Dr RK Behera
Principal, MGM College
We live in an age where the word “I” echoes louder than ever. From motivational slogans to social media posts, the world constantly tells us to “believe in yourself,” “put yourself first,” and “do what makes you happy.” While self-belief is essential, an obsession with I has quietly become a moral and emotional disease of our time. When life revolves only around my success, my pain, my image, my comfort, we slowly drift away from the heart of humanity—love, empathy, and service.
An I-centered life is like a room with mirrors on every wall—you keep seeing yourself, but you never truly see anyone else. It breeds comparison, competition, and eventually, isolation. The constant question, “What do I gain?” replaces the more powerful one, “What do others need?” And in that silent shift, kindness fades, pride grows, and peace disappears.
When I takes the throne, relationships suffer. We stop listening with patience, caring with sincerity, and giving with joy. The world becomes a stage where everyone performs for attention rather than connects with love. Yet, true greatness is never found in being served—it is found in serving. True love is not self-seeking—it sacrifices, it forgives, it listens.
Jesus reminded us of this eternal truth: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Real living begins when we think less about I and more about you. Humility is not weakness—it is strength under control. It doesn’t mean denying your worth; it means recognising that others are worthy too. As Philippians 2:3 teaches, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. “A self-centered heart builds walls of pride; a selfless heart builds bridges of grace. When we move from I to you, our world expands—we see the beauty of compassion, the joy of giving, and the peace of understanding. So today, pause and ask yourself: Have I made “I” greater than “you”? Because the healing this world longs for will not come from people full of I—it will come from hearts full of you.
