Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.
Leo Tolstoy
Despite its dynamic nature, our world is rather stubborn when it comes to giving in to conscious changes. In fact, repeated attempts at molding our surroundings to our liking results in nothing but frustration. And yet, even this unending cycle of disappointments isn’t enough to drive home a simple lesson – the only person we can truly change is ourselves.
Ask yourself, how often have you tried altering some of your parents’ most irritating habits, or convincing your kids to be more responsible, or expecting your partner to do certain things your way? Now, while you’re at it, think about how much success you have had with those endeavors. Unless you have a real gift for fine-tuning others’ conduct or outlook to your own parameters, chances are that you have seen better days at other ventures.
Whether you like it or not, it is simply impossible to change the way the world works. At least not by asking or merely expecting them to. As mentioned above, the only person we can really change is ourselves. Unfortunately, most people refuse to even acknowledge this timeless truth, let alone embrace it. They have a utopian image of themselves in their head, believing themselves to be this perfect, all-knowing entity. It goes without saying that this outlook on life only leads to endless clashes and conflicts, both with others and oneself.
On the other hand, people who are willing to look inward instead of outward are likelier to change their lives for the better. They keep things simple by focusing on what is in their hands – their own conduct – instead of constantly beating themselves up over what others should or shouldn’t do. And what bigger secret there is to a peaceful, happy life?
Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, popularly known as Leo Tolstoy, was a Russian author. Regarded as one of the all-time greats, Tolstoy was also an influential philosopher. He once wrote: “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”