Text of Dr.

Kalam's address to the nation

on the eve of Independence day - 2002
14/Aug/2002 : -

UNITY OF MINDS

"My dear citizens of India,

On the eve of the 55th anniversary of our Independence, I have great pleasure in
offering you my best wishes for your well-being and happiness. My salutations to
all of you, both in India and abroad.
May I extend a special word of gratitude to the men of our defence who guard
our frontiers on the land, on the sea and in the air and paramilitary forces. May I
also convey my special appreciation to our farmers, who toil on the fields,
technicians who keep the wheels of our industry moving, teachers who create
knowledge products to the society and doctors, engineers, scientists,
technologists and other professionals and administrators who are the prime
movers of national development. May I wish the youth of India whose purposeful
hard work with sweat will be a major transforming force for prosperous India.

I met some of the freedom fighters a few days ago at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Each
and every one of them was the live force for our freedom movement. On this day, I
salute all men and women of India who fought for our freedom and sacrificed their
lives to achieve our Independence. Seeding a great vision and an indomitable spirit
to achieve Indias freedom took place around 1857. For 90 years, there were a
number of intensive struggles for freedom. Many of our people and leaders were in
jail and their sufferings got transformed into freedom movement, with national ethos
under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. I have tried to capture the essence of the
freedom movement. Two aspects have come out: as a result of supreme sacrifices
and dedicated and focused efforts, we got our Independence. The second aspect is
that the vision driven movement itself created many leaders in different spheres of
politics, economics, industry, science, arts and culture.
After Independence, India has made significant achievements in agriculture and
food production, energy, healthcare, education and various fields of science and
technology. Particularly we have made our mark in the international arena in the
fields of pharmaceuticals, information technology, mass media and communication,
space, defence and nuclear science.
Similar to the first vision, which created a movement to achieve freedom with unity
of minds of our people and the unity of purpose in actions, we need a second
vision, which will integrate people from all walks of our society towards a common
purpose. The second vision of our nation is to transform it from the present
developing status to a developed nation by integrated actions simultaneously in the
areas of agriculture and food processing, education and healthcare, infrastructure
development including power, information and communication technologies, and
critical technologies. This greater vision will aim to alleviate poverty, illiteracy and
unemployment. When the minds of the people of our country are unified and fused
towards this vision, the dormant potential will manifest as a mammoth power
leading to a happy and prosperous life of a billion people. This vision of the nation
will also remove the conflicts arising out of differences and small thinking.

Dear citizens, I would like to reiterate that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of
India. It is not an international issue. India is ready for bilateral dialogue once the
cross border terrorism is brought to a complete end. Normal election process is on
in Jammu and Kashmir. It is essential to ensure its successful completion and dawn
of peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
We also have many challenges in front of us. We have to find a solution to the
repeated droughts and floods; we have to eradicate communal and other divisive
clashes sprouting in certain parts and remove the pains of our people whether it is
in Jammu and Kashmir or in any other part of our country; we also have to find a
permanent solution to combat terrorism.
Let us now look at a long-term problem. It is paradoxical to see floods in one part of
our country while some other parts face drought. This drought flood phenomenon
is a recurring feature. The need of the hour is to have a water mission, which will
enable availability of water to the fields, villages, towns and industries throughout
the year, even while maintaining environmental purity. One major part of the water
mission would be networking of our rivers. Technological and project management
capabilities of our country can rise to the occasion and make this river networking a
reality with long term planning and proper investment. In addition, the vast sea
around us can help by providing potable water through desalination as a cost
effective technology. There are of course short-term techniques such as water
harvesting by revitalizing rural ponds, water recycling to water conservation. Such
programmes should have a large scale people participation even at the conceptual
and project planning stages. The entire programme should revolve around
economic viability leading to continued prosperity for our people with larger
employment potential, environmental sustainability, grass root level motivation and
benefit sharing.

