंभ मेला आयोजित किया जाने लगा।

महत्व

ऐसा माना जाता है कि कुंभ मेले के दौरान इन नदियों का जल अमृतमय हो जाता है और यहां स्नान करने से पापों का नाश होता है और मोक्ष की प्राप्ति होती है। यही कारण है कि लाखों श्रद्धालु, संत और साधु इस महायोग में भाग लेते हैं।

Kumbhamela

The mythological story of Kumbh Mela is rooted in the Hindu legend of the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean), which appears in the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, and Mahabharata.

The Legend of Kumbh Mela

Long ago, the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) were in conflict over supremacy. To attain immortality, they decided to churn the ocean (Samudra Manthan) together to extract Amrit (the nectar of immortality).
• Mount Mandara was used as the churning rod.
• Vasuki, the great serpent, was used as the rope.
• Lord Vishnu, in his Kurma (turtle) avatar, supported the mountain.

After great effort, the pot (Kumbh) of Amrit emerged. However, a fierce battle broke out between the Devas and Asuras over who would drink the nectar.

To protect the Amrit, Garuda (the celestial eagle) flew away with the pot. During his flight, four drops of Amrit spilled on four locations:
1. Prayagraj (Allahabad) – At the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
2. Haridwar – On the banks of the Ganga.
3. Ujjain – On the banks of the Shipra river.
4. Nashik – On the banks of the Godavari river.

These four places became sacred, and the Kumbh Mela is celebrated at these locations every 12 years, symbolizing the celestial event.

Significance

It is believed that during Kumbh Mela, the rivers at these sites turn into Amrit, and taking a holy dip washes away sins, leading to moksha (liberation). Millions of devotees, saints, and sadhus gather to participate in this grand event.

Ambedkar and Pragmatism

Anecdote: During his time at Columbia University, Ambedkar was profoundly influenced by John Dewey’s philosophy of pragmatism, particularly the idea that democracy is not just a political system but a way of lifethat requires active participation and continuous reform. Dewey’s teachings on education, social justice, and ethical governance shaped Ambedkar’s belief in the transformative power of constitutional democracy. However, Ambedkar’s intellectual journey was far broader than Deweyan pragmatism alone. He engaged deeply with the anti-caste philosophy of Mahatma Phule, the mystical humanism of Kabir, and the economic principles of Fabian socialism, all of which enriched his vision of an egalitarian society.
Unlike Dewey, who largely focused on democratic experimentation, Ambedkar confronted a deeply entrenched caste hierarchy, which could not be dismantled merely through pragmatic reforms. His lived experiences of untouchability and systemic discrimination led him to conclude that caste could not be reformed but must be annihilatedaltogether. This realization propelled him toward Buddhism, which provided an ethical and philosophical framework for emancipation beyond legal reforms. By embracing Buddhism, Ambedkar went beyond pragmatism, seeking a spiritual and moral revolution to counter caste oppression. Thus, while Dewey’s pragmatism refined Ambedkar’s democratic ideals, his broader intellectual engagements and direct experience of caste realities pushed him toward a radical social transformation rather than mere reform.

## story of Serena Williams

Don’t Lose Focus

At the age of 3, Serena and her family relocated to Compton, California. Surrounded by drugs, gangs, and poverty, Serena and Venus learned how to play tennis on courts with potholes and broken glass. Compton gang sorrounded the tenis court drinking, dealing drugs, smoking weed and watching the sisters be coached by their father. This kind of distraction helped Serena have laser-like focus, especially during tough matches where she is unmatched in staying strong and being able to find a way to win. One of the life lessons that no matter our environment, we are able to overcome if we don’t lose focus.

This shows that the real rulers of the future will not be warriors or kings but those who use their minds to create, innovate, and solve the world’s problems.

3. The Banned Book

A dictator once ruled with fear, crushing anyone who spoke against him. One day, a writer published a book questioning his authority. The dictator banned the book and punished those who read it. But the more he tried to silence it, the more people secretly copied and shared it. Years later, the dictator’s rule ended, and his empire crumbled. But the book remained, inspiring generations. This story proves that while force may control people temporarily, ideas have a life of their own. The future belongs to those who shape minds, not those who rely on fear and force.

4. The Forgotten Scientist

In a small lab, a scientist worked for years on a formula that could cure a deadly disease. Before he could publish his findings, he passed away, and his research was left untouched. Decades later, another scientist discovered his old papers and used them to develop a life-saving drug. Though the first scientist never gained fame or wealth, his knowledge lived on, impacting millions. His legacy was not built on power or riches but on intellect. This shows that while material empires fade, the contributions of the mind endure, shaping the future long after their creators are gone.

