PROMPT - Do we need others in order to understand ourselves?
The role of other people in an individual’s life is colossal. The identity of a person, in a very large way, is determined by the people around them. Also, man a times, it is an external stimulus that reveals a multitude of feelings hidden within an individual that even he/she may not know existed. There are several historical and contemporary examples that illustrate this.
In a certain sense, the British invaders who came to the Indian subcontinent in the 19th century are actually the reason India exists as it does today. Before the invasion, the inhabitants of India were broken up into hundreds of small kingdoms that were always fighting among themselves. It were the Britishers. who with their oppressive policies, indirectly made the people find the fire for freedom within themselves and helped them understand their true purpose. The revolt of 1847 was one of the biggest mass revolts in the world and it only happened because the people of India had finally understood themselves and their true purpose.
Another example involving an equally monumental role of another individual’s presence in a person’s life is that of M S Dhoni, the captain of the Indian cricket team. M S Dhoni, one of the greatest batsmen and wicket-keepers the world has ever seen always wanted to be a soccer player. In fact, he played soccer till he was in college. Dhoni took up cricket only when Kapil Dev, another famous cricketer, saw him play one day and realized hi great potential. Kapil played the role of a mirror in Dhoni’s life and allowed Dhoni to look inside himself and find out what he truly wanted. Dhoni currently has a ODI ranking of 1 and has led India to victory in the World cup. Despite his huge success, he never forgot his mentor and true friend Kapil. He always attributes his success to his friend who helped him understand himself and helped him achieve what he really wanted.
These examples show that truly understanding oneself is only possible with the help of others.