I would now like to share with you friends, another crucial requirement and
necessity for our country. We cannot sustain a second vision for the country without
Unity of Minds of all our people. Our great strength is our pluralistic tradition and
civilisational heritage of nearly 3000 years. I have always been asking myself what
the strength of our heritage is. A unique fusion has taken place with multiple
cultures, religions and the way of life of many parts of the world and that has
become the foundation of the Indian life. One can trace from 1857 to date, the type
of good experiences we have had and also the strife resulting out of the differences
in thoughts.
I have just now returned from Gujarat after interactions with various cross sections
of people, leaders, officials and rehabilitation workers in the areas affected by
recent disturbances and earthquake. I also visited the Sabarmati Ashram, which
was established by Mahatma Gandhi for the purpose of our countrymen to carry on
the search for truth and develop fearlessness. I sat in silence for a while in the
Ashram and remembered the life of Gandhiji. One dominant thought came to my
mind. If we can go above our own personal hardships and see the problems of
others and decide to work for a larger cause, then there is natural elevation of our
minds. When we are lax in this, then our level of thinking goes down. I felt confident
that all of us can be elevated to the level of noble minds, if we just decide to
understand others and to practice tolerance. I realized that Gujarat has given the
noble leader - Mahatma Gandhi, unifier of the nation Vallabhbhai Patel and the
great visionary in science and technology - Vikram Sarabhai and many more. Time
has come for every one of us to put the thoughts of these great souls into action for
nations welfare.

Non-violence, tolerance, acceptance of all religions and different ways of life,

search for truth and fearlessness are the values the Mahatma taught us and they
are the cornerstones of our civilisational heritage and, therefore, of Indian polity.
Any act by anyone anywhere in India that runs counter to these eternal values
would pose a threat to the fabric of free Indian nation, which was born and nurtured
by the supreme sacrifices of countless noble souls. We should all work together to
achieve the mission for Unity of Minds to preserve what we so preciously earned
and reach greater heights in the future.
When I interact with school children and youth, wherever I go, one question comes
often. They ask me "who are our role models?" Parents and teachers have to show
them by example to live as enlightened citizens. Children also look for role models
at national level in different fields. I have described earlier the role models from
Gujarat. Each state of our country has many such examples of the past. It is now
time we create more role models from the present. I suggest that members of our
Parliament and Legislatures can shape the future of our children by becoming good
role models. Parliament and Legislatures have a crucial role in giving the vision of
developed India and value based polity. Our children should see the members of
the Parliament debating the vision of developed India, providing action plans and
putting forth great thoughts and challenges to them. Looking at the national leaders,
 the children will find their role models for their development and growth.

I am sure, our leadership and our people can achieve the second vision of
developed India. Let us take a vow on this Independence Day that the nation is
more important compared to any individual, party or organisation.
I pray to the Almighty for Unity of Minds and our success in every aspect of life.

Jai Hind".

Dr. APJ AbdulKalam

14.08.2002

Abdul Kalam meets Swami Sivananda

Dr. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India is considered a youth icon in India. He always says, You
have to dream before your dreams can come true. Thats very true, you first have to dream before it can
come true, but not all dreams come true, at least not the way you want it to. Take the case of Abdul
Kalam himself. Young Abdul Kalam dreamt of flying in the sky, like a free bird. He wanted to join the
Indian Air Force and become a pilot. After finishing his education, he applied to become a pilot in the IAF,
quickly, he got an interview call and Kalam gladly attended the selection process at Dehra Dun.
Unfortunately, he was not selected and young Kalam was heartbroken to say the least. Deeply
disappointed, Kalam trekked down to nearby Rishikesh where he met Swami Sivananda. Kalam considers
this meeting to be one of the most important events in his life. Heres how Dr. Kalam recounts this
meeting with Swami Sivananda in his autobiography.

I bathed in the Ganga and revelled in the purity of its water. Then I walked to the Sivananda
Ashram situated a little way up the hill. I could feel intense vibrations when I entered. I saw a
large number of sadhus seated all around in a state of trance. I had read that sadhus were psychic
peoplepeople who know things intuitively and, in my dejected mood, I sought answers to the
doubts that troubled me.

I met Swami Sivanandaa man who looked like a Buddha, wearing a snow white dhoti and
wooden slippers. He had an olive complexion and black, piercing eyes. I was struck by his
irresistible, almost child-like smile and gracious manner. I introduced myself to Swamiji. My
Muslim name aroused no reaction in him. Before I could speak any further, he inquired about the
source of my sorrow. He offered no explanation of how he knew that I was sad and I did not ask.
I told him about my unsuccessful attempt to join the Indian Air Force and my long cherished
desire to fly. He smiled, washing away all my anxiety almost instantly. Then he said in a feeble,
but very deep voice,

Desire, when it stems from the heart and spirit, when it is pure and intense, possesses awesome
electromagnetic energy. This energy is released into the ether each night, as the mind falls into
the sleep state. Each morning it returns to the conscious state reinforced with the cosmic
currents. That which has been imaged will surely and certainly be manifested. You can rely,
young man, upon this ageless promise as surely as you can rely upon the eternally unbroken
promise of sunrise and of Spring.

