This quality is necessary to succeed in whatever we undertake. No matter what the difficulties we have to face, we are bent on achieving our goal.
Determination enables us to face any adverse situation. It gives us courage, firmness and strength. It helps us stand up and fight against all adverse situations to achieve our aims in life.
For centuries we were under the rule of foreigners. Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the people of India fought against them. The rules tried different ways to ill-treat him. But nothing stopped him. He was determined to have his way. Of course, he had to pay for it with his life. But he got the country freed from the foreign rule.
Determination disciplines us to face adverse situations with patience. It supplies the required inner strength. It develops in us a sense of self-confidences. It gives courage and peace.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak stands out for his determination. Mahatma Gandhi called him `a giant among men.’ Tilak was born into a poor family. His father was a primary school teacher. Yet Tilak became one of the greatest leaders of India. He was a man of courage and determination. He devoted his life to the welfare of our country.
There is a story told about him. One day Tilak’s father was reading a book titled kadambari. When Tilak saw the book, he wanted to read it. His father thought the book was very difficult for his son. So he did not want to give it to him. In order to deter him, he said he would give him a difficult sum to solve.
Only when he solved it, he would get the book to read. Tilak was determined. He sat down to solve the problem. It took him two hours to arrive at the correct answer. His father was amazed by his son’s determination. He gladly gave him the book too read.
Nothing is impossible for man if he is determined. Napoleon once said, `the word `impossible’ is not in my dictionary.’ For him, everything was possible. He tried to show it in his life. He won many a battle through determination.