Abdul Kalam: 'As a child of God, I am greater than anything that can happen to me.'

As a child of God, I am greater than anything that can happen to me.

As a child of God, I am greater than anything that can happen to me. These powerful words, spoken by the renowned scientist and former president of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam, encapsulate a profound understanding of self-worth and resilience. At first glance, the quote may appear to be a simple affirmation of faith, conveying the belief that one's connection to a higher power makes them impervious to life's challenges. However, if we delve deeper into its meaning, we can uncover a thought-provoking philosophical concept: the inherent greatness of the human spirit.In a straightforward interpretation, this quote asserts the idea that as a child of God, one's identity and worth should not be defined by external circumstances or material possessions. Rather, it calls upon individuals to recognize their inherent value and the infinite potential within them, bestowed by a divinity beyond human comprehension. This perspective challenges the common tendency to derive self-worth from achievements, societal status, or the estimation of others. Instead, it invites us to place our faith in something intangible but infinitely powerful - our spiritual essence.However, beyond its conventional interpretation lies a fascinating philosophical concept related to the quote's underlying message: existentialism. Existentialism proposes that individuals create their own essence and meaning in life through their actions, choices, and personal responsibility. While at first glance existentialism may seem contradictory to the idea of being a child of God, as it emphasizes individual autonomy rather than divine influence, these two concepts can coexist harmoniously.Existentialism argues that despite the absence of a predefined purpose or meaning, individuals have the freedom to create their own paths and define their own greatness. In this light, being a child of God can be seen as a metaphorical expression of the inherent capacity within each person to shape their destiny. It implies that we possess the ability to transcend our circumstances, forge our own identities, and respond to life's challenges with unwavering strength and grace.When we compare and contrast the existentialist perspective with the quote by Abdul Kalam, we uncover a fascinating interplay of ideas. On one hand, existentialism emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and self-creation, highlighting the role of individuals in defining their own greatness. On the other hand, Kalam's quote recognizes the existence of a higher power and suggests that our spiritual connection to it amplifies our capacity for resilience and self-belief.By merging these concepts, we arrive at a powerful synthesis: the realization that as human beings, we possess both the freedom to shape our own destinies and the unwavering support of a divine presence. This integration allows us to embrace our individual agency while also recognizing the profound interconnectedness we share as children of a universal force.In conclusion, Abdul Kalam's quote, "As a child of God, I am greater than anything that can happen to me," holds profound meaning and significance. Initially, it encourages individuals to find their worth beyond external circumstances, recognizing their inherent greatness as children of a divine power. However, when we explore the philosophical concept of existentialism, we discover a captivating interplay of ideas between personal autonomy and a spiritual connection to a higher power. Embracing both perspectives offers a powerful framework for navigating life's ups and downs, empowering us to sculpt our own destinies while finding solace in the knowledge that we are always connected to something greater than ourselves.