By Shazad
“The more you know of your history, the more liberated you are.” Maya Angelou
In this very modern world with Internet access everywhere and scientific discoveries happening all the time, why bother with History and Philosophy? What’s the point of knowing what happened in the past or what leaders from 1000+ years ago thought about living, working and leisure?
“Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writings, so that you shall gain easily what others have labored hard for.” Socrates
I believe it’s more important now than ever before. There are so many distractions and stimuli for everyone in the modern world. Many people feel overwhelmed and struggle to make sense of life while having constant stress at work and less time for rest. The truth I have realized is that every generation and every people have gone through their own struggles of some kind. By studying the people of the past and the context they lived in, we can derive lessons for our own life. Whether it’s the stoicism of Seneca and Marcus Aurelius or the wisdom of spiritual leaders like Buddha, Jesus, Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] or others, there’s something for all of us to reflect on. Hardship in one’s personal life, societal changes, dramatical political changes, and business cycles have happened before. These are part of a common human story. The many people who came before us have developed some tools and templates for thinking that we can consider. Perhaps our modern-day work stress and leadership issues have answers in Meditations by the ancient Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. It’s possible that we can heal relationship issues by reflecting on scriptural verses.
“I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.” Lao Tzu
There is so much information out there today and we owe it to our selves to explore the many great works of past leaders, sages and teachers. Only then can we truly understand what our current human potential can be by using all the available tools from the past and present leaders. But remember, it’s not enough to just read and study the past. We must use that knowledge by putting good ideas and relevant wisdom into action. When we do, I believe we will be more fulfilled, capable and wiser people. How Awesome is that?!
“…those who walk on the earth in a dignified manner, and when the ignorant address them, they say, ‘Peace!’” Holy Quran 25:64