​Observe People Around You. Imbibe Their Virtues.

Life is perhaps the greatest university, and the people around us are its finest teachers. Every individual we meet carries within them a lesson worth learning. Some teach us through their wisdom, others through their struggles, and a few even through their mistakes. The tragedy is not that good examples are scarce; it is that we often fail to notice them.

Human beings have an extraordinary tendency to magnify the shortcomings of others while overlooking their strengths. We become quick judges but poor learners. Yet, the most successful and admired personalities in history possessed a different habit—they observed deeply, appreciated generously, and adopted every noble quality they encountered.

Indian philosophy has always encouraged this approach.

The Rig Veda beautifully proclaims:

“आ नो भद्राः क्रतवो यन्तु विश्वतः।”
“Let noble thoughts come to us from every direction.”

The wisdom here is profound. Truth does not belong to one person, one family, one profession, or one ideology. Every individual we meet may possess a virtue that we ourselves lack. A disciplined colleague can teach punctuality. A humble worker can teach dignity. A patient parent can teach endurance. A sincere subordinate can teach commitment. Even a child can teach curiosity and innocence.

The world becomes our classroom the moment our ego stops becoming our teacher.

The Bhagavad Gita repeatedly reminds us that true wisdom begins with humility.

“अमानित्वम् अदम्भित्वम्…” (Bhagavad Gita 13.8)

Lord Krishna places humility at the very beginning of the qualities that lead to true knowledge. Humility enables us to acknowledge that others may excel where we fall short. The arrogant person competes with everyone. The wise person learns from everyone.

History offers countless examples.

Mahatma Gandhi learnt simplicity from ordinary villagers. Swami Vivekananda admired fearlessness wherever he saw it. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam often acknowledged that his greatest lessons came from his teachers, colleagues, technicians, and even young students. Their greatness lay not merely in possessing knowledge but in remaining lifelong learners.

Nature too silently teaches this principle.

A bee visits hundreds of flowers but carries back only nectar. It never complains about the thorns, nor does it waste time examining dry leaves. Likewise, a wise person moves through society collecting virtues instead of faults.

How different our relationships would become if, instead of asking, “What is wrong with this person?”, we asked, “What can I learn from this person?”

The answer may surprise us.

The disciplined officer may inspire better time management.

The compassionate doctor may inspire empathy.

The honest shopkeeper may remind us of integrity.

The determined entrepreneur may teach resilience.

The dedicated teacher may rekindle our passion for learning.

Even those facing adversity with dignity can teach courage far beyond what books can offer.

The Chanakya Niti conveys a timeless insight:

“अमृतं श्मशानादपि ग्राह्यम्।”

Its essence is that wisdom should be accepted regardless of where it is found. Just as nectar remains valuable irrespective of its source, a noble quality deserves to be embraced irrespective of who possesses it.

Unfortunately, modern society often encourages comparison instead of appreciation. Social media has made it easier to envy success than to study the qualities that created it. Envy drains energy. Admiration channels it into self-improvement.

Every evening, we can ask ourselves three simple questions:

• Whom did I meet today?
• What admirable quality did I notice in that person?
• How can I practise that quality tomorrow?

These questions have the power to transform character one day at a time.

Character is never built in a single moment. It is shaped by countless small choices—by consciously collecting virtues from the people who cross our path.

The Bhagavad Gita offers another timeless reminder:

“उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।” (Bhagavad Gita 6.5)

“Let a person elevate oneself by one’s own efforts; let one not degrade oneself.”

Self-elevation does not happen merely by reading inspiring books or attending motivational seminars. It happens when we translate inspiration into daily conduct. Every noble quality we adopt becomes a permanent investment in our personality.

The world around us is full of silent mentors. Some inspire through excellence, others through perseverance, and a few through quiet acts of kindness that rarely receive applause. If we learn to observe carefully, appreciate sincerely, and practise consistently, every encounter becomes an opportunity for growth.

Let us therefore resolve to become collectors of virtues rather than collectors of faults.

For those who search with an open mind, every person is a teacher, every day is a lesson, and every virtue embraced is another step towards becoming a better human being.

The quality you admire today may become your strength tomorrow.

~ Vijuy Ronjan