• India CSR Awards 2025
  • Guest Posts
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
  • Login
India CSR
  • Home
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
    • Art & Culture
    • CSR Leaders
    • Child Rights
    • Culture
    • Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Around the World
    • Skill Development
    • Safety
    • Covid-19
    • Safe Food For All
  • Sustainability
    • Sustainability Dialogues
    • Sustainability Knowledge Series
    • Plastics
    • Sustainable Development Goals
    • ESG
    • Circular Economy
    • BRSR
  • Corporate Governance
    • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Interviews
  • SDGs
    • No Poverty
    • Zero Hunger
    • Good Health & Well-Being
    • Quality Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Clean Water & Sanitation – SDG 6
    • Affordable & Clean Energy
    • Decent Work & Economic Growth
    • Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
    • Reduced Inequalities
    • Sustainable Cities & Communities
    • Responsible Consumption & Production
    • Climate Action
    • Life Below Water
    • Life on Land
    • Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
    • Partnerships for the Goals
  • Articles
  • Events
  • हिंदी
  • More
    • Business
    • Finance
    • Environment
    • Economy
    • Health
    • Around the World
    • Social Sector Leaders
    • Social Entrepreneurship
    • Trending News
      • Important Days
        • Festivals
      • Great People
      • Product Review
      • International
      • Sports
      • Entertainment
    • Case Studies
    • Philanthropy
    • Biography
    • Technology
    • Lifestyle
    • Sports
    • Gaming
    • Knowledge
    • Home Improvement
    • Words Power
    • Chief Ministers
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
    • Art & Culture
    • CSR Leaders
    • Child Rights
    • Culture
    • Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Around the World
    • Skill Development
    • Safety
    • Covid-19
    • Safe Food For All
  • Sustainability
    • Sustainability Dialogues
    • Sustainability Knowledge Series
    • Plastics
    • Sustainable Development Goals
    • ESG
    • Circular Economy
    • BRSR
  • Corporate Governance
    • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Interviews
  • SDGs
    • No Poverty
    • Zero Hunger
    • Good Health & Well-Being
    • Quality Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Clean Water & Sanitation – SDG 6
    • Affordable & Clean Energy
    • Decent Work & Economic Growth
    • Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
    • Reduced Inequalities
    • Sustainable Cities & Communities
    • Responsible Consumption & Production
    • Climate Action
    • Life Below Water
    • Life on Land
    • Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
    • Partnerships for the Goals
  • Articles
  • Events
  • हिंदी
  • More
    • Business
    • Finance
    • Environment
    • Economy
    • Health
    • Around the World
    • Social Sector Leaders
    • Social Entrepreneurship
    • Trending News
      • Important Days
        • Festivals
      • Great People
      • Product Review
      • International
      • Sports
      • Entertainment
    • Case Studies
    • Philanthropy
    • Biography
    • Technology
    • Lifestyle
    • Sports
    • Gaming
    • Knowledge
    • Home Improvement
    • Words Power
    • Chief Ministers
No Result
View All Result
India CSR
No Result
View All Result
Home Articles

Threats and challenges have been an ever present feature of the human experience: Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas

Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas imparts wisdom on success, urging us to embrace positive attributes and learn from both experience and ancient wisdom.

India CSR by India CSR
October 1, 2017
in Articles
Reading Time: 4 mins read
Prof. (Dr) Colin Coulson-Thomas. Image: India CSR

Prof. (Dr) Colin Coulson-Thomas. Image: India CSR

4
VIEWS
Share Share Share Share

Here is the part -2 of the text of Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas talk at Gyan Diksha Samaroh Commencement Ceremony of 22nd Academic Session at Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management-Research, New Delhi held on September 2, 2017

Success and Positive Attributes

Success can be measured relative to our aspirations and what could or should be, and relative to our individual and collective potential. Attributes considered positive – and behaviours sought – tend to be those that appear to work.

Learning from Experience and Ancient Wisdom

We can learn from our own experience about what works and does not work. Sometimes this involves learning the hard way and experiencing disappointment, failure, and pain. It makes sense to learn from the wisdom of others, particularly wise people who over the centuries and millennia have thought about what advice to give.

Respect for Ancestors and Past Wisdom

Ancient wisdom and past attempts to create shared values – and in some cases universal ones – have helped our ancestors to get us to where we are today. Both Bernard of Chartres and Sir Isaac Newton acknowledged that they were able to move forward because they stood upon the shoulders of giants. Respect those who have gone before and have laboured to build the foundations of our civilization.

