True growth is timeless

We often equate success with power, and overlook (sometimes) the essence of genuine personal growth. Like a dy(e)ing moustache, temporarily darkened to look young, the charm of power can be fleeting. True growth does not lie in the trappings of authority or position but in a person’s evolution in thinking, action and conduct.

History has given us countless people who impacted the world in numerous ways and who grew by challenging themselves, developing empathy and pursuing wisdom, regardless of their rank or role.

Some examples…

From expansion and conquest to compassion and moral growth

Ashoka, the emperor of the Maurya Empire is a classic example. During his early emperorship, his name got synonymous with aggression as he carried a brutal campaign during the Kalinga War. The conquest led not to satisfaction but to sorrow and the devastation henceforth caused due to the war changed him inside out. He embraced Buddhism, abandoned violence and concentrated his energy on promoting peace, compassion and peoples’ welfare. His reigning control shifted from expansion and conquest to compassion and moral growth, a legendary transformation no conquest could have him achieve.

Values above imperial authority

Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor, exemplified intellectual and emotional growth that far exceeded his political power. Known as “philosopher king”, Aurelius held immense power but approached his life with humility and introspection. In his series of personal writings, Meditations, he wrote about self-control, transience of power and the importance of kindness, values he held above imperial authority. His inner growth is why he remains a revered figure. The power of his office did not make him memorable, but his dedication to wisdom, virtue and self-reflection did.

Commitment to intellectual freedom

In ancient Alexandria, Hypatia became a symbol of intellectual courage and resilience. In a male-dominated world, she rose above societal expectations as a female philosopher, mathematician and astronomer, focusing on the pursuit of knowledge. Teaching many influential students and becoming a highly respected thinker, she refused to let traditional limitations dictate her intellectual pursuits. Her growth lay not in titles but in her dedication to the truth and commitment to intellectual freedom. Her life is a symbol of the power of inner resilience and the courage to stand firm in one’s principles.

Preferring inner growth over academic ranking or social prestige

Nobel laureate and educator, Rabindranath Tagore, championed a vision of learning that emphasised personal and intellectual freedom over rigid structure. Through Visva-Bharati University, Tagore sought to create a place where students could develop holistically, encouraging creativity, upholding moral integrity and promoting cultural openness. His vision of education as a liberating force emphasised inner growth over academic ranking or social prestige. Tagore’s legacy in education lives on, reminding us that the impact of intellectual development far outweighs the fleeting appeal of traditional authority.

Teacher as a guide not information dispenser

Noted philosopher and second President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, is another example of someone whose true growth was intellectual and ethical rather than political. Despite holding high office, his most lasting contributions were as a teacher and philosopher. His approach to education emphasised character building over rote learning. He saw a teachers’ role as a guide to deeper understanding, not a mere information dispenser. He honoured educators as the cornerstone of societal progress by establishing Teachers’ Day in India. That demonstrates his true legacy and dedication to knowledge and values rather than any formal position.

Growth is internal not positional

Socrates, the classical Greek philosopher, stands out as a figure whose inner growth and dedication to truth overshadowed any worldly status. Though he held no office, Socrates sought to expand his own and others’ understanding through his method of questioning, encouraging critical thinking and self-awareness. His approach challenged the norms of Athenian society and ultimately led to his trial and execution. Yet, Socrates’ intellectual and ethical commitment left a legacy that outlasts those who wielded political power in his time. His teachings laid the foundation of philosophy and inquiry, showing that true growth is internal not positional.

Bottomline

In today’s world, academia and corporate culture alike often celebrate visible achievements like rank, title and authority as symbols of success. But, as history shows, it is the people who prioritize wisdom, empathy and intellectual curiosity over outward status who leave the most profound impact. In the context of academia, figures like Dr. Maria Montessori, who revolutionised education by focusing on individual growth and independence, remind us that real change comes from within.

A person who dyes their mustache may appear authoritative, but it is their mental, behavioural and intellectual growth that will determine their true legacy. In the end, the figures we remember and revere are those who grew in ways that power alone could not measure, who valued the richness of their inner lives and the wisdom they passed on to others. True growth is timeless, it is not found in the transient glory of power, but in the lasting impact of a life lived with integrity and purpose.

Postscript: Be conscious of how you imprint the world not that we should be remembered by a memorial, a park bench or a square statue. One may fail to verbalize feelings or emotions. People of position and power must not take that handicap (of expression) for granted. Doing so will be fooling themselves. Never forget, the weak understand what you are up to. Don’t test their patience.

For those in power, when someone visits you next time to remind you of your obligations, treat them nicely and with respect. Be grateful for what you have been entrusted with and deliver what you are supposed to. Remember, you are not doing anybody any favour, you have signed up for the job and service. And, by the way, not addressing peoples’ grievances and sitting on their pleas is like ramming on their throat. You are choking them. They will either implode or explode and in both the cases, you will be held responsible.

PEACE!

Mohammad Faheem Ul Islam Shah works as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) at the University of Kashmir.