Our desire to achieve something beyond easy reach, or to attain an objective far from the usual routine gathers enough backing of an unwavering focus and enthusiasm. The resulting urge takes the shape of zeal.
A word of caution here, though: the pursuit of creative goals alone is an expression of zeal, whereas destructive intent makes us over-zealous. As far back as our research capabilities permit, we can find umpteen numbers of treatises written on this subject. Over here, I am making a humble attempt to bring to light a few of these, so we may refresh our memory and gain a more in-depth insight to help mold our approach to life.
Charles Buxton, the 19th-Century British Member of Parliament, Writer, and Philanthropist, left behind a treasure-trove of wisdom in his writings. Among so many of his outstanding pieces of sage advice, we find one that makes a direct impact on the way we conduct our affairs. It goes like this, “Experience shows that success is due less to ability than to zeal. The winner is he who gives himself to his work, body, and soul.”
Those zealous enough always display an inordinate measure of commitment to a given assignment. These are the individuals that go the extra mile. Looking closely at our surroundings, we can find enough examples of such fool-hardy, dedicated people. They fought against multiple forces of adversity, stood their ground, and ultimately achieved success where the odds were clearly against them, in no small measure. Let us consider Ben Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the modern-day, independent America we inhabit today. His life history is replete with anecdotal references to the hardships he faced while growing up. Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton, Nelson Mandela, former U.S. President Andrew Jackson, the United States’ first secretary of the treasury, Alexander Hamilton, and innumerable other exceptionally zealous individuals stand witness to the power of this human trait.
Through zeal, knowledge is gotten; through lack of zeal, knowledge is lost; let a man who knows the double path of gain and loss, thus place himself that knowledge may grow.
–Buddha
Once we set ourselves on the path to gainful knowledge, our zeal will automatically render the naysayers speechless. As already mentioned earlier, the negative side of enthusiasm can have drastic repercussions. Alas, we see it in the growing fanaticism that promotes terrorism. These unfortunate people are no less devoted, but for a destructive cause. Because of a lack of knowledge, these anti-social elements become pawns in the hands of manipulative forces. They sell their souls to the devil hiding behind empty promises of luxurious life in a so-called ‘heaven’ (if it even exists.) Little wonder, the following words sound so true:
Zeal is very blind, or badly regulated when it encroaches upon the rights of others.
–Author Unknown
In the above paragraph, we find ample proof of misguided zeal that takes a heavy toll on human life, for no rhyme or reason, whatsoever. It is not my intent to glorify or highlight such conduct in any form or manner, whether implied or otherwise. However, I would certainly expect my discerning readers, writers, thinkers, and change-makers to encourage others to nurture only the creative aspect of our thoughts at each stage of life.
More often than not, it is the common folk; individuals like us that feel obligated to gather the necessary courage to voice our opinion and to take action. We feel obliged to plant the seeds of mutual love, respect, cooperation, and togetherness. The onus is upon us to uphold the values that society at large allows us to grow in an ambient environment, under demanding situations.
Every little step each one of us takes in this direction will help us create an unending road to all-round prosperity, thus leaving no room for the opportunists to create havoc. Why should I, as an individual, get involved in this non-remunerative ask, you may ask. My direct and straightforward answer lies in this proverb: “Zeal is fit only for the wise but is found mostly in fools.”
Kahlil Gibran, the Lebanese-American Writer/Philosopher, referred to ‘zeal’ in such beautiful words: “Zeal is a volcano, the peak of which the grass of indecisiveness does not grow.” The lesson I could personally gather from the above quote, one crucial takeaway, refers to the elimination of indecisiveness from our lives. Of course, our iron-will to succeed in any specific mission becomes the catalyst to enduring action. The enthusiasm at the core of such decisive action protects us against all the rumination of critics. Is there any room left for compromise in a situation like that, I doubt it?
Let us take the lead from this impactful message from Owen Feltham, the 17th-Century English writer: “Zeal without humanity is like a ship without a rudder, liable to be stranded at any moment.”