5. The Empty Throne

A mighty emperor ruled with an iron fist, silencing all who opposed him. But one day, a thinker challenged his rule—not with weapons, but with ideas. The people listened, realizing they could create a better society. Over time, the emperor lost his grip on power, and his empire collapsed. But the ideas that had inspired the people continued to grow, building a new nation. This proves that true power does not come from thrones, crowns, or armies. The real empires of the future will not be built with force but with knowledge, vision, and the strength of ideas.

Each of these stories reinforces the idea that intelligence, innovation, and knowledge shape the world far more than physical power or wealth.

The Empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.


10 Stories ( Real and fictional ) - u can use them as introduction of this essay

1. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – The Missile Man Who Built Dreams

Born in a humble family in Rameswaram, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had no wealth or power. But with his love for science and knowledge, he became one of India’s greatest minds. He played a key role in India’s missile and space programs, making the country a leader in technology. Despite never ruling a kingdom, his vision and ideas inspired millions. He proved that real power lies not in weapons but in innovation and dreams. His influence continues even after his death, shaping young minds across the world.

2. Verghese Kurien – The Milk Revolution That Changed India

In the 1940s, India struggled with milk shortages. Verghese Kurien, an engineer with no background in dairy farming, had an idea—creating a system where farmers controlled milk production. His efforts led to Operation Flood, making India the largest producer of milk in the world. Amul, the brand he helped establish, became a global success. He never ruled a kingdom, but his vision transformed India’s dairy industry, improving the lives of millions. His empire was built not on land, but on knowledge and cooperative innovation.

3. E. Sreedharan – The Metro Man of India

When Indian cities struggled with poor public transport, E. Sreedharan took charge. Using engineering brilliance and determination, he led projects like the Konkan Railway and Delhi Metro, revolutionizing urban transport. His work wasn’t about military conquest or political power, but about changing the way people moved and lived. Today, metros in multiple cities follow his model. His empire is not made of gold or land but of tracks, tunnels, and an efficient transport system that benefits millions every day.

4. Dr. M.S. Swaminathan – The Man Who Fed India

In the 1960s, India faced food shortages and relied on imports. Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, a scientist, introduced high-yield crop varieties and modern farming techniques, leading to the Green Revolution. His work helped India achieve self-sufficiency in food production. Without ruling a country, he saved millions from hunger. His knowledge reshaped agriculture, proving that ideas and research are more powerful than armies.

5. Narayana Murthy – Building India’s IT Empire

In 1981, Narayana Murthy started Infosys with just ₹10,000. He had no inherited wealth, no government backing—just knowledge and vision. Over the years, Infosys grew into a global IT giant, making India a leader in software and outsourcing. His success showed that intellectual capital is more powerful than physical assets. Today, India’s IT industry is an empire of the mind, providing jobs and innovation worldwide.

Fictional

Here are five slightly longer “little big stories” to introduce your essay on “The Empires of the Future Will Be the Empires of the Mind.”

1. The Two Kingdoms

Long ago, two kings ruled neighboring lands. One built high walls, powerful armies, and vast palaces. The other invested in knowledge, encouraging education and new ideas. Decades later, the first kingdom fell to invaders, its grand cities reduced to ruins. But the second kingdom flourished, as its people used science and innovation to adapt and grow. Generations passed, and though the first king’s name faded into history, the ideas from the second kingdom spread across the world. This proves that physical power may dominate for a time, but the greatest empires are built in the minds of people.

2. The Young Inventor

A poor boy in a small village was always curious. While others worked in the fields, he spent hours observing, questioning, and experimenting. One day, he invented a new irrigation system that made farming more efficient. At first, no one believed in him, but years later, his invention spread across the country, helping millions. Though he owned no land and commanded no army, his ideas changed lives forever.

Kallur Balan: The Green Warrior of Kerala

In the heart of Kerala’s Palakkad district, amidst the rocky terrains and barren lands, stood a man whose vision was not just of trees but of a thriving ecosystem. Dressed always in his signature green shirt, lungi, and headband, Kallur Balan was more than an environmentalist—he was a silent revolutionary.

Armed with saplings and unwavering resolve, Balan transformed over 100 acres of lifeless hills into a flourishing green paradise. His mornings were spent collecting fruits from markets, not for himself, but for the wildlife that had come to recognize his familiar voice. Monkeys would line up in disciplined rows, knowing they would soon receive mangoes and bananas from his hands, while at night, wild pigs fed on the leftovers.

