On this dusty earth, change and evolution are natural and inherent processes. Without change, the development and progress of humankind are impossible. The very word “change” excites people’s minds. It is also a dazzling political slogan.
Around the world, many governments have come to power simply by promising “change.” Revolutions and counter-revolutions have also been waged in the name of change. Yet it is not beyond question how much those who seize power through the rhetoric of change can truly transform their country and its people. Change, after all, can be both good and bad.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama’s campaign slogan was “Change We Can Believe In.” When he used this slogan during his campaign, his supporters would chant in unison, “Yes We Can.” Mahatma Gandhi also believed in change. He used to say, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
Nelson Mandela’s famous line likewise underscores its power: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” That’s why the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “There is nothing permanent except change.” Indeed, nothing in this world is permanent except change itself.
Therefore, we believe society, the state, and the world must change. This change may come through formal declarations—or it may come unannounced. We can more easily carry out administrative or constitutional reforms.
But what about cultural change? That takes time. No matter how hard we try, the customs, traditions, and habits of a nation’s people cannot be transformed overnight. And some changes come at a cost—social conflicts, clashes, and upheavals.
After such inevitable turmoil, a change may settle into stability for a time. Yet how sincere are we about transforming what is deeply ingrained in us?
For example, after much lobbying, the LGED may build a bridge, but without constructing approach roads it remains unused for years. Likewise, in the capital, even educated people are seen relieving themselves openly on footpaths. With all our talk of change, will things like this ever really change?
As American entrepreneur Nido Qubein once said, “Change brings opportunity.” Indeed, change creates opportunities—but only opportunists make the best use of them.
So, “change” is such a powerful and costly slogan across the world. People can easily be captivated by the promise of change. Still, those of us who love change might take to heart the words of the Sufi mystic Maulana Rumi, whose English rendering goes:
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
So when will we finally show that wisdom and begin changing ourselves?