DISCIPLINE HELPS US HAVE A CIVILISED LIFE TO ACCOMMODATE ALL

Among the most frequent questions I am asked is: How do you define discipline, and is there a possibility to lead a normal, good life without conforming to discipline?

Well, I say, discipline is at the root of all that is said to be normal and okay. And it requires not only a kind of restraint within us, it also demands that the same kind of norms be applied when we are dealing with others.

To make our understanding of discipline easier, let us go to Athenian historian and general, Thucydides (History of the Peloponnesian War): “Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and self-respect is the chief element in courage.”

That means for anything meaningful in life, discipline has to be the pivotal fulcrum. Discipline, in other words, acts as the lifeline between our goal and success. Just imagine the resulting horror if there is no discipline in an army in a battle field.

At the individual level, discipline leads to happiness and it creates an irresistible urge to do more for the overall good of all. It turns your desires into a racehorse that leads you to your victory post.

In other words, discipline nips our impulses and irrational thoughts and leads us to a path where virtues, progressive ideas and happiness are the main guiding forces. And, one who is disciplined surely caries the guarantee card of success in his pockets! Inner Voice comprises contributions from our readers. The views expressed are personal Innervoice@hindustantimes.com