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Leading A Spiritual Life

within manageable limits and led to development for
both countries.
The other example is that of Germany, which, in the
early years of the twentieth century, beset by political
and economic problems, had initially to meet the
challenge of solving serious internal issues. But when
matters further deteriorated, the German leadership
eventually opted for confrontation with neighbouring
countries, which escalated into WWII – a challenge
of such overwhelming proportions that it ultimately
caused Germany to suffer a crushing defeat. However, in
1945, at the end of the second world war, the German
leadership, having accepted the reality of their defeat,
lost no time in taking a U-turn. That is, they set about
the vigorous reconstruction of their nation, and within
a very short space of time Germany emerged as the most
powerful nation of Europe.

Life is a kind of trial for both individuals and nations
in the sense that they are put to the test by challenges
of varying degrees of tractability. At such times, every
individual and nation has to opt for one of two
courses: the realistic or the unrealistic course of action,
or in other words, must target the achievable or the
unachievable goal. This is the crucial test that confronts
every individual and nation. One who opts for the
realistic course of action will reach his goal, while one
who strives to achieve what is in reality unattainable will
certainly be doomed to failure.

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