IN PRAISE OF DISCIPLINE

Here's a word I've lived with since my early childhood. It was sometimes difficult to practice, but I've always loved it because it taught me so much.

To this day, I claim that this word lives in us to the extent that we feel we are a good citizen.  Discipline is nothing other than the set of rules of conduct imposed on members of a community to ensure the smooth running of the social organization. It's about obeying these rules.

And to think that for others, this word doesn't have the importance I attach to it.
I remember that from a very early age, through his love and advice, as well as the attention he gave me, my father made a discipline of it.
He instilled values in me. Respect was one of them. Not only respect for the people around me, but also for life and all it has to offer. A job well done was another. Love for family and the world was also on the agenda.

I sincerely believe that discipline helped me achieve my goals. I may have used self-discipline to reach my goals. And on the road, I did experience some discomfort, but this faded once the result was achieved.

I read a passage in the Bible which says that he who withdraws from discipline will fall into indigence and ignominy, but he who willingly receives rebuke will be exalted to glory. The same Bible goes on to say that the commandment is a lamp, the law is a light and discipline is the way of life.  I must confess that for a long time I believed in two things: discipline and the BIBLE.

George Washington said: Discipline is the soul of an army, bringing success to the weak and consideration to all. After all, isn't it in the army that we learn to love order and discipline, to respect leaders? In this way, discipline becomes the main strength of all armies. I might even add that it is the backdrop to all exploits.

 Aeschylus told us that discipline is the mother of success. And I believe in it so much that it's thanks to it that I think I've succeeded in my little life. Could it be that my hard work has given me the ability to feel different?

Nelson Mandela coined a very sensible phrase: 'An organization can only fulfill its mandate if there is discipline, and where there is no discipline, there can be no real progress'.

I can't imagine a world without discipline. If discipline slackens, everything is abandoned. There is no order, everything is ignored. How can we live without this necessary and precious tool? And if the key is to know what we want in life, how can we get it without discipline?

I find myself wondering if some people are weak because they lack discipline? They want things but don't have the strength nor discipline to achieve them.

These days, when I'm with young people, I insist on talking to them about discipline. They seem a little confused, not understanding how it can help them. I insist and give examples. I explain that a disciplined mind leads to happiness. Isn't that what they want? I make them understand the importance of discipline. After a while, they start understanding a bit. And I'm satisfied.

I'll end with a brilliant word from Margaret Thatcher. Hopefully  I've managed to convince the reader of the importance of discipline. She said:

"Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, though difficult, is the way to pride, self-esteem and personal satisfaction.