Almost all of us have the bitter experience of picking up a new subject or language, only to give up on it soon afterwards. Why does this happen? The answer lies in our approach, or lack of it, when starting a new course.
To quote an example, I will draw from my own experience of having worked for years as a management consultant. I have seen many businessmen and students studying Kautilya’s Arthashastra to apply its principles in modern businesses. But several hit a block in understanding the terminologies and words used by Chanakya.
For all such people, I have only one advice: Do not worry about the initial challenges, just keep going. New subjects always have tough parts, but it’s quite easy today to fish out their meanings.
Let us take an example. Chanakya had said: “Between the eighth day after the full moon day of the Asadha and that of Kartika, ferrying (shall be provided). The workman should give surety and should bring in the regular daily earnings” (2.28.27)
Most of this verse is already translated into English, except two words—Asadha and Kartika. These are months from the Indian calendar. So, first learn about the Indian calendar system. And then your interest will grow.
Now, how does one maintain this interest? Indeed, how does one go about learning any new project? Here are some tips for this:
Start with a positive mindset. Only then will the battlefield be set for your entry.
Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai is an Indian management thinker, author, and Founder of Atma Darshan and Chanakya Aanvikshiki. Dr Pillai has extensively researched Kautilya’s Arthashastra, the 3rd century BC treatise and incorporated it into modern management.
Comments