Success is often seen as a direct and individual result of a person's efforts and abilities. However, those who take a closer look behind the scenes will realize that success is rarely individual; rather, there is hidden support that plays a role in achieving accomplishments. This support can take various forms, such as others believing in a person’s abilities, providing direct or indirect opportunities, or even constructive criticism that encourages growth and learning.
It is said that the famous inventor Thomas Edison was expelled from school due to poor academic performance. However, thanks to his mother’s psychological support and her belief in his genius, she continued to educate him at home. This unwavering support enabled him to persist in his inventions until he became one of the greatest scientists in history. Edison once said: "My mother was the making of me. She was so true, so sure of me, and I felt that I had someone for whom I must live, someone I must not disappoint."
Similarly, Albert Einstein, who was initially considered a slow learner, found a teacher who believed in him and encouraged him to think outside the box. Later, Einstein became one of the greatest physicists of all time. Likewise, Agatha Christie, who faced learning difficulties and suffered from dyslexia and speech impediments, was homeschooled by her mother in a way that suited her learning style. This support helped her overcome challenges and eventually become one of the most famous novelists in history.
Throughout our lives, we receive different kinds of support. It can be psychological, like someone believing in us when we doubt ourselves. It can be practical, such as receiving guidance or advice without expecting anything in return. It can also be spiritual, like someone praying for us without our knowledge. Even criticism, whether direct or indirect, can help us improve and evolve.
An example of this is Al-Kisā’ī, who went from being a shepherd to a great scholar. He remained a shepherd until the age of forty. One day, while tending his sheep, he overheard a mother urging her son to go and learn the Quran. When the boy refused, she said, "Go and learn, or you will grow up to be like this shepherd." Al-Kisā’ī, deeply affected by her words, thought to himself: "Am I now an example of ignorance?" He then sold his sheep, pursued education, and became an esteemed scholar in Arabic language and Quranic recitation. Though the mother’s words were not meant as direct criticism, they awakened a deep motivation within him to seek knowledge and achieve greatness.
Behind every success story, there are unseen supporters and hidden forces at work. Success is the outcome of a network of connections that extend through time and people. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge and appreciate those who have helped us along the way.
Sura Qasim Anad
ALMUSTAQBAL University the first university in iraq