The World Is Your Oyster

“Know your own happiness. You want nothing but patience- or give it a more fascinating name, call it hope.”
― Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility

A few weeks ago, as I was walking through a train station, I came across an elderly woman who had a haunting appearance, with her hair a terrible shade of gray. Resting at her feet was a sign that read, “I am facing financial difficulties. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.”

Underneath a breathtakingly clear blue sky, she stood there with the signboard, baring her vulnerability for all to see. I was in disbelief at what I had just witnessed. If this were a decade ago, encountering individuals like her would have been unheard of. Particularly in a society that traditionally emphasizes self-responsibility, such scenes were once unimaginable in our daily lives.

Families, couples, and groups of friends passed by, seemingly going about their lives unaffected, completely disregarding her presence. It was as if she didn’t exist to them. Perhaps some even went as far as pretending they hadn’t noticed her at all.

However, she was undeniably real and visible to all who passed by, yet no one dared to approach her. This included myself—I too refrained from stepping forward.

Since that day, I’ve found myself pondering her situation extensively. What has become of her? Is she faring well? Did anyone extend financial assistance to her? If I were to come across her again in the future, would I offer my help? And… Is it possible that I could find myself in a similar situation one day?

Working in the tech:

I found myself engaging with what I have been doing so far. Dedicating my time to leaning, coding, practicing, and building, I am fortunate to have a genuine passion for programming and the intricacies of interacting with machines through various programming languages. Immersed in the world of STEM, I find myself captivated by the dynamic and constantly evolving tech industry, which serves as an endless source of motivation for personal growth and continuous learning.

Between delving into Android programming, engaging in Java-powered software development, mastering Linux shell scripting, and exploring AI learning with PyTorch, it often feels like I could use a whopping 72 hours a day just to satiate my insatiable curiosity in the field of STEM. Simultaneously, my drive to reskill and upskill is fueled by the fear of becoming obsolete in the rapidly evolving tech industry, where career stagnation can have dire consequences.

The old lady:

Ever since encountering her a few weeks ago, I have felt an incessant urge to continuously acquire new skills. While this drive is undoubtedly fueled by my inherent curiosity, as mentioned earlier, it is also motivated by the fear of becoming obsolete and losing my ground. And I’m certain that I am not alone in holding such thoughts, irrespective of the industry one belongs to.

We are currently residing in an era where the boundary between financial stability and poverty is becoming increasingly blurred. Anyone, including both you and me, can find themselves descending into the realm of poverty, and this unfortunate reality is already manifesting within my own awareness.

Financial divides:

Our government consistently reassures us that they are actively striving to address the income disparity prevailing throughout the nation – I harbor doubts regarding their ability to achieve such a feat. In truth, nobody can effectively address the issue unless people become fully cognizant of the challenging reality we are confronted with.

Please note that I do not intend to excuse or justify the government’s neglect in working for the betterment of its people. However, it is important to acknowledge that the reality we face may also stem from a collective lack of awareness or urgency among individuals, perhaps due to a diminished sense of fear or concern.

The golden rule:

If you desire to be loved, be a good person. If earning respect is your goal, engage in actions that fill you with pride. And if attaining financial success is what you seek, provide value. It’s as straightforward as that.

As someone immersed in the world of technology, I can only speak about how it has the potential to reshape your perspective. However, let me share one crucial insight. One of the most powerful means to assuage your apprehensions about the future is to embrace a mindset of continuous learning and skill acquisition. Equally significant is finding joy and passion in your pursuits, truly loving what you do.

The world is your oyster:

Global climate change, the Covid endemic, the ongoing worldwide financial crisis, and the conflict in Ukraine—these are realities we are all aware of. It’s undeniable that the present era could be considered one of the most daunting periods in human history. However, upon reflection, I can also assert that when compared to historical events, the current state of affairs may not be as dire as it seems.

Consider this for a moment. We are fortunate to have access to the Internet, AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Bard, and numerous other technologies that we currently enjoy. From one perspective, the world we inhabit today may indeed present its fair share of challenges. However, from another vantage point, it also holds immense potential to achieve remarkable feats. For instance, Stanford University recently unveiled an AI chatbot, powered by Meta’s language model, which can be installed on a compact laptop.

This is merely scratching the surface. We find ourselves in an era where what was once deemed impossible can now be made possible through the advancements of technology and science. While I acknowledge the existence of poverty, the encounter with the old woman offered a glimpse into the widespread destitution that was previously concealed. Yet, what if we could collectively steer things towards a brighter path through sheer determination? Perhaps this change could be brought about through technology or even through impactful social initiatives. Who knows?

However, there is one crucial point I want to emphasize: if you do not enjoy your challenges, you are not genuinely experiencing the joy of living.

After thoughts:

Life, undoubtedly, has its unfair aspects. However, through taking action, you hold the potential to alter your trajectory and shape a path toward the future of your life and even the whole world. The world is your oyster and is your playground where you can build your own world. One day, let us envision what you have built throughout your journey, called life.