"شما لازم نیست چراغ دیگری را خاموش کنید تا چراغ خودتان بدرخشد."

Imagine this: you're in a dark room filled with candles. Each one represents a person's talents, successes, and contributions. Now, instead of blowing out someone else's candle to make yours look brighter, you let everyone's flames shine together, creating a brighter room. The core idea here is that you don’t need to diminish others to make yourself look good. Your success and light can shine on their own.

This quote is often attributed to Bernard Baruch, a financier and presidential advisor in the early 20th century. Baruch was known for his wisdom in both financial and personal matters. The context of the quote is rooted in promoting a mindset of collaboration over competition. Back then—and still today—there's a tendency to think that for one person to succeed, another must fail. Baruch's insight challenges that notion, suggesting that true success is inclusive, not exclusive.

Let me paint a picture for you with a real-life example. Think of a workplace scenario where you and your colleague are both up for a promotion. Instead of undermining your colleague by spreading rumors or highlighting their mistakes, you both focus on doing your best work. You might even help each other out—sharing knowledge, offering feedback, collaborating on projects. In the end, regardless of who gets the promotion, both of you have grown, learned, and possibly even strengthened your professional relationship. The positive environment benefits everyone, and your own achievements can still be recognized and valued without needing to stomp on someone else's efforts.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your everyday life? Start by recognizing that collaboration often trumps competition. When you see someone doing well, celebrate their success. Offer genuine compliments and support. If someone’s struggling, help them out instead of exploiting their weakness for your gain. By focusing on your strengths and lifting others, you create a positive environment that fosters mutual respect and trust. This approach not only makes you a better person but also attracts positive energy and opportunities your way.

Now, picture a high school basketball team. There’s the star player, right? We all know the type. But imagine if this star player decides to hog the ball, thinking that scoring all the points will ensure their spot in the limelight. What happens? The team suffers. They lose games. Morale is down. But if this star player realizes that passing the ball, supporting their teammates, and playing as part of a cohesive unit leads to more wins, everyone shines. The team becomes stronger, and the star player’s leadership and teamwork are highlighted in a positive light. It's a win-win.

In essence, the message is clear and simple: help others, and you’ll help yourself. By fostering a culture where everyone’s contributions are valued, you not only enhance your own standing but also create an environment where everyone can thrive. So next time you’re tempted to dim someone else’s light, remember that your own light can shine just as brightly—if not brighter—when you support others.