42/ Life is what you make of it. An open mind, an optimistic attitude, a cheerful outlook, a kind heart -- these help you get through the most challenging circumstances.
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43/ Don't become too attached to your possessions. Health and happiness, friends and family, safety and security -- they matter more than material goods.
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44/ We are all human. "Enemy combatants" are often just scared, confused, little kids. Understanding and empathy open more doors than aggression and othering.
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45/ Character is grace under pressure. How you respond is who you are. You may not win, but you should not crumble.
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46/ Be excellent to each other. We're on this planet together; life is not a zero-sum game. Be resourceful; be flexible; be open. Don't be scared. Never underestimate the resilience of the human spirit.
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47/ And finally: in the right context, a simple apple can be tastier than even the fanciest fine dining. Remember this context when you make your life choices.
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Heavily inspired / influenced by King Ruinous and the City of Darkness which remains one of my favourite pieces of writing 🙏 -- ribbonfarm.com/2016/11/10/kin
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You really need to convert that thread into a full essay. Happy to post on ribbonfarm if you need a venue. Impressive that you managed to prep for JEE through this shitshow.
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I was just 13, I didn't even know what JEE was! So there was no preparation to disrupt :)
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This was August 1990 right? I recall starting prep in early 91, in 11th. Recall discussing the war with an American exchange student. So it would have been just before. Also this puts you on the younger end of our cohort and me on the older end (76 vs 74?)
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Yep, Aug 1990. I was at the younger end for sure -- 77. Also I'm one cohort after you, don't forget. Serious JEE prep for me didn't start till late 93 (early 94 if I'm being honest), ie towards the tail end of 12th.
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