In much the same way a ship needs its rudder for navigation, the society too needs sound, constructive zeal across all spheres of our lives. Building such intensity into a daily habit will handily give us the necessary direction as and when required. More often than not, we shall be able to find our way through challenges, without seeking outside help, or even getting mowed down unnecessarily.
Thank You!
Bharat, thank you for the wisdom that your words contain. I wholeheartedly agree with you that a certain amount of appropriate zeal is necessary for business as well as life in general. People tend to align themselves with those who have this magnetizing personality trait. With regards to your analogy between a ship needing a rudder for navigation and the need society has for “sound, constructive zeal displays your impressive thought process. Going back to the rudder business needs the rudder in the form of sound leaders to keep their team from veering off course. Societ in general needs a rudder to provide us with guidance especially in times lie these when it seems we are in the dark while being pulled the by the powerful suction of a Vaccum with no means of avoidance. Thank you, Bharat, for your part in being a rudder for your fellow group members in addition to those who read and relish your articles.
A million thanks to you, Dear Joel Sir, for your superb commentary that endorses my viewpoint in such beautiful words. Kindly allow me to again request you to PLEASE rethink your decision and continue writing, if not for any personal satisfaction, then to just keep enriching us with your immense wisdom. Your refusal to grant this request will leave me poorer, much poorer, because you will be intentionally depriving me of one of the finest guides, mentors, critics, and of course, an engaging friend.
Looking forward to your decision in the affirmative soon, very soon
Warm Regards, with Prayer for your good health, and much-deserved relaxation from worries, stress, tension et al!
Bharat, thank you for your response to my comment. I am glad it was well-received. As far as writing goes I am flattered by your passionate plea for me to return to writing. Prior to my joining BC360, you were prosperous with no lack of business acumen or wisdom for life. In the absence of my writing, you continue to export wisdom and knowledge. Even if I could write (I do not believe I can anymore) I lack the will that is necessary to write. There is little I can say that others have not already said or will say. Thank you for your prayers, kindness, and concern. You should list outreach and motivational skills to your already illustrious list of capabilities. Please take solace in the fact I am doing what I want to do in an arena where I have had past success. While building my own business is not something I have done I am no less determined to succeed despite the challenges I face or am facing. You are an exceptional man. I am sorry if I have let you down.
Dear Joel Sir, in all fairness, please do not feel your decision will let me down in any way. I would be keenly looking forward to some updates on the progress of your new venture. In the meantime, please do not forget to oblige us with some infrequent droplets of the overflowing fountain of your wisdom, as and when convenient.
With a heavy heart, and full of hope
Yours Truly
Bharat Mathur
Bharat, I am saddened by the reality that the world has precious few people like you in it. You are truly a special person as well as a dear friend. Please do not despair for as long as there is life and a G-d above hope there will always be. Should burst of inspiration pop into my head I will attempt to put it into writing to share. Be well! By the way, keep it in the back of your mind I pay referral fees to anybody who either refers a candidate to me that I successfully place or connects me with a company that I make a successful placement with.
Your “witness” to the double road (in the rhetoric of humor and diction of wit) is at once a challenge and a joy.
I consider myself deeply indebted to you, Dear Dr. Jefferson, for the unmistakeable engagement on my posts. You may not have the slightest idea of how much I appreciate your sound judgment that comes with immense wisdom.
Thanks a lot, with Prayers to Dear Almighty for your continued good health!
Bharat – I embrace every word you wrote – for it was zeal that made my 20 years in the Marine Corps successful – it was zeal that helped me bring positive change to the civilian jobs I had after the Corps – it was zeal that lead to the publishing of my book. Well written, my friend.
Dear Len Sir, once again I reiterate I am the luckiest person walking this earth due to the fact I have been blessed with such outstanding friends, guides, mentors, as well as well-wishers like yourself. Every time I read your words, a new wave of inspiration runs through my body.
Thanks a Million, with Warm Regards!