We live in a world of fast results and instant mastery over any topic.
A counter-narrative is found in a Sanskrit Subhashita (a well-known saying):
शनैः पन्थाः शनैः कन्था शनैः पर्वतमारोहणम्।
शनैर्विद्या च वित्तं च पञ्चैतानि शनैः शनैः॥
Śanaih panthaah Śanaih kanthaa Śanaih parvatamārohaṇam |
Śanair-vidyaa cha vittam cha pañcaitāni Śanaih Śanaih||
This means that ‘Slowly one covers a path; slowly one weaves a garment; slowly one climbs a mountain; knowledge and wealth are also acquired gradually—these five things must happen step by step.’
Śanaih Panthah. - A journey of a thousand miles starts with a step - one after the other. Focusing on the horizon will very often lead us to believe that the journey is overwhelming. So instead focus on the next step and keep to it.
Śanaih Kantha. - Intricate craftsmanship requires time and patience. A tapestry is woven thread by a single thread, without hurrying the loom. Any hurry would destroy the fabric.
Śanaih parvatamārohaṇam. - Any experienced mountaineer would be able to explain how important pacing is for climbing a mountain. The peak does not belong to the fastest climber, it belongs to the persistent one.
Śanaih Vidya. - Deep understanding of any topic requires quiet absorption and reflection. Mastery over a subject is not a singular event, it is a habit.
Śanaih Vittam. - ‘Easy come, easy go’, is probably aptly applicable to wealth. Financial independence is built brick by brick by discipline and wisdom.
The word ‘Śanaih’ is the ancient equivalent of the modern day ‘Compounding Effect.’
So stop measuring your worth by the remaining distance to the top.
Every goal is achieved by consistently taking one step at a time.
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