Uniqueness Is Personal

My first thought as a reply to the prompt was mental acumen. It’s the cerebral qualities of each person that makes them unique.

However, the uniqueness emerges from inequity. There is inherent disparity amongst human beings in terms of abilities and aptitudes.

It is difficult to ascertain a particular quality which can bring forth uniqueness. Every individual has different core competencies. A person may have leadership skills. Another may have kindness of heart as his/her USP. I was always told I had great interpersonal skills.

One may have more than one qualities or skill sets. I used to admire one of my colleagues for her level headedness.. I admire those qualities in a person which I lack. One of my bosses had the unique capability of calming me down when I got carried away. He was a great balancing factor in my life. He made me see reason. Though it was his reason but I got an alternate perspective which was very important. 

On hindsight I believe my mother had great absorption ability. It’s this ability which enabled her to endure sorrow and move on. My father, on the other hand, was much ahead of his time in thoughts and deeds. Though I guess he was not very pragmatic but yes, of course, undoubtedly, he brought in the flavour of liberal mindedness in a conservative Bengali family.

However, uniqueness  graduates to greatness when humans suffer for others. Great reformers have given their lives for their convictions. They have had the strong will to pursue their higher aims for greater good.

Crucifixion of Christ is the greatest example of self sacrifice for his faith and people. Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar hailed from very humble background. His willpower carried him forward. He lived the life of an ascetic and fought for social reforms like women’s education and equality. He was one of the pillars of Bengal Renaissance. However, the orthodox Bengali society did not take to his efforts kindly.

There is a very funny story about Vidyasagar Mahashaya. He was once told by one of his acquaintances about Mr. X  mouthing bad words about him behind his back. Vidyasagar Mahashaya replied innocently, “Why ? Have I done any good to him?” This was his greatness!! He was stoic to ill wills and criticism overcoming petty mindedness and envisioning and striving for a better social system.

Today we have evolved as a civilization because of such great men and women whose uniqueness transcended the narrow limits of thoughts and deeds and brought about orbit shifting changes for an improved world.

Do we have the unique ability to sustain what they gifted us against all odds ?

Point to ponder 🤔.