The essence of a being

I live in a time where multiple educational degrees are the norm. People crave more degrees. Because industry demands it. There are several job vacancy classifieds that state under "requirements" a host of degrees. When a prospective interviewer has to compare and choose between a candidate who has these multiple certificates to their credit and one who is hard working, diligent and experienced: it's usually the former that fits the bill.

That's why senior managerial positions are held by young people, who may have the degree to support the designation. That's where it all ends.

In this time where fancy degrees are the aim of the day, who is responsible to teach the younger us about the essence of a being? How often is it that we chance upon rude, ill-mannered people all around?

That's because, in the rush for qualifications, people forget to be human. Being human is about being humane. But the essence has long since been lost in the haze of unrealistic demands and realistic dreams that qualify for being material.

Every time I chance upon a youngster, whether at the workplace or out in the streets of the world : I see young people with too much of everything besides humanitarian essence. Their attitude. Their dress codes. Their life. It all looks so much like a warning sign. An example of who I never want to be.

Yesterday, I had to accompany my superiors for a meeting which was to be held at a premier multinational company that deals with farm equipment. I met with every Department Head there was there. But was impressed by none. The batch of 30-40 year old's spoke with no conviction. Had the gadgets to show off. But the intelligence that was worth enough to hide. And the manners and presentation skills that would soon be forgotten.

Whatever happened to the breed of smart people? The ones who were perfect on the outside and the inside? Were they ever there?

This rare breed hardly comes around anymore. The kind that enthralls with a simple hello and talks about aspects related to life / a profession that can make you want to listen and crave for more.

There is no essence to our beings any more. We are - just beings. And this is where the problem began years ago. This is why relationships fail. Why people fail, themselves. Why in a world of over 7 billion - we still feel alone.

It's time for change. A reality check. And it's time, to go back to the basics. To find the essence of a being.