Unseen Comprehension-74 Alim (Self-reliance)

Self-reliance.

আত্মনির্ভরশীলতা।

self-reliance is the pilgrim's best staff, the worker's best tool. It is the master-key that unlocks all the difficulties of life. ''Help yourself and Heaven will help you" is a maxim which receives daily confirmation. Help from within always strengthens, but help from without invariably weakens the recipient. The habit of depending on others tends to weaken the intellectual faculties and paralyse the judgement. The struggle against adverse circumstances has, on the contrary, a strengthening effect, like that of pure mountain air on enfeebled form.

This is a lesson which is not taught in the schools nowadays, The modern system of education lays down many royal roads to knowledge. The difficulties which formerly compelled the student to think and labour for himself are now most carefully removed. The race of thorough and complete scholars is dying out. Our young men are equipped to such an extent with manuals that explain everything and guides that go everywhere, that they find no occasion for thought. Why take any trouble at all when so many are willing to relieve you of it ?