What product does religion sell?
Why is religion losing market share lately? Because, back in the day, life was pretty awful for a lot of people (it still is, but to less people. Hmmm... In absolute numbers there is surely more people with awful lives today than some thousands of years ago. But I digress). Nothing could be done. So someone invented a comforting idea that could not be tested: "Do what I say, follow these rules, and after you die you will go to heaven and you will be eternally happy". Surprisingly they believed that.They were buying hope. That's essentially what it still sells. The hope that no matter how awful your life is it will get better in the next one. If you obey. That everything, no matter how terrible, has a purpose. If you conform.Obviously, I'm only talking about Christianity and the other similar religions.It has some perks, like the idea of seeing again your loved ones after they die. That is a powerful promise. A lot of people need to believe it. It makes life, I don't know, easier? If one of your kids dies… I understand perfectly those who want to believe that promise. It may make an enormous pain bearable.Religion feeds on human weakness, fear and despair and sells you hope. But it has a price. A steep one.
What are the biggest career mistakes to avoid?
Worked in IT service industry for over 2.5 years. Apart from people who were satisfied with their current industry or role, witnessed-Guy A- Unhappy with starting pay structure.He started applying every job with more salary than current.Out of blue he cleared one job (government) with CTC more than 3 times his current take home. Joined. Posted in tier 3 city. Workload lot more than previous job. Now, complaining of no work life balance.Current status- Applying for clerical level exams to get rid of officer level job due to workload.Mistake- Neglecting what job demands, your suitability / skill and chasing money.…Guy B - Happy guy. No complain whatsoever. Enjoying weekends, partying. Lived in shared flat with 2–3 guys who were serious CAT aspirants. This year, all flatmates joined tier 1 MBA colleges.Came to know this guy had also appeared in CAT and now joined some unknown, unheard MBA college.Mistake- Proximity effect. Just because what flatmates are doing, I will also do the same.…Guy C - Local guy. Extremely talented. He used to commute daily by local train, his home was 30–35 km away from office.After having 2 years of experience, started trying for job switch. Got some good pay hikes in decent product based companies in Pune and Bangalore.Current status- Joined another service based company in the same IT SEZ premises- 2 buildings away.Mistake - Homesickness. Not ready to leave home city.…Guy D- Government job obsessed guy. Appearing in all government exams- Railway Loco Pilot, technician, Patwari jobs, Sub- inspector along with CGL, GATE, Bank, Insurance, IB, UPSC, State PSC etcLogic- Job Security + personal reasons.Current status- still preparingMistake - Confusion with ourselves. No clear goal / sector or area of interest.…Guy E - Startup Guy/ flatmates.Arranged high quality printers worth lakhs and started working on concept of Vistaprint/ Print Venue. Resigned from current job.Logic- Business minded.Status- Failed badly , I remember they used to sell personalised perfume bottle with double the market price. Not a single buyer. Poor marketing also.Mistake- Flaw in business model, no proper marketing, dreaming profits from day 1. No serious leadership / aptitude / guidance for business.…Decide properly. Grass is not always greener on other side.