Ratan Tata: 5 timeless values that shape confident and kind kids

Lessons can be learned best not from textbooks but from the values that children can extract from inspiring personalities. Among the most inspiring leaders of India, one who stands out not only for having created a global business empire but also for having lived a life that is rooted in humility, courage, and compassion is Ratan Tata. His words are filled with simple yet profound teachings that children can easily absorb and apply in their own lives, whether it is learning from failure, believing in oneself, or treating others with kindness. Here are five valuable teachings from Ratan Tata that parents and teachers can share with children to help them develop good character and a positive outlook in life.

Believe in yourself and your mindset

“None can destroy iron, but its own rust can. Likewise, none can destroy a person, but his own mindset can.”

One of the most valuable lessons that children can learn early in life is that their greatest strength or weakness lies within themselves. Ratan Tata has always said that self-doubt and negative thinking are the biggest obstacles to success that one can have in life. For children, this means that they should always have faith in their ability to learn, improve, and overcome obstacles. Whether it is school, sports, or other matters of friendship, faith and a positive outlook will help them overcome failures and difficulties. Children should be taught to think “I can try again” instead of “I can’t do it” to develop strong character and emotional strength that will serve them well in life.

Convert problems into opportunities
“Take the stones people throw at you and use them to build a monument.”

Children are sure to face criticism, teasing, or failure as they progress in life. The popular quote by Ratan Tata inspires them to make use of negativity. Children should never let failure or other people’s opinions define them. A failure can be a reason to perform better the next time, and a loss in a game can be a reason to practice more. Children who learn to convert problems into determination learn to be persistent. This also teaches them that problems are not roadblocks but stepping stones to success—a lesson that fills them with confidence and courage from a young age.

Do not fear ups and downs in life

“Ups and downs in life are very important to keep us going, because a straight line even in an ECG means we are not alive.”

Life is not always a smooth-sailing experience, and according to Ratan Tata, in order to grow in life, one has to face ups and downs in life. For children, this means that they should never be afraid of failure and disappointment. Not being selected for a competition or a subject being difficult to understand doesn’t mean that they are not capable; it only means that they are learning. When children realize that success and failure are both a part of life, they will never be afraid to try something new. This will help them to discover their talents without being afraid of making mistakes.

Make decisions and learn from them

“I don’t believe in taking the right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right.”

Learning to make decisions is a process that children learn over time—from making friends to making hobbies or subjects. The philosophy of Ratan Tata is that it is not necessary to wait for optimal decisions to be made; what is important is accountability after making a decision. For children, this means that they need to learn that it is okay to make mistakes when making decisions. If they make the wrong decision, they can always change and become better.

Appreciate teamwork and kindness
“If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.”

In a world where everyone is competing with each other, children tend to focus on their own success. Tata’s quote teaches them that while it is important to be successful, it is even more important to learn the value of teamwork and kindness. When children learn to work together, they are able to achieve more. When they learn to share, help others, and celebrate other people’s success, they learn the value of emotional intelligence. This also teaches children the value of kindness, which is one of the most important values that Tata taught throughout his life.