Paolo Coelho, in alchemist talked about the greatness of man and his will power. The fact that the whole Universe somehow takes on a supernatural role in fulfilling ones' wishes, if the person tried hard enough, if the person was willing enough. This was like saying that God helps those who help themselves. However, let me make it clear, I am an atheist and have no illusion of "God" or you may call me a non-believer.
However, the fact still remains for many of us out there, who have the will power and the motivation to get something done, still face failure. Sometimes no matter how hard we try, the Universe keeps conspiring against us.
There is no easy way to digest this fact that our failures are a part of our lives, we keep hoping we won't though just for our heart's sake. Be it a failed job interview, a failed attempt at hailing a taxi in the busy streets of Calcutta, failing in the exams or a lost lover, failures are a part and parcel of our lives. No matter how much we deny this, it still comes back to haunt us. The failures keep occurring.
I used to agree with Sir Paolo on the regard that maybe somehow we are not trying hard enough, maybe something still remained to be done. However, sometimes time makes me wonder if he was indeed right. What about the not so intelligent person who is trying to make a living playing chess? Maybe he loves to play the game, but is just not good enough at it. Others are blessed with something which he does not have, yet he still loves playing the game. Did he not try hard enough?
Take for example, your local slum-boy. He was unprivileged. Maybe he tried. Maybe he tried so much that it would make you wonder what would have happened to you, if you had tried so hard. Let me site the example of our beloved Prime Minister, who was a "Chai-Wala". He made it. However, for the majority of the people, the universe does the exact opposite.
Probably it is just human nature to look at the positive side of things, to feed our brain with "hope" in-spite of all odds. We would like to be hopeful even when we know it might not be useful. Probably that is why people believe Sir Paolo when he said that the Universe will help you. I am not sure they would have done the same, if he would have said, it won't.
Okay, on a more practical note, I would like it as well. I would like to be hopeful.
