Understand the Importance of Enthusiasm
There is an incident that truly happened. A philosopher was once on an errand and boarded a taxi. On entering the taxi, he noticed the driver’s sad face and asked, “Are you unwell, brother?”
The taxi driver replied, “Sir, are you a doctor?”
The philosopher said, “No, but your face suggests that you are tired and sick.”
The taxi driver sighed and said, “Yes, I have back pain these days.”
When asked his age, he replied, “Thirty.”
The philosopher responded, “Back pain at such a young age? It can be cured without medication, simply through exercise.”
The philosopher then asked another question: “Brother, is business slow these days?”
Surprised, the taxi driver asked, “Sir, how did you know? Are you an astrologer?”
The philosopher smiled and said, “Brother, not only I, but anyone could see it. If you always greet passengers with a dull face, who would want to hire your taxi? Naturally, your income will be low. Enthusiasm is essential for success in life.”
Hearing this, the taxi driver seemed to awaken from sleep and said, “Sir, today you have made me realize my mistake. Thank you very much.”
After three or four years, one day a gentleman placed his hand on the philosopher’s back and asked with a smile, “Sir, how are you?”
The philosopher replied, “I am fine, son, but I could not recognize you.”
The gentleman said, “Sir, I am the same taxi driver to whom you taught the lesson of enthusiasm. Today, because of your words, I have twelve taxis on rent, my business is flourishing, and my family is happy. Now I also advise every sad and dejected person to work with enthusiasm and a smile.”
The philosopher said, “It is absolutely necessary to work for our own salvation with enthusiasm.” The gentleman bowed, touched his feet, and happily promised to meet him again.
Often we worry so much about our problems but we forget how much grace God has bestowed upon us. The day we realize this grace, our life becomes filled with joy. It is natural that when you feel good, you smile—but when you smile, you also begin to feel good, and inner happiness emerges. To maintain such inner happiness, enthusiasm is essential.
To cultivate enthusiasm, one must know oneself and engage in self-reflection. For true salvation, one must recognize and understand the self.
Instead of dwelling on worries and problems, we should adopt ways to solve them and focus on self-improvement. In truth, many problems are created by us, and we must face the consequences. However, if we maintain enthusiasm in life, many problems dissolve on their own, and despair disappears.
Treating everyone with love, maintaining discipline, and cultivating good thoughts and deeds fill life with enthusiasm. By understanding and realizing the importance of enthusiasm, you can uplift yourself and inspire others by living a joyful life.
