Page 229 - https://ia800806.us.archive.org/12/items/mwk-eng-book/Leading-a-Spiritual-Life.pdf

Leading A Spiritual Life

So, if this de-conditioning was possible for him, why
should it not be possible for others?
What is the importance of de-conditioning? It is the
only way to intellectual development. It is a generally
accepted fact that education is an important tool for
personality development. But at the same time, one
must try to de-condition one’s mind; otherwise one
cannot receive the fruits of education in their totality.

I know a person belonging to a minority community
who was obsessed with the concept of discrimination.
He said that, without there being positions reserved
for members of minority groups, he could not find a
good job in this country. I said: “No, at present you are
thinking in terms of discrimination, but please revise
your thinking and try to understand the matter in
terms of excellence.” I reminded him of a well-known
saying: ‘There is always room at the top.’ I said that
if you were an average student, then you might face
some kind of discrimination, not only in this country
but elsewhere in the world, but if you enhanced your
efforts, if you became a topper in your institution, then
you would certainly achieve the job you desired. I said
that discrimination had a limit and you could cross that
limit only by dedication and hard work.
The said student accepted my advice and started re-
thinking. He increased his efforts and the result was
miraculous. He got first class marks and, of course, he
was offered a good job in some institution. Those who
look only at external factors invariably underestimate
their own capacity. But those who discover themselves
become free of this obsession and can meet all challenges.

228