Preservation and Transmission of Knowledge

Not everything that has been recorded has survived. Much has been lost, as when the great library at Alexandria burned. However, much has also been painstakingly passed from generation to generation. The literature and domestic fragments that have survived suggest human nature has not changed that much over the last few thousand years.

Relevance of Ancient Wisdom Today

When we see similar expressions of character all around us, it is a brave, arrogant, and perhaps irresponsible person who ignores ancient wisdom or refuses to learn from it. Threats and challenges have been an ever-present feature of the human experience, and much of what ancient voices have to say can be relevant – indeed especially relevant – to us today.

Preparation for Novel Situations

At the same time, in all eras, the unexpected can and often does arise. We need to be prepared for novel situations, new challenges, and unanticipated events. Be inspired and motivated by ancient wisdom rather than constrained and limited by it.

Creativity, Innovation, and Adaptation

To confront some challenges and seize certain opportunities, we need to be creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial. Traditional, learned, and approved responses may not be sufficient, appropriate, or effective. We also require the ability to assess, imagine, and invent. We also need the courage to discover, explore, and pioneer.

Environmental Considerations and Lifestyle Choices

Certain challenges already affect the planet we share with other forms of life. Human activity has adverse consequences for us, other species, and the environment. Unless innovation and disruptive technologies provide viable alternatives, our future may depend upon the extent to which we change our priorities and adopt simpler, healthier, and more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyles.

Sharing Personal Observations and Advice

I will share what I have observed and learned. Its relevance may vary according to your aspirations, priorities, situation, and circumstances. Be balanced. Avoid being at the extremes.

Maintaining Perspective and Individuality

Keep a sense of proportion. As Charles Handy said to us when we started at the London Business School, don’t trip over the daisies. He also advised against looking over your shoulders at others. Comparisons may not be relevant and can be misleading. You don’t have to be first at everything. I was last at Latin at school. The sum total of who and what you are, your aspirations, your motivations, who you associate with, and how you live your life will determine your impact in and upon this world.

About the author

Prof. (Dr) Colin Coulson-Thomas has helped directors in over 40 countries to improve director, board and corporate performance.


You may also like:

  • Prof Colin Coulson-Thomas named ‘India CSR Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainability’
  • Prof (Dr) Colin Coulson-Thomas
  • India CSR Honours Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas honored with India CSR Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Enterprise Risk Management: Board Perspectives (Questioning Risk Management): Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas
IndiaCSR Whatsapp Channel
Tags: Prof Colin CoulsonProf. (Dr) Colin CoulsonSri Sharada Institute of Indian Management-Research.

India CSR offers strategic corporate outreach opportunities to amplify your brand’s CSR, Sustainability, and ESG success stories.

📩 Contact us at: biz@indiacsr.in

Let’s collaborate to amplify your brand’s impact in the CSR and ESG ecosystem.

India CSR

India CSR

India CSR is the largest media on CSR and sustainability offering diverse content across multisectoral issues on business responsibility. It covers Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainability, and related issues in India. Founded in 2009, the organisation aspires to become a globally admired media that offers valuable information to its readers through responsible reporting.

Related Posts

Green Buildings
Articles

When Cities Grow Green by Design: Can Manicured Nature Replace the Wild?

3 hours ago
6
Sustainability
Articles

Sustainability Is No Longer the Pitch, It’s the Project

1 month ago
34
Corporate Social Responsibility
Articles

Practices That Power CSR Talent and Governance in India

1 month ago
72
water harvesting in rural India
Articles

From Scarcity to Sustainability: How Water Harvesting is Transforming Rural Communities

2 months ago
59
Top Drivers for Sustainability and Responsibility in 2023
Articles

Three Responsibilities Foreign Investors Must Embrace in India: A New Era of Accountability

3 months ago
24
Pavan Kaushik
Articles

A Strong Mind and Unwavering Decisions by Women Changed the Dynamics of Child Mortality and Maternal Mortality Ratio in India

3 months ago
58
Prioritize the Social Sector and Look at More Inclusive Development
Articles

2025 Should Prioritize the Social Sector and Look at More Inclusive Development

3 months ago
101
Digital Transformation
Articles

Harnessing Digital Transformation for Strengthening Internal Marketing and Organizational Synergy 

3 months ago
10
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Articles

Closing the Learning Divide: How Edufront is Transforming Schools Through CSR Partnerships

3 months ago
622
Load More
India CSR Awards India CSR Awards India CSR Awards
ADVERTISEMENT

LATEST NEWS

How Design Nurtures a Culture Even Before HR Does 

Different Ludo Modes Ideal for Both Beginners and Experts

How to Choose the Right Vending Machine for Your Space?

