"من فضلك يا سيدي أريد بعض المزيد"

When you think about the phrase, "Please, sir, I want some more," it’s hard not to picture that iconic scene from Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist," with the little orphan Oliver tremblingly asking for more gruel. The core idea here is simple yet profound—it’s about asking for something more when you know it’s not enough, even when it feels risky or intimidating.

This quote comes from a time when the world was a tougher place for children, especially orphans. The Industrial Revolution had led to overcrowded cities filled with poverty and hardship. Dickens wrote “Oliver Twist” in the 1830s to shine a light on the harsh realities faced by the most vulnerable in society. Oliver’s simple request for more is a radical act of bravery in his dire circumstances. It’s more than a plea for food; it’s a yearning for fairness and compassion in a world that seemed to lack both.

Now, let’s think about how this idea translates into our everyday lives. Imagine you’re at work. You've been putting in extra hours and taking on more responsibilities, yet your paycheck hasn’t budged. You know you deserve a raise, but asking for one feels daunting—like Oliver facing the stern headmaster. But what if you mustered up the courage and had that conversation with your boss? Perhaps it’s not as life-and-death as Oliver’s situation, but it’s still an act of bravery. It’s about valuing yourself enough to ask for what you deserve, even if the stakes feel high.

How do you apply this wisdom in a practical sense? Start by recognizing your worth and understanding that it’s okay to ask for what you need, whether it’s more support from a partner, a raise at work, or help with a project. It’s about standing up for yourself, even when it feels uncomfortable. Prepare your case—know why you deserve more. Be polite but firm, just like Oliver. And remember, the worst that can happen is you’re told “no,” but at least you tried.

Think about Sarah, a friend of mine who once worked at a small marketing firm. She was juggling multiple projects and often staying late to ensure everything ran smoothly. Despite her hard work, she noticed her paycheck remained the same. One day, after rehearsing what she would say, she walked into her manager’s office and asked for a raise. She laid out all the extra responsibilities she had taken on and the successful projects she had managed. Her hands were shaking, but she didn’t back down. And guess what? She got the raise. But even if she hadn’t, she told me later, she felt empowered by just having asked. It was a turning point for her confidence.

So, next time you feel like you need more—whether it’s more respect, more pay, or just more help—don’t shy away. Channel a bit of Oliver’s courage. Ask for it. Because sometimes, the hardest part is simply finding the nerve to speak up. And once you do, you might just find that you get exactly what you need.