Once, four friends named Luv, Shyam, Kaushik and Ravi decided to participate in a bicycle race. This had been their dream adventure since their days in school. Finally, they were getting the opportunity to do it together.
They were all excited to peddle in the virgin beautiful track in the Dehradun valley. There were breathtaking views to be had of the valley and of the clear blue sky. There were more than 200 participants in this event and the path had refreshments and cycle repair shops along the way..
The day of the race came. The four friends started with a lot of enthusiasm and camradeship. As the race progressed, though, initial excitement gave way to tiredness, boredom and exhaustion. Some parts of the path had a steep upward climb while some turns were very sharp.The four friends also began to have self doubt whether they will be able to compete the race. However, they kept on encouraging each other..
Along the way, they saw some cyclists fall down and get hurt. Some got tired and gave up and stopped. some were pedaling only because they did not want to stop in the middle of the road.
There was a support van which was slowly travelling along with the cyclists. Some cyclists started to pedal along with the support van chatting with each other and simply going through the motions..
The four friends saw these cyclists and felt bad for them. Soon as they pedaled along, they began to loose sight of other cyclists..
Than, a very steep climb came when even kaushik and Ravi paused for some time..Luv and Shyam continued but soon even they were separated..
Now each one was own his own and there was a fear of surprises which might await them at every unfamiliar bend of the road. Also, there was a risk of the bike breaking down and no help close by.
Soon, the friends started thinking if the race was even worth all the effort and risk.
Discussion points:
Is it worth it? It’s a quintessential question that everyone faces at certain points of time. This question is very important at the point when one is placed comfortably, financially, professionally and socially.. Once settled in the comfort of life, taking a new step always seems risky and creates this kind of dilemma of ‘whether it is worth it?’
The journey toward any goal is filled with ups and downs. When survival is no longer the primary concern, a deeper question emerges: Is this effort worth it? The answer lies in embracing what it means to be human.
As animals, existence revolves around survival—moving from one pasture to the next as herbivores or hunting from one game to another as carnivores. Every action serves the purpose of survival. But to be human is to transcend mere survival. It is to take on challenges not because we need to, but because they define us. This is what elevates us from the animal kingdom to the divine kingdom, with humanity as the bridge in between.
These challenges are not about surviving—they are about thriving. They confront our current limitations and push us beyond them. With every challenge, a new realm of possibilities opens up, inviting us to evolve. While it is true that we’ve mastered survival, simply existing within that comfort zone doesn’t define us. It is the willingness to break free from our current mould and strive for a higher state—again and again—that shapes us as evolving beings.
Once survival needs are met, the journey itself becomes more significant than the destination. It’s no longer just about achieving the goal; it’s about enhancing who we are and shedding old limitations along the way. The question, then, isn’t whether the effort is worth it. The real question is: Am I ready to break free from my comfort zone and take the next step toward growth, even if it means leaving behind what feels secure? This cycle of growth—breaking, evolving, and rising—defines the essence of being human.
Purposeful living is the key for long and fulfilled life
What do you think?
STORY CREDIT: This story has been taken from the book "Maktub" by Paulo Coelho
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