When the student is ready, the teacher will appearHow true! Here was the teacher to show the
way to a student who had nearly gone astray! Accept your destiny and go ahead with your life.
You are not destined to become an Air Force pilot. What you are destined to become is not
revealed now but it is predetermined. Forget this failure, as it was essential to lead you to your
destined path. Search, instead, for the true purpose of your existence. Become one with yourself,
my son! Surrender yourself to the wish of God, Swamiji said.

After this, Dr. Kalam joined the Directorate of Technical Develpment and Production as a
Senior Scientific Assistant. He later worked with prestigious organizations like the DRDO and
ISRO. He may not have had the opportunity to steer an aircraft and fly freely in the sky, but he
was to steer the strategic Indian space program and missile program. He went on to become the
eleventh President of India, its all history now.

Coming to Swami Sivananda personally, I have read Sivanandas books and they have
influenced my attitude to a great extent, especially, his book Thought Power. I am a fan of
Sivanandas simple, uncomplicated and not so scholarly style of writing. Swami Sivananda has
written 296 books in all covering subjects like spirituality, yoga, philosophy, etc. Youll find so
many repetitions in his book, but all for good purpose. Some of his books are available online
and can be downloaded for free.

Today, 14th July, also happens to be the day when Swami Sivananda left his mortal body in
1963. Peace be upon him.

That which you really need, you already have!

13 July 2008. 5:34 pm.

Let me tell you a small story first

Once upon a time, when technology was not so advanced as it is now, lived a woodcutter in a
corner of a dense forest. One day, he had to cross the forest and reach a place on the other side of
the forest by the next morning for an important meeting. So, he started early in the morning and
planned to reach his place before sunset. He thought that hell have a good rest by the night and
make himself available for the appointment next morning. But due to bad weather, he could
travel only half the distance and could reach only the middle of the forest at sunset. Darkness
was enveloping the dense forest swiftly and he became anxious. He had no option to keep
travelling throughout the night if he had any chance of reaching the other end by morning, but
how can he? He didnt even bring a lamp with him and it was getting darker and darker. He was
looking around desperately and suddenly, in the middle of darkness, he faintly saw something
like a hut hidden behind the trees. Hoping for help he made his way towards the hut. It happened
to be a hermitage and there was a sage, a holy man sitting inside the hut and meditating. Our man
was excited! He had heard others say that sages are kind souls. He had also heard that sages are
very powerful, that they can perform all kinds of miracles, so he thought he can beg the sage to
perform some miracle and help him cross the forest by morning. He went to the sage, saluted
him and asked him if he can grant him a favour. The kind sage asked him whats the matter. Our
man explained the whole situation and requested the sage to light up his path so that he can cross
the forest by morning without any difficulty. The sage gave him a small hand lamp and told him
that it will help him get across. Now, this is not what our man expected! He thought that the sage
will use his magic powers and spectacularly light up the whole forest and hell joyously walk
across the forest before dawn. He revealed his disappointment to the sage and asked why only a
small hand lamp. The sage laughed and said him, Dear, even if I use my powers and light up
your whole path, Its not much of use to you. Yes, the lamp I gave you will help you see only 10
meters ahead of you, but that is all you need. As you cover up those 10 meters, the next 10
meters will unfold before you. That way, you will cross the forest by morning without any
difficulty.

Our lives are pretty much like that. I always believe that at any point in a persons life, God (or
nature as you may call it) gives exactly what he/she needs so that he/she can inch closer and
closer to the ultimate destination. At this point in your life you are in the exact place you should
be, you have got exactly what you need, the exact amount of resources that will help you evolve,
nothing more, nothing less. But most of us, instead of looking at things we have, always think
about things we dont have. Instead of using the resources at hand in the best possible way and
moving ahead, we always think about what could be and what could have been. We dont do
smaller things right, and expect much bigger things to happen in our lives.

