Q. “Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others.” – Swami Vivekananda
UPSC Mains 2024 GS4 Ethics Paper
Model Answer:
Swami Vivekananda’s quote emphasizes the importance of learning from others while maintaining one’s individuality. This principle has significant ethical and practical implications, especially in the context of personal growth and public service.
Key aspects of the quote:
• Learning from others: Recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and experiences.
• Absorption of knowledge: Internalizing and understanding new information deeply.
• Maintaining individuality: Adapting learned concepts to fit one’s own context and values.
Ethical dimensions:
• Intellectual humility: Acknowledging that others may possess valuable knowledge.
• Integrity: Staying true to one’s core values while incorporating new ideas.
• Authenticity: Expressing learned concepts in a way that aligns with one’s personality.
Applications in personal and professional life:
• Self-development: Continuously improving oneself by learning from various sources.
• Leadership: Adapting best practices while developing a unique leadership style.
• Problem-solving: Combining diverse approaches to create innovative solutions.
Relevance to civil services:
• Enhances policy-making by incorporating global best practices while addressing local needs.
• Promotes cultural sensitivity and adaptability in diverse work environments.
• Encourages continuous learning and improvement in governance.
Challenges:
• Balancing external influences with personal beliefs and values.
• Avoiding imitation while still benefiting from others’ experiences.
Conclusion:
This approach fosters personal growth, innovative thinking, and effective leadership, crucial for ethical and efficient public service.