Don’t go with the flow: follow your own path

I really respect those who are stick to their beliefs, principles, and thoughts — people who walk a clear path, people who know where to go and what to do in their lives. These are the people that are capable of taking the lead in anything, anywhere.

Throughout my life, I haven’t come across many such people, as they tend to be very rare in today’s society. However, when I do, I really respect and appreciate them. In my opinion, if you respect your principles and defend your values, then you have respect for yourself. By giving value to your principles, either you will win or lose, but at the end of the day, the battle is worth it.

Writer Khalil Gibran explains this in the best way: “Do not live half a life and do not die a half death. If you choose silence, then be silent. When you speak, do so until you are finished. Do not silence yourself to say something and do not speak to be silent. If you accept, then express it bluntly. Do not mask it. If you refuse, then be clear about it, for an ambiguous refusal is but a weak acceptance.”

Most successful people reach their heights of glory by focusing on their goals and respecting their values. Look at Socrates, one of the greatest philosophers in history, who was willing to die for his principles and beliefs. Despite that, he never changed his opinions nor did he compromise on his principles. That is why he continues to influence people even today.

The most important thing is to always follow your own path because being on the same path as everyone else has no significance if it is not what is meant for you. This is something that plays a great role, as not a lot of people accept the idea of being different, but to me, it is a unique trait. Such people are brave enough to stand tall and defend their opinions, rather than simply going with the flow.

— The reader is an Emirati international affairs graduate based in Abu Dhabi