Principles of Life

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan I Principles of Life

Teak is a hard wood used in building and furniture making. It is produced mainly in Burma, but is also grown in India, Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. In India, it has been in use for more than two thousand years.

The most important property of teak is its extraordinary durability. In ancient times, boats and bridges were built of this wood and in buildings as old as a thousand years, teak beams are still found to be in excellent condition.

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan I Principles of Life

All the things in the market are available on payment of a necessary price. The principle of the market, to be precise, is: ‘you receive as much as you give, neither more nor less.’ If you are a well-wisher of others, others will also respond in the same way. If you talk to others gently, others too will return gentle words. If you honour others, they too will honour you.

The American writer, Charles Garfield, who has made a thorough, psychological study of peak-achievement, says that ‘in a study of 90 leaders in business, politics, sports and arts, many spoke of ‘false starts’ but never of ‘failure.’ Disappointment spurs greater resolve, growth or change. Moreover, no matter how rough things get, super-achievers always feel there are other avenues they can explore. They always have another idea to test.’ (Readers’ Digest, October, 1986).

In 1831, an American citizen went into business. In 1832 his business failed, so he entered the field of politics, but was no more successful in that sphere. He reverted to business in 1834, and was again a failure.