Acharya Prashant responds to a question about how an ordinary person without societal legitimacy, such as degrees from prestigious institutions, can bring about change. He begins by quoting the poet Ghalib, acknowledging that the world often questions one's authority: "On everything you say, 'who are you?', you tell me, what kind of conversation is this?" He explains that one must use whatever resources they possess. He states that he had the resources of his education and past achievements, which he utilized. The primary goal is to make people start listening; once that happens, the importance lies in the substance of the words themselves. Your past achievements are merely a means to open doors and gain entry. He elaborates that once your words enter someone's ears, the subsequent story depends on the power within those words. He gives the example of great sages and thinkers like Kabir Saheb, who did not have worldly credentials like degrees from IITs or IIMs, yet their words were held in high regard, and they shine like pole stars in the sky of knowledge. Kabir Saheb himself said he never touched paper and pen, but he is an immovable star. Acharya Prashant notes that he happened to have the 'stamp' of IIT and IIM, so he used it. If he didn't have it, he would have searched for and used other resources. He points out that even the current conversation is happening due to the resource of technology, but if it weren't available, he would still continue his work through other means. He explains that in the past, when printing did not exist, the entire tradition of knowledge, known as 'Shruti' (that which is heard), was propagated through speaking and listening. The fundamental principle is to not consider what you have as your own, but as a resource to be used for a worthy cause. He advises dedicating all personal resources—knowledge, memories, and one's very existence—to a higher purpose, without shame. He quotes Kabir Saheb: "I would rather die than beg for my own body's sake, but for a higher purpose, I feel no shame." For a higher purpose, there is no shame in doing whatever is necessary. He concludes by advising the questioner to understand who she is, what her desires are, and where she wants to go, as life is short. Once this self-knowledge is clear, all subsequent actions will align correctly.
