In the modern world when people are in a hurry to reach the top and attain everything, one frequently sees them use all kinds of means to do so. People use flattery, give lavish gifts and throw parties to impress others that they have arrived. The average person seeks to be a partner in the process to gain recognition and importance.
Beware! Friendships made this way are short-lived. They last only as long one continues to play along. These relationships are based upon material gains and not on emotional bonds.
To succeed with people, there is no substitute for sincerity, integrity and honour. Only people of a noble character can make truth and honesty a part of their life. One may not win immediate attention or swift popularity through these virtues, but virtuous men and women acknowledge them. Only the relationships built upon a strong foundation are satisfying and lasting.
Pope Pius XI asserts, "Though economic science and moral discipline are guided each by its own principles in its own sphere, it is false that the two orders are so distinct and alien that the former in no way depends upon the latter."
It is important to live an ethical life to enjoy a high level of self-confidence and make success a constant companion.
Is it need or Greed?
The primitive man had few needs. We could sum up his needs as food, clothing and housing. Once these needs were met, he found contentment.
In the modern scenario these three basic needs have multiplied manifold, and are continuing to grow. While it is true that mankind is far more productive than the primitive man, but he finds it difficult to find contentment, as he has lost control over his needs. He continues to desire many unnecessary things. The desires have grown because of lack of any self-control leading millions of people to frustration and unhappiness.
Evaluate your own needs. Do you really need what you desire? Would it enhance the quality of your life or that of your family? Do you have the means to buy all that you desire? It has been observed that people buy things impulsively. Many of the things are not needed at all. People mistake their own greed to be a need, which is not so.
People have cupboards full of clothes, handbags, waist belts, caps, shoes and sandals, and other accessories. Many of these are not used even once in a month. People line up a fleet of cars outside their homes, not because they need them, but because they can boast about them. These people have much but enjoy no contentment because of their insatiable greed. Beware lest you fall into the trap and lose your self-confidence.
nice