True inner values matter more

TOO MANY of the world’s young people are trapped in poverty, with fewer opportunities to learn or earn a decent living as growing populations and sluggish economies are leading to more competition for scarce jobs.

Technological advancements are putting more jobs beyond the reach of those without higher education or advanced training. Unemployed and underemployed youths thus remain out of work, or stuck in low-paying jobs.

In today’s overtly-materialistic milieu, role models for young people are those who have become rich or famous due to their looks, or some minor talent.

Some of these high-achieving individuals have their faults, but impressionable youngsters nevertheless copy their behaviour.

When these celebrities do something wrong, the message that goes out to their adoring fans is that it is all right to make a few mistakes as we are just human.

Material success may impress people for some time, but what touches their hearts is kindness, true love, honesty, humility, and other such values.

And these values do not just please others; one who possesses them is rewarded with peace of mind, an immense sense of satisfaction, happiness, harmonious relationships, and the love and cooperation of others.

Because of their strength of character, such persons win the trust of others and are offered opportunities that everyone does not get. They easily accomplish their tasks with the help of others.