“Whatever is done by way of action, speech and thought attracts the doer towards itself. Hence, always engage in actions that are beneficial and usher in well-being.” — Vidur Niti
When Raja Dhritarāshtra realized war between the Kauravas and Pāndavas was inevitable and that the Pāndavas would destroy the Kauravas, he called his wise minister Vidura to his chambers and asked him to speak on dharma, values, and ethics. Vidura ‘s wisdom (known as Vidura Niti) gave him comfort and solace.
Dhritarāshtra didn’t just know that the war was coming; to a large extent, he was responsible for it. His attachment to Duryodhana, his eldest son, made him turn a blind eye towards his immoral actions, especially towards the Pāndavas. This kept on piling… until the Pāndavas declared war to get what was rightfully theirs.
The biggest mistake you can make, like Dhritarāshtra, is to let your desires stop you from doing what’s right. Reading or hearing wisdom and philosophy can make you feel better in the moment, but the meaning of philosophy is not that—it’s to make you better, to help you sculpt and improve your life.
Author Ryan Holiday echoed Vidur’s words when he said we should “treat each experience like a sculptor with his chisels, carving until, to paraphrase Michelangelo, we set free the angel in the marble.”
Your actions dictate who you become. Strive to do what makes you the person you want to be.