Hi aspirants, hope you are doing well and trying to push your limits every time you sit at your table. This journey is not easy but it is also not too tough for a determined person. Every year hundreds of students get success in this long, sometimes boring, and tiresome journey. They also do it through perseverance, consistency, and hard work. So don’t be demotivated by your daily struggles. This is the nature of this exam, this is the process of this exam and you too will have to pass through it to get success and to achieve your goals. So carry on every single day. Focus on the one step only, focus on this one day only. And one day surely you too will make it.
Q.) “Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way.” – Swami Vivekananda. What does this quotation mean to you? (UPSC ETHICS 2020, 10 markers).
Ans.) This quote by Swami Vivekananda emphasizes the value of compassion and non-interference in a civil servant’s role. It encourages refraining from passing harsh judgments on individuals and instead, urges civil servants to extend a helping hand whenever possible. When circumstances don’t allow for direct assistance, the quote advises adopting a stance of benevolent detachment, wishing others well on their chosen path.
From a civil servant’s perspective, this philosophy aligns with ethical principles. It guides civil servants to treat citizens impartially, offering support within their capacities while respecting diverse choices. This approach cultivates a culture of empathy, fairness, and service, crucial in administrative roles. By embodying this philosophy, civil servants can create a positive impact, fostering trust between the government and the public. Ultimately, this perspective encourages civil servants to embody kindness, understanding, and humility in their interactions, promoting the greater welfare of society.
Q.) “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi. What does this quotation mean to you? (UPSC ETHICS 2020, 10 markers).
Ans.) This quote highlights the concept of self-discovery through dedicated service to others. From the viewpoint of a civil servant, it signifies that by focusing on the welfare and needs of the community, one can gain a deeper understanding of oneself. Engaging in meaningful service allows civil servants to transcend tonal interests and egos, channeling their efforts toward the betterment of society. This approach aligns with the core principles of public service, emphasizing empathy, selflessness, and dedication. By immersing themselves in the service of the people, civil servants can identify their true values and aspirations, thus “finding themselves” in the process. This philosophy encourages civil servants to prioritize the common good and work for the upliftment of society, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their roles.
Q.) “A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.” – Socrates. What does this quotation mean to you? (UPSC ETHICS 2020, 10 markers).
Ans.) This quote accentuates the notion that a moral framework built solely on subjective emotional judgments lacks substance and authenticity. From a civil servant’s standpoint, it signifies the importance of basing ethical decisions on objective and rational principles rather than fleeting emotions. Relying solely on emotions can lead to inconsistency and bias in decision-making. A robust moral system for civil servants must be grounded in universal truths and ethical principles that transcend personal feelings. Such an approach ensures fairness, impartiality, and the effective functioning of public service. By adhering to objective moral standards, civil servants can make well-informed choices that benefit the larger society. This perspective emphasizes the need for rational reflection and consideration of various factors while making decisions, safeguarding the integrity and credibility of their roles in governance.
Q.) “Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later.” – Swami Vivekananda. What does this quotation mean to you? ( UPSC ETHICS 2021, 10 markers).
Ans.) This quote underscores the idea that achieving success in any endeavor is not a smooth path but involves overcoming numerous challenges. From a civil servant’s standpoint, it signifies that the journey of public service is laden with obstacles that demand patience, determination, and resilience. Civil servants often face complex bureaucratic procedures, societal constraints, and conflicting interests while striving to bring positive change. Those who persist and remain steadfast in their commitment to serving the public interest eventually witness positive outcomes. This perspective encourages civil servants to embrace difficulties as opportunities for growth and learning, pushing them to evolve into more effective and impactful administrators. By persevering through challenges, civil servants can make significant contributions to society, demonstrating their dedication to the betterment of the nation and its people. Ultimately, the quote emphasizes the importance of tenacity and a long-term view in navigating the complexities of governance and public service.
Q.) ” We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves.” – Dalai Lama. What does this quotation mean to you? (UPSC ETHICS 2021, 10 markers).