And then, there is this tendency to feel anxious about what will happen to us in the future. We are
so busy thinking about and planning for the unknown future 10, 20, 60 years ahead that we forget
about the present and things that are right before us that needs our immediate attention. Yes, its
necessary to have a vision, a goal, a sense of direction. But we can get to the top of the mountain
only by climbing step by step, focusing our attention on the step immediately ahead of us, thats
the sure and steady way to get to the top. Instead, in the middle of the path, if we walk with our
eyes fixed on the mountain top and our mind thinking whether or not well reach there, we are
sure to stumble and fall down only to start again from the basement of the mountain. We tend to
look for assurance from God that well be secure for the rest of our life. But this assurance is of
little use to us. All we can see is the day ahead. When we can use the tools and resources given to
us and spend the day in the most efficient manner, the next day will unfold. As we go on this
way, day after day, wed have gone a long way when we finally leave this human body.

As Swami Vivekananda says,

By doing well the duty which is nearest to us, the duty which is in our hands now, we make
ourselves stronger and improving our strength in this manner step by step, we may even reach a
state in which it shall be our privilege to do the most coveted and honoured duties in life and in
society.

What is ego?
20 June 2008. 12:38 pm.

So, what exactly is this ego?

Ego is that state of awareness which thinks of you as separate from the other. Ego thinks in terms
of guiltiness and shames and glories of the past, and it thinks in terms of fears and hopes about
the future. It never thinks about what is, but always thinks about what was and what could
be. Ego thinks in terms of many as opposed to the One, the one pure intelligence.

What is pure intelligence?

Its commonly called common sense, or the presence of mind. At any moment, when you do
the most appropriate thing in the most appropriate way without any influence of the stored up
memories of your past and without any regards to fears of failure or hopes of future rewards, you
let the pure intelligence act through you. This pure intelligence may be called the Soul or super-
ego or God or universal consciousness. The term pure intelligence is used here in preference for
others because intelligence is one term you can easily identify with compared to the other
terms.

So, how is the ego different from pure intelligence?

Ego is self identity. Its labeling yourself, painting the pure you with distinct qualities. And this
ego labels others too. The ego cannot but think in terms of these qualities and it always defines
yourself as somebody distinct from others. But these qualities and definitions are not fixed or
constant. The paint wears off in time and as it wears off, the ego freshly paints the worn off
patches of with new qualities and new definitions, and gives an illusion of continuity. This
illusion of continuity of qualities strengthen self identity. Now, completely strip off these
qualities and definitions, and you will find that the pure you and the pure other are one and
the same, there has always been only one existence, call it the One, or the Soul, or God. The
consciousness of this God is pure intelligence itself.

The foremost quality of ego is self preservation. It always tries to impose its definition of
yourself onto others around you and into your own future. Thats where the problem comes and
conflict comes. You define yourself as somebody now, and you want to preserve this definition
of yourself into the future until you get a better definition. You are afraid that if you lose this
definition of yourself, you will fall. You will become lesser. This fear is the hallmark of the ego.
So, when you actually get to the future, your new ego tries to define itself anew and comes into
conflict with your older definition of yourself that tries to preserve itself. Similarly, when you try
to impose your definition to others, the other ego resists it and there comes a conflict. So you
see, there is a conflict both in terms time and space. Remove this illusion of time and space and
there is no more conflict. But pure intelligence doesnt need any preservation, because it
knows itself to be only existence.

So, how do I identify whether Im acting egoistic or with God consciousness?

This attempt to identify is itself ego. Dont try to identify, but just be. Pure intelligence
doesnt try or attempt, it just IS.

Pure intelligence works in harmony. In reality, there is is only one, the pure existence,
consciousness, bliss absolute. Its not my existence or my consciousness or your
consciousness, but its THE consciousness, THE existence and bliss. Its not that I am intelligent
or I was intelligent or you are intelligent, but its THE pure intelligence. This intelligence acts
harmoniously. That is, the intelligence acts through you now in a certain way and it may act
through you in a different way in some point of time in the future, but there is no conflict
between both the ways. There is harmony. So, when pure intelligence acts through you now and
does something, its helpful for you in the future, and youll never regret. Similarly, the
intelligence may work differently through you and somebody else (a different point in space), but
there is no conflict between both of you. There is only harmony. All of us complement and
complete each other and dont conflict each other when there is only intelligence and not
egos acting.

