Follow Your Bliss

Written on Thursday, June 25, 2009 by Siddharth PV

From Mr. Narayan Murthy’s commencement speech at Wharton.
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Mr. Murthy went on to offer his audience some personal advice based on his life experience.
"First, I want to emphasize the importance of being trustworthy with all in your dealings. It is on such foundations that great organizations are created.
Second, fear is natural, but do not let your actions totally be governed by it. Just as fear may sometimes be the hidden voice of your intuition alerting you to what your rational mind may not yet have seen, it is also sometimes an invitation to explore a new part of yourself and the world.
"Third, a supportive family is the bedrock upon which satisfying lives and careers are built. Create a support system for yourself with people who will rejoice in your success and be there for you …
Fourth, learn how to manage yourself, especially your feelings in a way that respects the dignity of others and yourself. I have found it helpful to separate the merits and demerits of a decision from the accompanying feelings. We call this ‘being transaction oriented’ at Infosys.
Finally, live your life and lead your career in a way that makes a difference to your society."
Murthy closed with a memory from the series of interviews that Bill Moyers did several years ago on PBS with Joseph Campbell, the American mythologist and folklorist. Deep into a profound discussion about life, Murthy said, Bill Moyers leaned over and asked Joseph Campbell, "Joe, I am sure you have thought about this question. Why are we here on this earth? What is the path for one to follow?" Joseph Campbell smiled gently and said, "Yes, I have thought about it and the only answer I have found is this. Follow your bliss. All else will follow."

Accordingly, Murthy urged his audience to "choose a worthy dream for yourself. Go after it confidently. But always, without fail, ensure that you are following your bliss."

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1 Comment

  1. Soumya |

    great post! i totally agree with it! :)

     

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Follow Your Bliss

From Mr. Narayan Murthy’s commencement speech at Wharton.
-----
Mr. Murthy went on to offer his audience some personal advice based on his life experience.
"First, I want to emphasize the importance of being trustworthy with all in your dealings. It is on such foundations that great organizations are created.
Second, fear is natural, but do not let your actions totally be governed by it. Just as fear may sometimes be the hidden voice of your intuition alerting you to what your rational mind may not yet have seen, it is also sometimes an invitation to explore a new part of yourself and the world.
"Third, a supportive family is the bedrock upon which satisfying lives and careers are built. Create a support system for yourself with people who will rejoice in your success and be there for you …
Fourth, learn how to manage yourself, especially your feelings in a way that respects the dignity of others and yourself. I have found it helpful to separate the merits and demerits of a decision from the accompanying feelings. We call this ‘being transaction oriented’ at Infosys.
Finally, live your life and lead your career in a way that makes a difference to your society."
Murthy closed with a memory from the series of interviews that Bill Moyers did several years ago on PBS with Joseph Campbell, the American mythologist and folklorist. Deep into a profound discussion about life, Murthy said, Bill Moyers leaned over and asked Joseph Campbell, "Joe, I am sure you have thought about this question. Why are we here on this earth? What is the path for one to follow?" Joseph Campbell smiled gently and said, "Yes, I have thought about it and the only answer I have found is this. Follow your bliss. All else will follow."

Accordingly, Murthy urged his audience to "choose a worthy dream for yourself. Go after it confidently. But always, without fail, ensure that you are following your bliss."