Discover happiness by embracing your unique self, shunning imitation, and bringing joy to others.
The purpose of my presenting this book, Slogans of the Sage, is not to assume that none of you are familiar with Sayyid Muhammad Ali Shihab; rather, it is to address a prevalent issue in our generation, which has affected many individuals. I have authored this book as an antidote to this problem.
The issue at hand is the tendency to imitate others. This tendency can manifest itself in various aspects of our lives, including our attire, hairstyle, accessories, and even the type of cars we drive. While some level of imitation may be acceptable, there are individuals who are so deeply influenced by this tendency that their minds stray from their physical location and wander into the realm of the city they seek to imitate. This can be detrimental as it leads to a loss of our innate personality, the unique gift bestowed upon us by God.
God has endowed each of us with a distinctive personality, and tampering with it results in a decline of our self-esteem and confidence. It is essential to recognize that every one of us possesses individual talents. Some may excel in singing, others in drawing, and some may demonstrate remarkable business acumen. The measure of talent should not be solely linked to one’s job or financial status. Our life mission extends beyond the mere pursuit of accumulating wealth. We have witnessed individuals residing in luxurious penthouses, surrounded by opulence and material possessions, yet suffering from despair and resorting to suicide. Hence, we must understand that wealth alone does not guarantee happiness, and fame is not a sure path to contentment either. We must learn from the tragic experiences of social media influencers and actors who, despite their public image, have faced deep inner turmoil and have taken their own lives.
True happiness lies in bringing joy to others. It is not restricted to humans alone; the simple act of making animals, such as cats and dogs, happy can also bring immense satisfaction. Such actions are the most rewarding achievements in life. Therefore, we should not allow ourselves to be deceived by the allure of wealth or fame.
In conclusion, let us strive to embrace our unique personalities, shun excessive imitation, and discover happiness through enriching the lives of others. Thank you for your attention.
Highlights from Mujeeb Jaihoon’s talk at the MSTM Arts & Science College, Perinthalmanna – Malappuram (Sep 14 2022)