But the ego is always intent on conflict. The ego says Im right and he is wrong, or, I was
wrong, or I made a mistake, or Im afraid that I will fail, or I should be like this in the
future. Note that pure intelligence at times uses idea of future as a guidance for present action,
as in reserving a ticket now for your future travel. But, pure intelligence is all about the
present. Ego, on the other hand, lives in the past or in the future. When you imagine unreal
things, like a future dialogue between you and somebody else, know that its the ego. You may
imagine your future now, but you can never live your future, sure it may become real when it
happens eventually, but its unreal as of now, its just imagination. When you feel guilty about
your past mistake, or relive your past glory, know that its the ego.

Pure intelligence is about reality. Ego is about imagination. Note that pure intelligence
visualises, but never imagines. Visualisation is creativity, imagination is speculation. Through
visualisation, you create your own world for yourself. Through imagination, you lose yourselves
in the mires of time.

Ego always needs and craves for something. But pure intelligence is rich by itself and
doesnt need anything from outside, because, it knows that there is no outside.

Pure intelligence fulfills. Ego imitates. When you are in the state of ego, you try to imitate your
own past success or you imitate somebody else. Pure intelligence is ever original, ever creative.

Ego always looks up to others for help. It looks for an authority, It wants a rulebook so that it
can imitate. Pure intelligence is intelligence itself, so it doesnt need somebody external to
lay down rules for itself. But beware, pure intelligence doesnt even lay down its own rules for
itself. When you say you are sufficient by yourself and you will never accept others opinions, its
still your ego. Pure intelligence, though it doesnt need external rules, does appreciate the
wisdom behind rules laid down by wise men, which is nothing but an expression of the same
pure intelligence, though at different time through a different person. Pure intelligence is always
intent on finding harmony.

But acting without rules doesnt mean chaos. Pure intelligence not needing rules dont mean it
acts haphazardly, but it helps you do take the most appropriate action now in the most
appropriate way.

This pure intelligence is God, its You, its Now. Its the only reality. All else is stored up
memory and imagination. All else is unreal.

When you are in a conflict

18 June 2008. 11:43 am.

When you are going through a conflict, dont try to escape from the conflict, but just be aware
(in the present moment), and see what is it that prevents you from being normal. Youll find that,
invariably, its your own misconceptions and unrealistic expectations, and not the things
outside.

Can imprisonment be a blessing?

8 September 2007. 10:24 am.

Great people are those who make the most out of any opportunity that comes up in life. Even
greater are are those who transform seemingly harsh circumstances of their life into lifes
greatest success. What do you think would be the best thing for you to do if you are to be shut up
in a prison for 56 years? Willie B. Blackmon is, in fact, serving a 56 year term in a prison in
Missourie, USA. And he is making use of his time as a prisoner in the best possible way, to
practice spirituality, to find God, to realise that God is Love. But its not as simple as it sounds,
read from Willies own words how life in prison has helped him grow spiritually and how
spirituality has transformed him into a better human being. I am not aware of the kind of crime
that got him into prison in the first place or the kind of life he is now living in prison, but from
his article I see that he is a much better person than most living outside. They say Salt of the
earth Willie B. Blackmon is definitely one such salt of the earth.

What is happiness?
4 September 2007. 10:21 am.

What is happiness? When M. Sivaprakasam Pillai put this question to Ramana Maharshi, he
came up with the following answer.
Happiness is the very nature of the Self; happiness and the Self are not different. There is no
happiness in any object of the world. We imagine through our ignorance that we derive happiness
from objects. When the mind goes out, it experiences misery. In truth, when its desires are
fulfilled, it returns to its own place and enjoys the happiness that is the Self. Similarly, in the
states of sleep, samadhi and fainting, and when the object desired is obtained or the object
disliked is removed, the mind becomes inward-turned, and enjoys pure Self-Happiness. Thus the
mind moves without rest alternately going out of the Self and returning to it. Under the tree the
shade is pleasant; out in the open the heat is scorching. A person who has been going about in the
sun feels cool when he reaches the shade. Someone who keeps on going from the shade into the
sun and then back into the shade is a fool. A wise man stays permanently in the shade. Similarly,
the mind of the one who knows the truth does not leave Brahman. The mind of the ignorant, on
the contrary, revolves in the world, feeling miserable, and for a little time returns to Brahman to
experience happiness. In fact, what is called the world is only thought. When the world
disappears, i.e. when there is no thought, the mind experiences happiness; and when the world
appears, it goes through misery.

