The power of encouragement

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticise me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I may not forget you," said the American pastor and teacher, William Arthur Ward, emphasising the fact that there is power and immortality in the words of encouragement that we can offer to others.

History is filled with evidences of how a little encouragement went a long way in turning an ordinary man into an extra ordinary one. It was with a bit of encouragement that heroes were made and stars were trained.

Much of the accomplishments, feats, breakthroughs and achievements we see in the hall of fame have all been attained with the impetus of a few words of encouragement.

The case of Joseph Priestly, the 18th-century English theologian, chemist and educator who published over 150 works and is credited with the discovery of oxygen, proves the power that exists in encouragement. When he failed as a preacher it is said that he turned to teaching. On one vacation, he happened to meet Benjamin Franklin, the renowned scientist and inventor, who was at that time twice his age. Franklin saw possibilities for other than grade-school teaching in him. "You have just the abilities to write a history of electricity," Franklin told him, "and I will help you start by lending you my books and notes."

Flattered and encouraged, Priestly rushed to the task. In a year he had finished the first history of electricity. He became a man of science, discovered oxygen and developed the first carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, all thanks to the few words of encouragement from Benjamin Franklin.

It is this power of encouragement that has also helped several men with disabilities to transcend the crippling effects of their infirmities.

Stevie Wonder, born blind, yet who became the most famous American musician and one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century, is a classic illustration of the power of encouragement.

While Stevie was a student, one day during class, the class lost a mouse that was needed for an experiment. The whole class began looking for the mouse noisily. The teacher then said: "Everyone be quiet, Stevie will be able to find the mouse."

The students were appalled at this as Stevie was blind. But the teacher continued, "I believe that Stevie though cannot see, has excellent hearing. He will be able to hear and find the mouse."

Stevie realised then that his blindness gave him a superior sense of hearing. With this encouragement he used his hearing to nurture his musical talent and rose to fame. As Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, "Correction does much, but encouragement does more!"