Page 136 - https://ia800806.us.archive.org/12/items/mwk-eng-book/Leading-a-Spiritual-Life.pdf

Stress: A Positive Phenomenon

Arnold Toynbee (1889 – 1975) propounded a theory
according to which, ‘Man achieves civilization, not as
a result of superior biological endowment, but as a
response to a challenge in a situation of special difficulty
which rouses him to make a hitherto unprecedented
effort.’ Toynbee categorized challenge as either
‘crippling’ or ‘non-crippling’. A crippling challenge is
bad, whereas a non-crippling challenge is equally good
in that it stimulates nations to produce a civilization.
The same is true of stress. If man is unable to control
stress, it will reach an abnormal state that is crippling;
this kind of stress is fatal. But if one is able to control
stress, it will remain within non-crippling limits and
turn out to be a boon.

Let me give you an example. During the pre-
independence era, there were two kinds of leaders:
pro-Congress and pro-Muslim League. In those days,
on a journey to Baharaich (Uttar Pradesh), I met a
Mr. Mehmood (LLB), a pro-Muslim League leader. He
introduced me to an individual who was pro-Congress. I
said to Mr. Mehmood, “Both of you belong to different
rival groups and yet you are keeping up your friendship.
How is this?” He replied with a smile, “We have agreed
to disagree.” By adopting this formula, they saved
themselves from stress.
During a visit to the US, I stayed for a few days with
a businessman who had been living there for forty
years. I found that he remained stress-free at all times.
Upon undergoing an unwanted experience, he would
promptly say, “Chalo ye bhi theek hai!” (This is also okay!)

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