The Secret, Law of Attraction and positive thinking

I first came to know about this film called The Secret a few months ago, and Ive been hearing
about it a lot in the last month or so from various sources. Last week, I finally got to watch the
film. If you dont already know about The Secret, its a self-help documentary film that talks
about the power of positive thinking and the Law of Attraction a law which can be roughly
stated as, You attract to you what you think of the most. There is nothing new and theres
nothing secret about the concepts discussed in this film. Everything said in the film has been
publicly pronounced by great thinkers and successful people all over the world from time to time
in some form or the other.

Personally, I got into all this positive thinking stuff (and spirituality) eight years ago when I
read the book Thought Power by Swami Sivananda. That was a time when nothing was going
right in my life, I can say it was the lowest point in my life, the book was a real life saver for me
in that kind of a situation. Ever since, Ive been reading and learning more and more about
positive thinking and applying these principles in my life, its been a fascinating journey and the
results have been excellent so far. But still, I wont say life has become perfect for me, far from
it. It takes lifetimes to become a master and attain perfection. Im still playing around with
positive thinking and law of attraction, Im still evolving, and along the way, Ive had this
wonderful opportunity of watching The Secret. Let me share a few things emphasized in the film.

Think about what you want, not what you dont want. Is there something that is not right in
your life? Forget about that something thats not right, think about how your life would look like
when everything is set right. Think about how good youll feel when things are perfect, close
your eyes and bring those nice feelings, live those feelings in your mind right now. Thats the
way to attract what you want and let go of what you dont want, not by mulling over whats not
right and figuring out ways of how to set things right, that way, you will keep figuring out, and
that something thats not right will remain that way. You should think (and know) that you are
already on your way to having right things in your life and prepare yourself to feeling good .
For example,

do you hate war? Now, stop thinking about war and its destructive effects, stop
participating in anti-war rallies. By focusing on war and being anti-war, you only give
more and more energy to a strife filled world. The right way is to focus on a peaceful
world, be pro-peace. Do whatever you can do to ignite peace and love in the minds of
people.
Worried about global warming? Stop thinking about CO2 emissions, stop worrying about
cutting down of trees. You can think about Carbon-di-Oxide if you are a scientist, but you
are not going to bring about a green, pure and healthy environment by speaking to people
about the dangers of CO2 emissions, rather talk about the alternatives like fuel cells and
cleaner energy sources, talk about planting more trees and the love you feel when you
grow and nurture greens. Emphasize on the beauty and joy of living in a green, clean and
harmonious environment.Thats positive thinking for you, and thats the only way you
can bring about change.

Watch your feelings this is another thing emphasized in the film. Continuous monitoring of
your thoughts can be an amusing past time, and its a process that can actually help in your
meditation and knowing about thought patterns. But if you want to know quickly whether or not
or you are thinking and acting the right way, monitor your feelings. When you feel good and
have feelings of love, compassion, peace, etc., know that your thoughts (and actions) are in
alignment with your purpose, and you are on heading in the right direction. When you have
negative feelings and emotions like fear, anger, jealousy, sorrow, etc., know that you are not
thinking right and its time to introspect and change your thought patterns.

I very much enjoyed watching The Secret and learnt a few things from the film, I would
recommend it to anybody. But Its not as if you watch the film, apply whats said in it, and
suddenly you get everything you want in life, no, it doesnt happen suddenly. There could be
fantastic results in the beginning, but there will also be mistakes and some frustration along the
way. Thinking is an art that takes time to master it takes time to learn, internalize and apply the
law of attraction to perfection. But the film itself is a good start, it drives home the point of
positive thinking and law of attraction very well. One thing I find a little annoying in the film
is too much talk about attracting money and wealth. I dont deny the importance of money in
todays materialistic world, but money can take you only so far money is only a means, not an
end in itself. Agreed, money and material wealth can make you feel good sometimes, but not
always, not eternally. There are much higher things worth pursuing as a human being.