The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes."

Q3b. “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.” – William James (Answer in 150 words) – 10 marks

Approach: Define attitude and its role in shaping human behaviour. Show how changing attitude transforms individuals and society. Use psychology (ABC model, CBT), ethics, and examples from leaders and public service. Conclude with its transformative potential.

Attitudes shape life ethically, psychologically, and socially. Ethically, they guide integrity and justice; psychologically, they influence resilience, optimism, and behavior; socially, they drive reform or regression. In governance, citizen-centric attitudes improve service, while cynicism breeds corruption. Thus, cultivating ethical, empathetic, and resilient attitudes transforms both individuals and society.

How can human beings alter their life by altering their attitude?

Building Moral Integrity

Shifting from selfishness to service orientation strengthens honesty, probity, and fairness.
Example: Gandhi’s non-violent attitude made politics ethical.

Strengthening Resilience in Crises

Equanimity allows calm, rational decisions under stress, preventing despair.
Example: Civil servants during floods save lives by staying composed.

Enhancing Social Welfare

Empathetic attitudes maximize collective good by focusing on the weakest.
Example: Pro-poor MNREGA reduces rural distress.

Ensuring Fair Governance

Duty-oriented attitudes uphold impartiality even against external pressure.
Example: Honest tax officers resisting political interference.

Cultivating Virtues for Character Growth

Humility, courage, and compassion transform personality and leadership quality.
Example: Armstrong Pame’s service attitude built the “People’s Road.”

Promoting Psychological Well-being

Optimistic attitudes improve self-confidence, reduce stress, and build emotional intelligence.
Example: Meditation and mindfulness boost civil servants’ balance.

Advancing Ethical Governance

Citizen-centric attitudes ensure inclusion; cynical ones cause corruption and mistrust.
Example: DBT transfers reflect transparency and ethical administration.

Driving Social Transformation

Collective attitude shifts dismantle regressive norms and enable reforms.
Example: Swachh Bharat changed sanitation attitudes; Beti Bachao promoted gender equality.

Attitudes can be transformed through self-awareness that corrects biases and value orientation rooted in honesty, empathy, and fairness. Drawing from philosophy, emotional intelligence, and ethical role models strengthens resilience. Continuous learning and social influence through campaigns and laws further reshape perspectives, improving both individual lives and society.