True deserving begins with self-accountability. Before questioning why society has not acknowledged our worth, we must honestly examine whether we have developed our potential, fulfilled our responsibilities, and remained faithful to our principles.
By Hakeem Prem Chandwani
The greatest tragedy of human life is not the absence of opportunity, but the desire to possess what one has not yet prepared oneself to receive. People dream of success without embracing discipline, demand respect without earning trust, and expect recognition without contributing anything meaningful. Yet life follows a timeless principle: first deserve, then desire.
Desire is the beginning of every achievement, but deserving is the foundation upon which achievement stands. A dream without effort is merely an attractive illusion, and ambition without character is an empty pursuit. The world may occasionally reward appearances, but lasting respect belongs to those whose abilities, conduct, and contributions justify their aspirations.
There is nothing wrong with wanting a better life, a higher position, greater recognition, or financial independence. The question is not what we desire, but what we are willing to become to deserve it. A person who wishes to be trusted must first become trustworthy. One who seeks leadership must learn responsibility. Anyone who expects appreciation must offer something worthy of appreciation.
Unfortunately, many people are more concerned with receiving than becoming. They count the rewards others enjoy but overlook the sacrifices behind those rewards. They envy the harvest without cultivating the field, admire the summit without climbing the mountain, and demand the fragrance of flowers without nurturing their roots. Such impatience creates disappointment, resentment, and an endless competition for recognition.
True deserving begins with self-accountability. Before questioning why society has not acknowledged our worth, we must honestly examine whether we have developed our potential, fulfilled our responsibilities, and remained faithful to our principles. The mirror of conscience reveals truths that applause often conceals. It reminds us that genuine greatness is not measured by the height of our position but by the substance of our character.
In a civilized society, this principle carries an even greater significance. Positions should correspond with competence, rewards with contribution, and respect with integrity. When entitlement replaces merit, institutions lose credibility and deserving individuals become discouraged. A healthy community creates opportunities for people to demonstrate their abilities while ensuring that honesty, service, and hard work are not overshadowed by influence or empty appearances.
Nevertheless, deserving must never become an excuse for denying anyone basic human dignity, justice, or equal opportunity. Every human being deserves respect and fair treatment simply by virtue of being human. The principle concerns the rewards, responsibilities, and recognition we seek—not the fundamental rights that belong to all.
Let us therefore transform our desires into determination, our ambitions into action, and our expectations into meaningful contributions. Instead of asking when the world will give us our due, let us ask what we can do today to make our aspirations worthy of fulfillment. The most convincing answer to neglect is not complaint, but excellence; not envy, but effort; not demanding a place, but preparing ourselves to occupy it with dignity.
First deserve, then desire is not merely a maxim; it is a philosophy of self-respect, personal growth, and social justice. When our character becomes worthy of our dreams, our efforts acquire purpose, our achievements gain substance, and our success becomes an honor rather than an accident.
Read: Transparent System Builds Public Trust
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Hakeem Prem Chandwani, a poet and column, is based in Dokri town of Sindh. This is translation of his Sindhi article