What drove a man to dedicate his entire life to trees and animals? It was the realization that human existence is meaningless without nature. Inspired by Sree Narayana Guru teachings , Balan abandoned his family toddy business and chose a path few dared to tread nurturing nature without expecting anything in return.

Through scorching summers and relentless monsoons, he never stopped planting. His forests now provide shade along highways, fruits for the hungry, and a safe haven for birds and insects.

Recognized with the Vanamitra Award, his legacy is not in the awards but in the forests that whisper his name with every rustling leaf. Kallur Balan was not just a man he was a movement, reminding us.

“All ideas having large consequences are always simple.

Here are a few story ideas that you can use to write the introduction for your essay

1. The Power of Zero

In ancient India, mathematicians struggled with complex calculations because they lacked a symbol for nothingness. Then came a simple yet revolutionary idea—zero. It wasn’t just a number; it was a concept that transformed mathematics, astronomy, engineering, and finance. Today, our entire digital world, from computers to artificial intelligence, is built on the binary system—just 0s and 1s. This single, simple idea had massive consequences, proving that simplicity often holds the key to great transformations.

2. The Three-Word Revolution: “We the People”

In 1787, when the U.S. Constitution was drafted, it began with just three simple words: “We the People.” Unlike monarchies where power rested with kings, this phrase introduced democracy—the idea that power comes from the people. This small yet profound change redefined governance worldwide. Today, democracy has become the most popular form of government, shaping laws, policies, and societies across the globe.

3. A Simple Assembly Line—Ford’s Game-Changer

Before the early 1900s, cars were a luxury, handcrafted and expensive. Then, Henry Ford introduced a simple but powerful idea—the assembly line. Instead of making a car in one place, he broke the process into smaller, repetitive tasks. The result? The cost of cars dropped drastically, and millions of people could afford them. This simple innovation revolutionized industries beyond automobiles, from electronics to fast food, making mass production the backbone of modern economies.

4. The Click That Changed Shopping Forever

In the 1990s, Jeff Bezos had a simple idea: What if people could buy books online instead of visiting stores? He started Amazon as an online bookstore, but the idea of e-commerce expanded rapidly. Today, Amazon is the largest online marketplace, changing how the world shops. A single click-to-buy button revolutionized global commerce, proving that groundbreaking ideas often come in simple forms.

5. Gandhi’s Salt March—A Simple Act of Defiance

British rule in India imposed a heavy tax on salt, a necessity for all. Instead of armed rebellion, Mahatma Gandhi had a simple yet powerful idea—walk to the sea and make salt. The 240-mile Salt March in 1930 awakened millions, proving that nonviolent resistance could defeat oppression. This small act ignited India’s independence movement and later inspired civil rights leaders worldwide.

Education Quotes

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

“The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” – Aristotle

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” – John Dewey

“Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” – George Washington Carver

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” – Aristotle

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin

“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” – Sydney J. Harris

“The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” – Malcolm Forbes

“The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.” – Carl Rogers

“Education is the movement from darkness to light.” – Allan Bloom

“Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth.” – Chanakya

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats

“The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth.” – John F. Kennedy

“Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.” – Oscar Wilde

“The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.” – Abraham Lincoln

Potato, egg and coffee beans

A little boy named John lives in a beautiful home with his parents. One day, his father finds him crying and asks if something is wrong. John says meekly, “I have so many problems in life,” and talks about his ‘problems’.

John’s father patiently listens to him. Then he brings a bowl and places a potato, an egg and some coffee beans in it. He asks John to touch and feel the ingredients in the bowl, and tell what he feels about them. John describes how he feels about each of them on touching.

The father smiles and asks John to place them all in three different bowls and pour water in them. He then boils them all. After a few minutes, the father turns off the stove and places all the bowls on the counter to cool them down.
When they have cooled down, John’s father asks him to touch them once again and feel the egg, potato, and coffee beans. John has a different answer this time. And he says, the potato’s skin is easier to peel as it has turned very soft, the egg has hardened, and there is a fresh coffee aroma coming from the beans.

Listening to John, his father smiles and tells him how the potato, egg, and coffee beans reacted to adverse situations. The potato has become soft, the egg turned very strong, and the coffee beans have changed their form completely during their testing time in the boiling water.

Moral Of The Story:

Problems are a part of life. How we react to them makes us a better individual.