When Cities Grow Green by Design: Can Manicured Nature Replace the Wild?

Motilal Oswal Financial Services CSR Spending Report of Over Rs 17 Crore for FY25

GRIHA Council and FluxGen Join Hands for Sustainable Water Management

HZL HZL HZL
ADVERTISEMENT

TOP NEWS

ताज इंडियन ग्रुप अपने परिचालन के पहले वर्ष में ही भारत के शीर्ष 4 जूस निर्यातकों में हुआ शामिल 

CSR: Sajjan Jain Support Trust Backs Education for Visually Impaired with NAB India

CSR: Jindal Steel & Power Marks 11th International Yoga Day with Enthusiasm

CSR: Akshaya Patra Taps AI Power from Automation Anywhere for 5 Million Meals a Day

Motilal Oswal Financial Services CSR Spending Report of Over Rs 17 Crore for FY25

Different Ludo Modes Ideal for Both Beginners and Experts

Load More

Advertisement

Image Slider
content writing services Guest Post Top 5 Reasons to have Sponsored Posts at India CSR – India’s Largest CSR Media stem learning R2V2 Technologies Private Limited

Interviews

Himanshu Nivsarkar, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of CSR & ESG at Kotak Mahindra Bank
Interviews

Driving Sustainable Impact: An Interview with Himanshu Nivsarkar, Kotak Mahindra Bank

by India CSR
May 22, 2025
120

By Rusen Kumar NEW DELHI (India CSR): Himanshu Nivsarkar, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of CSR & ESG at Kotak...

Read moreDetails
Balamurugan Thevar, CSR Head at Shriram Finance

Empowering Women Drivers: An Interview with Balamurugan Thevar, CSR Head at Shriram Finance

May 20, 2025
205
N E Sridhar, the Chief Sustainability Officer at Titan Company Ltd.

Empowering Rural Craft Entrepreneurs: An Interview with N E Sridhar, Titan Company

May 15, 2025
94
Geetaj Channana, the Head of Corporate Strategy at Vivo India

Empowering Young Innovators Across India: An Interview with Geetaj Channana, the Head of Corporate Strategy at Vivo India

April 25, 2025
51
Load More
Facebook Twitter Youtube LinkedIn Instagram
India CSR Logo

India CSR is the largest tech-led platform for information on CSR and sustainability in India offering diverse content across multisectoral issues. It covers Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainability, and related issues in India. Founded in 2009, the organisation aspires to become a globally admired media that offers valuable information to its readers through responsible reporting. To enjoy the premium services, we invite you to partner with us.

Follow us on social media:


Dear Valued Reader

India CSR is a free media platform that provides up-to-date information on CSR, Sustainability, ESG, and SDGs. They need reader support to continue delivering honest news. Donations of any amount are appreciated.

Help save India CSR.

Donate Now

donate at indiacsr

  • About India CSR
  • Team
  • India CSR Awards 2025
  • Partnership
  • Guest Posts
  • Services
  • Content Writing Services
  • Business Information
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donate

Copyright © 2025 - India CSR | All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
    • Art & Culture
    • CSR Leaders
    • Child Rights
    • Culture
    • Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Around the World
    • Skill Development
    • Safety
    • Covid-19
    • Safe Food For All
  • Sustainability
    • Sustainability Dialogues
    • Sustainability Knowledge Series
    • Plastics
    • Sustainable Development Goals
    • ESG
    • Circular Economy
    • BRSR
  • Corporate Governance
    • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Interviews
  • SDGs
    • No Poverty
    • Zero Hunger
    • Good Health & Well-Being
    • Quality Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Clean Water & Sanitation – SDG 6
    • Affordable & Clean Energy
    • Decent Work & Economic Growth
    • Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
    • Reduced Inequalities
    • Sustainable Cities & Communities
    • Responsible Consumption & Production
    • Climate Action
    • Life Below Water
    • Life on Land
    • Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
    • Partnerships for the Goals
  • Articles
  • Events
  • हिंदी
  • More
    • Business
    • Finance
    • Environment
    • Economy
    • Health
    • Around the World
    • Social Sector Leaders
    • Social Entrepreneurship
    • Trending News
      • Important Days
      • Great People
      • Product Review
      • International
      • Sports
      • Entertainment
    • Case Studies
    • Philanthropy
    • Biography
    • Technology
    • Lifestyle
    • Sports
    • Gaming
    • Knowledge
    • Home Improvement
    • Words Power
    • Chief Ministers

Copyright © 2025 - India CSR | All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.