Recognise yourself!

With so many distractions and pressures around us, it can be really hard to figure out who you are. But those who truly understand themselves are the ones who can also see others. You wouldn’t get on a bus without knowing its route — in the same way, self-awareness is the key that helps you understand your direction in life. Take some time to ask yourself: what truly motivates me?

For example, if your passion is singing, but you’re working as an engineer, you may give your best to the job, but it’s unlikely that you’ll bring out your best and remain satisfied, for it doesn’t align with your passion. And this is the reason many people feel stuck in careers that feel like cages, unable to reach their full potential.

Moreover, the pressure from parents to choose a path they want from their child, without ever asking what their child truly wants, is another problem that makes youngsters lose their interest in professional growth. A child should be allowed to follow the rhythm of their own desires; only then will they give and achieve their best.

Erum Mubashir,
Karachi

Never be overconfident

This is regarding the story “Never be overconfident” by Zain Irfan (YW, March 15). Sometimes, overconfidence is the reason behind our failures, as shown in the story.

We must learn from it and take the lesson that overconfidence can be the silent killer of success. When we get too confident, we stop being careful and we become too relaxed. This is where we often face failures.

The story ended on a very impactful note: we must learn from past experiences and continue to learn new things.

Hamza Iqbal,
Rahim Yar Khan

II

The story “Never be overconfident” by Zain Irfan was an eye-opener, especially for youngsters. From what I’ve observed in school, naturally talented students often begin to take their skills for granted. They assume their past success will carry them forward, but talent alone doesn’t sustain excellence.

This story beautifully showed how even the best can fall behind if they stop putting in real effort.

Sana Abdul Javed,
Abbottabad

The prince who learns to read!

This is concerning the story “The prince who learns to read!” by Younus Ahmed (YW, March 15).

The story reminded that true strength lies in wisdom and the willingness to learn. It also taught that reading isn’t just for scholars, it’s for anyone who wants to understand the world better.

We need more stories like this that show young minds the power of learning.

Hamza Rauf,
Muzaffargarh

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 31st, 2025