“Observe calmly; ssecure our position; cope with affairs calmly; hide our capacities and bide our time; be good at maintaining a low profile; and never claim leadership.”
― Deng Xiaoping, 24-Character Strategy
This is Deng Xiaoping’s advise to China in the 80’s and 90’s. China has since become formidable at world stage – great strides in economic development, military strength and technology. It’s equal to the other great domineering power the United States. China is already ahead of US in some areas of Tech space given it’s huge access to data. Deng Xiaoping laid solid foundations for China with his brand of ” Market Socialism.” China of course has little democratic values and the ongoing struggle in Hong Kong is a testimony of it’s poor democratic credentials. It also has regional territorial ambitions. The current trade stand off between US and China is also because of China’s growing importance in World polity. Fundamentally I do agree with Deng Xiaoping’s ” Hide your capabilities, bide your time and never claim leadership.” I have always been low profile. My friends and ex colleagues are very much aware of same. This has cost me jobs in the perception matrix. I don’t see the need to change in this aspect. This is my being.
I read an article by a noted Indian defense expert saying ” Political interest in matters related to military is episodic, and the more recent penchant to make exaggerated claims of military prowess, which is notional in case of India ” carrying a weak stick but speaking loudly.” More: https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/china-at-70-beijing-projects-power-but-this-has-its-limits/story-4ozl9ClCQfNJJsatTMDB1N.html
This post is not necessarily about China. I heard this Deng Xiaoping quote in Arun shourie interview. I found it very relevant in these times. I was deeply pained by loss of lives in excessive rain fall in my city and also other parts of the country. I could not connect dots of human tragedy and messaging of powers that be. I am not able to connect the dots anymore. I just can’t relate to hype.
I know selling is important. But excessive selling gives us a misplaced sense of importance. I am more interested in real time work and building capabilities. Other’s should recognize our efforts. Rather than ourselves boasting about same. I feel that way.
What can I say?
I am trying to get health and positive mindset back with a morning run and exercises, here is a picture:
After a run and some stretching, push ups, everything feels okay….
The tree in the backdrop is my friend. I also buy some flowers…
These flowers last for a week. Every morning that starts with waking up early, drinking a glass of warm water, going for a run put’s you in a good mood to seize the day. To do the best you can. The only precondition is to sleep better. I am not sleeping well. I never did. So everything becomes laborious and your only fuel is determination. I want to sleep well. That’s my life long goal.
My friends want me to do things that have not done so far. They are a mirror and give a honest perspective. Has my kind of life served me well? Not quite honestly. It has helped in major goals of family and health. Has it served me? not really. I have a long way to go….
To doing things out of comfort zone and finding self respect back at work.
Life pushes us to constantly evolve….
I have to take new steps. I might still end up low profile.
This for today dear friends!
Sincerely, Suresh
neverlamentcasually 
Thank you Sir!!