A quest for greatness gives way to a life of mediocrity!
I heard these lines while watching one of the cartoon shows in which the protagonist is irate about the fact that he has lost the pride that he once stood for.
These lines set me wondering about how true this really is? Does it really happen that we change our goals and become content with what we are getting rather than striving to get what we like. And sadly the answer my dear readers- was a resounding yes.
Ask any child in primary “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The answers would range from Sachin Tendulkar to SRK to APJ Abdul Kalam. A few of the thoughtful ones these days even say Obama! Irrespective of the field they choose the children choose the very best in it. I have not heard a child mention that he wants to be the side actor or the hardworking team member(read boring and dull!!). Some might argue that they have heard a kid say that he wants to be a postman or a family man. The answer simply is that for them these roles are the very best that they could think of.
As we grow up and get near the boards. The answer to the question “What to do you want to be?” are answered by typical answers I want to get good marks, I want to get into a good college the few who are bold enough still say I want to be in an IIT etc etc. The no of people who start giving answers in the latter category is reduced by more than 2/3rd now. When I say people in the latter category I refer to people who actually work to get there.
Getting into graduation fewer still work towards getting into top colleges for post graduation or finding the best possible place of employment. Perhaps this rubs in as a result of the AC criteria where you are a good student when you are AC even though you are aggregate may be a low 60pc. But we console ourselves saying I’m qualified for whatever the university topper is! He may have an edge but I still have an outside chance!
But by now we are so used to compromises that we take whatever life offers to us and move on saying you can’t have everything you want in life or I am happy with the small joys that life has to offer. Lets be honest how many of us wouldn’t trade these joys for being a winner?? How and when does this happen??
The answer simply is over the years we become lax and “A quest for greatness gives way to a life of mediocrity!”
