The Answers Have Changed!!!
Albert Einstein’s Question Paper
Albert Einstein had just administered an examination to an advanced class of Physics students. As he left the building, he was followed out by one of his teaching assistants.
“Excuse me, sir,” said the shy assistant, not quite sure how to tell the great man about his blunder.
“Yes?” said Einstein.
“Um, eh, it’s about the test you just handed out.
Einstein waited patiently.
“I’m not sure that you realize it, but this is the same test you gave out last year. In fact, it’s identical.”
Einstein paused to think for a moment, and then said, “Hmm, yes, it is the same test.”
The teaching assistant was now very agitated. “What should we do, sir?”
A slow smile spread over Einstein’s face. “I don’t think we need do anything. The answers have changed.”
Questions to ask oneself:
How have the answers to my problems / troubles changed?
Am I still trying the same strategies to overcome my problems that I used 10, 15 or 20 years ago?
Are those strategies relevant in today’s changed scenario?
Ideas for action: Plan – Act – Check what’s working – Change accordingly.
If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again, but don’t try the same thing again and again.
Our situation, circumstances, conditions and environment are constantly subject to change and modification, every moment. Our body, mind and intellect are also constantly subject to change and modification, every moment. A person who deals with a particular problem today is not the same person who dealt with a similar problem 10 or 20 years ago nor are his situation, circumstances, conditions and environment the same. Moreover, knowledge is also increasing at a faster pace. What may have worked in the past in a particular set of conditions and available knowledge may not necessarily work in a different set of conditions in the light of new knowledge.
