In the moment

Dr Salim Hamood Al-Harthy, assistant professor in surface physics and nanotechnology, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman

As a student at Ruwi Secondary School, Muscat, I remember hearing an Arabic saying which had an indelible impact on me. It roughly translates: "Live your life as if you are living forever and work for your afterlife as if you are dying tomorrow."

I cannot recall the (title) of the saying or who said it, but the saying has remained with me until this day.

For example, when I do charity work, I feel I must accomplish as many good deeds as possible in case I die tomorrow; we cannot return once we are dead and, therefore, no longer have the opportunity to accomplish further good acts.

However, when I am researching in the laboratory or going about my normal everyday routine, I pursue those activities as (though I shall) live forever.

The focus (is) to constantly work towards achieving your goals without being concerned about one's mortality.

I consider myself to be a member of the community rather than merely an individual within it.

I do not think it is acceptable to be isolated because I feel that one of the primary reasons for our existence is so that we can live and communicate with those around us.

After all, it is impossible to achieve anything in life without others. I also feel that whatever we accomplish is ultimately for the benefit (of) the community.

I would like to point out that there is a difference between being isolated and independent: I am independent but I still function as a member of the community.

I like to be of as much assistance to others as I can, whether it is through charity work or advising someone. I feel one can help someone even through encouraging words and compliments.

For example, visiting patients - those who are mentally or physically challenged - can also be considered a contribution towards society.

I see yesterday as history we must constantly (refer to) ...
... in order to learn from our mistakes. It is also, however, equally important to be aware of our achievements.

Today, on the other hand, is all about taking action and enjoying whatever it is (you are) doing at the moment. However, tomorrow remains an unpredictable (entity), which is why I feel it is very important to plan for the future.

Everything becomes simpler and you save time and money if you plan ahead. The most important element in planning is undoubtedly time. We live in an increasingly dynamic world in which situations change every moment.

You may have a certain plan today, but circumstances may compel you to change it tomorrow. I believe in flexible planning and adapting to whatever circumstances I encounter.

At the end of the day, in my opinion, living without planning is akin to driving a car without a steering wheel.

I love combining my interests ...
... of teaching, academic research and business pursuits. However, if I were asked to pursue only one thing for the rest of my life, I would (choose) research. Research requires you to be passionate, patient, a good manager and to possess the ability to think critically and learn ... from other people's achievements.

In addition to my academic pursuits I am also involved in three businesses (in the fields of) transportation, banking and consultation.

I have benefited from being a scientist, for I use what I have learnt from my training in science, such as analytical thinking and patience, to deal with my business activities.

Researching in science has taught me that the objective is to develop and introduce new values rather than repeating and focusing on aspects already dealt with. I feel I add new values to management, due to my understanding of science.

Furthermore, regarding this marriage of management and science, I feel that nothing is isolated - everything is connected. I believe a person should understand a bit (about) everything so he is equipped to deal with whatever issue that arises.

My journey has just begun
I am the kind of person who would prefer drawing people's attention to my achievements and discoveries rather than myself, the individual.

I feel that people generally tend to judge you from your achievements: in my case, for example, a research paper.

They may be initially impressed when you talk but there will be a greater degree of appreciation when you produce evidence to support whatever it is that you are talking about.

I would like to emphasise, nonetheless, that you must justify whatever it is that you choose to do. For example, you must have a convincing reason as to why you choose to remain in the background.

In some situations, it becomes necessary to put yourself forward.