Swami Vivekananda emphasizes the importance of learning from others while maintaining individuality. He encourages absorbing knowledge and wisdom from diverse sources and adapting it uniquely to one’s own life. This approach fosters personal growth while upholding ethical integrity and authenticity.
“Learn everything that is good from others”
- Embrace a Growth Mindset: Recognize that others have valuable experiences and knowledge to offer. Eg: Mahatma Gandhi learned the principles of non-violence from Tolstoy and Hinduism
- Open-Minded Learning: Be willing to seek out lessons from different cultures, perspectives, and individuals. Eg- Steve Jobs sought design inspiration from Buddhism and Japanese aesthetics
- Humility in Learning: Accept that we don’t know everything and can always improve by learning from others. Eg- APJ Abdul Kalam
“Bring it in, and in your own way absorb it”
- Personalize Knowledge: Eg- Bruce Lee absorbed multiple martial arts forms but synthesized them into his unique philosophy, Jeet Kune Do.
- Integrate Creatively: Combine new ideas with your own approach, giving them a personal touch. Eg- Pablo Picasso’s Cubist style.
- Make It Meaningful: Absorb lessons in a way that aligns with your values and purpose.
“Do not become others”
- Maintain Authenticity: While learning from others, stay true to who you are and your core values. Eg- Gandhi’s simple attire during his visit to Britain
- Avoid Imitation: Learning should be transformative, not a process of copying others’ lives or methods. Eg- Sanskritization of corruption
- Celebrate Individuality: Use what you’ve learned to enhance your unique identity rather than replace it. Eg- Transgender community
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken” – Oscar Wilde. By staying true to who we are and not simply imitating others, we contribute to the world with our distinct creativity and individuality
