Chapter 1: The Allure of America

As a young child, I dreamt of visiting the United States; there was something captivating about that nation that ignited my imagination.

Photo by Swapnil Bhagwat on Unsplash

Growing up in a developing nation, I often heard people around me discuss the luxuries and ease of life in America. Movies and books frequently compared living in India with life in the United States. There’s no denying that America inspires dreams of ambition, adventure, and acceptance of innovation, which has always drawn me in.

As a child, I believed that Americans were the sole inventors while the rest of the world merely adopted their creations. I thought Americans were the brightest, but I soon learned I was mistaken.

America’s greatness doesn’t stem from its inventions; rather, it arises from its remarkable ability to adapt swiftly. This singular lesson from Americans, once understood, can truly transform your life.

America’s Open-Minded and Opportunistic Nature:

America is often associated with stress, which may raise eyebrows among some, but let me explain. The nation is not renowned for peace, health, or contentment; rather, it’s recognized for its relentless pursuit of achievement, purpose, and growth. Many Americans equate their self-worth with their accomplishments. Thus, productivity is measured by doing more, while idleness is viewed as a waste of time.

This leads to the phenomenon known as stress.

Interestingly, meditation has its roots in Hinduism, originating in India. Hindus were the pioneers of meditation and practices like Yoga that promote mental relaxation and focus. However, as globalization took hold, many Hindus began to disregard these practices, viewing them as outdated or unworthy.

In contrast, when Americans encountered meditation, they embraced it wholeheartedly. They didn’t just accept the concept but studied it extensively. Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, even traveled to India to delve into Hindu meditation and other spiritual practices, recognizing that there was profound wisdom beyond technology that could enrich his life.

He was indifferent to his Hindu background; he pursued ideas that intrigued him and recognized their potential to transform his life.

Americans have studied meditation to such an extent that today, many young Indians refer to American-authored texts to learn about it.

This illustrates a significant difference between Americans and many others worldwide. While others may ponder the cultural ownership of a practice, Americans prioritize what benefits them. Their focus isn’t self-centered; it’s a testament to their intelligence. If something piques their interest, they explore it without hesitation.

Yoga, which originated in India, is now often practiced more adeptly by Americans. Why? Because they recognized its value and immersed themselves in its study, while many Indian youths dismissed it as old-fashioned. Americans appreciate the depth of such practices and have successfully built careers around them.

This openness to new ideas is a hallmark of American culture. They seize opportunities, take risks, and explore what lies beyond their immediate environment.

In fact, a substantial portion of the sales for my book, The Art of Being Alone, comes from America. This is because Americans are willing to invest in anything they find intriguing or valuable. They understand that if they can spend $5 on a cup of coffee, there’s no harm in investing the same amount in a book that might have a profound impact on their lives.

Conversely, if you ask a typical young person in India to purchase a book, they might respond that they don’t have the money, yet they find the funds for pizza or to impress their friends.

(Note: When I mention Americans or Indians, I refer to the broader trends observed among the majority, not every individual.)

This mindset is a significant factor in the rapid growth experienced in America. While some of us remain in our comfort zones, grumbling about our circumstances and refusing to explore the new, Americans keep an open mind, embracing anything that seems even slightly beneficial or intriguing.

What Can We Learn?

What’s currently unfolding in America is disheartening, and I confess that the country no longer excites me as it once did. However, one admirable quality of Americans remains: their ability to remain open-minded and explore ideas that capture their interest.

Recently, I received a message on Instagram from a reader in the U.S. who had read my book. She requested a brief conversation to ask a few questions. I readily agreed. Her initiative exemplified how Americans frequently reach out for help or guidance, and if she hadn’t taken that step, she would have missed out on valuable insights.

Regardless of your background, beliefs, or feelings toward America, the one lesson we can all learn from Americans is this: If you desire something, pursue it actively. If you encounter something that intrigues you, take the initiative to learn about it—even if it feels foreign or risky. Often, what lies at the end of that journey is something beautiful and transformative.

Don’t restrict yourself or the possibilities before you. If you are unfamiliar with a subject, take the time to educate yourself. If you can afford a $5 coffee, consider investing that same amount in a book or course that could enhance your life.

Life isn’t meant to be overly calculated; it’s an adventure waiting to be explored beyond your mental barriers. A rich and vibrant world awaits beyond your current imagination, but you must follow your interests and maintain an open mind to embrace new concepts.

Conclusion:

I didn’t intend to offend anyone with my remarks. If my words have done so, I sincerely apologize. My goal with this article is clear: to motivate you to pursue your interests, invest without hesitation, and, above all, keep your mind open to ideas that lie beyond conventional boundaries.

If you found value in this article, I encourage you to check out my book, The Art of Being Alone, which I believe you will truly enjoy.

Chapter 2: Learning from Americans

Discovering American intonation patterns can enhance your English pronunciation and communication skills.

This advanced pronunciation lesson helps you speak American English effectively in just 30 minutes.