Maturity

One of my aunt's friends once gifted her a book, with the following passage written in front of it:

On Maturity

The things you learn on maturity aren't simple things like acquiring information and such. You learn not to burn energy in anxiety. You learn not to engage in self-destructive behaviour. You discover how to manage your tensions. You learn that self pity and resentment are among the most toxic of drugs.

You find that the world loves talent but rewards character. You come to understand that most people are not for you or against you, they are simply thinking of themselves.

You learn that no matter how hard you try, some people in this world are not going to love you, a lesson that is at first troubling, and then really quite relaxing.

- John Gardner

This I liked a lot when I had read it first, and now when I read it again, this made me think. What is actually maturity? Learning how to conduct yourself in society? How to talk to people and handle situations peacefully? Not only that, the last sentence is also very important. Everyone wants to be liked by people, but its not possible that every single person in the world will like someone, so that needs to be accepted. If someone cannot accept it, it doesnt allow one to stay in peace.

Another point which I feel, everyone should accept is that every single person will not approve of something you do. You will face criticism or you may hear something bad being said behind your back for something you have done. All of this cannot be taken into consideration. If you feel you are correct according to your knowledge, and the few people you know, who wont lie to you just to satisfy, are in support of you, then you should go ahead, do whatever your heart tells you. And not bother about the criticisms you hear. If you are correct, everyone will come to understand at some point of time. And if you are not? Well then you will learn a lesson, and not ever repeat it. But you cannot always hold yourself back from doing something, being afraid of "what people think". Thats the worst of all fears. Risks always have to be taken, roads less travelled by have to be traversed, else what will be the challenge in life?