The debate of end vs path is old one. I don't have any new perspective to add to it. This post is only to share how my view of end vs path has changed over the years.
In my school days I used to believe end is as important as means. May be I had read it somewhere and I had no option but to believe it. Whenever, the debate of Gandhi Vs Subhash used to surface I used to say Gandhi's way was better. Because his path was better- path of non-violence.
Then a stage came when I started believing that end is crucial. Everything is good if end is good. I always believed that path has to be ethical and must not hamper others' legitimate rights. However, I thought if you go through hardship to achieve the path it's fine. If your aim, goal is right you can go through difficult times to achieve them. Doesn't matter how difficult the journey becomes.
With time my view on this has changed. Many times after reaching the goal I realized that there was no joy in achieving those goals. I simply had not identified the right goal. Then what was the point of taking so much of pain to reach it. May be I learnt something in hardship. But is hardship the only way to learn, can't there be nicer ways to learn!
During my MBA, one faculty in his first class said the course will be a joyous journey. (His class was indeed a joyous journey of the world, and also made us see Earth from Neptune). Later in some other class also he emphasized that career, profession should always be a joyous journey. He said anyway goal/destination has to be good, ensure the journey is good.
Later once in a personal discussion he raised the same thoughts. He explained his views in a lucid style. He said having a great destination is of no use if you don't enjoy the journey. Reason: you may not reach your destination despite all your attempts, so there is no point in spoiling the journey.
When I reflect on his words, I see the logic. If you like the path you enjoy your life. When you enjoy life you are ready to put some extra effort to it. You love working hard if required, because you enjoy your work. If you don't enjoy hard-work becomes a burden.
I recently heard Harsh Bhogle saying the same thing.
While righting this post one more reason on why a joyous path is important came to my mind. Who knows while travelling in the path you may discover that your aim has changed. (as happened with me). If you are not enjoying the path your are not living your life. You need to see what can be done to make the path more enjoyable or is there any alternative path.