Ans.) This quote highlights the intrinsic connection between inner harmony and external peace. From a public civil servant’s viewpoint, it signifies that creating a peaceful and harmonious society requires individuals to cultivate a sense of inner tranquility. The attitudes and behaviors of civil servants play a significant role in shaping the overall social environment. Without inner peace and balance, it becomes challenging to effectively address conflicts, concerns, and challenges that arise in the course of public service. By fostering inner peace within themselves, civil servants can approach their roles with clarity, empathy, and a rational perspective. This, in turn, enhances their ability to contribute positively to society and promote cooperation and understanding among the citizens they serve. The quote underlines the importance of personal development, mindfulness, and self-awareness in becoming more effective and responsible civil servants, ultimately paving the way for a more peaceful and harmonious outer world.
Q.) “Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that it is better for us all.” – Eric Erickson. What does this quotation mean to you? (UPSC ETHICS 2021, 10 markers).
Ans.) This quote underscores the significance of interdependence in life and the collective benefit it brings. From a civil servant’s perspective, it signifies the essential nature of collaboration and cooperation among individuals and communities. In the realm of public service, interdependence highlights the interconnectedness between various segments of society. Civil servants rely on citizens’ engagement and support to implement policies effectively. Moreover, addressing complex social issues necessitates the combined efforts of government, non-governmental organizations, and the public. Recognizing and embracing this interdependence enhances the overall effectiveness of governance and service delivery. Civil servants should prioritize building strong partnerships, fostering inclusivity, and seeking common ground among diverse groups. By realizing the value of interdependence, civil servants can create a more unified and harmonious society, where the strengths of each individual contribute to the well-being of all. This perspective aligns with ethical principles of empathy, respect, and collective responsibility, promoting a holistic approach to public service.
Q.) “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do.” – Potter Stewart. What does this quotation mean to you? (UPSC ETHICS 2022, 10 markers).
Ans.) From a civil servant’s perspective, this quote emphasizes the critical role of ethics in decision-making and actions. It signifies that ethical behavior goes beyond mere legality, focusing on the moral aspect of choices. Civil servants often find themselves in situations where they possess the authority to carry out certain actions, yet the question remains whether those actions are morally justifiable and aligned with the greater public good. Upholding ethical standards involves recognizing the boundaries of one’s authority and weighing the potential consequences of actions. It emphasizes the importance of integrity, empathy, and consideration for the welfare of all stakeholders. In the complex landscape of public service, civil servants must navigate the fine line between what they can legally do and what is ethically right to do. This perspective underscores the need for civil servants to prioritize ethical principles over personal interests, ensuring that their decisions and actions contribute positively to society while upholding the integrity of their roles.
Q.) “If a country is to be corrupt-free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother, and the teacher.” – Abdul Kalam. What does this quotation mean to you? (UPSC ETHICS 2022, 10 markers).
Ans.) This quote highlights the pivotal role of the family and educators in shaping a society characterized by integrity and ethical values. From a civil servant’s perspective, it emphasizes the collective responsibility of parents, teachers, and mentors in nurturing citizens who uphold the principles of honesty and moral conduct. The father, mother, and teacher, in their respective roles, influence the upbringing, values, and education of individuals. In the context of public service, this underscores the importance of ethical education and character development in schools and colleges. A corrupt-free society depends on the cultivation of virtues such as honesty, empathy, and responsibility from an early age. Civil servants can collaborate with educational institutions and community programs to promote ethical values, contributing to the creation of a more virtuous and principled citizenry. By recognizing the interconnected roles of these societal members, civil servants can actively contribute to building a nation characterized by ethical conduct and enlightened minds.
Q.) “Judge your success by what you had to give up to get it.” – Dalai Lama. What does this quotation mean to you? (UPSC ETHICS 2022, 10 markers).
Ans.) This quote underlines the idea that the true measure of success isn’t solely about personal achievements, but also about the sacrifices and compromises made to attain those achievements. From a civil servant’s perspective, it signifies that the impact and effectiveness of their service should be gauged not only by individual accomplishments but also by the efforts, dedication, and personal gains relinquished for the greater good. Civil servants often encounter situations where they must prioritize the welfare of the public over personal interests. The quote underscores the importance of selflessness, dedication, and willingness to make sacrifices for the betterment of society. By evaluating their success based on the positive changes they bring about and the contributions they make to the community, civil servants can ensure that their service is aligned with ethical principles and the genuine betterment of the nation and its citizens.
Good luck!🤘 keep moving ahead.👍