What do you have to offer?

Dr Lee Kum Tatt was a leading Singapore scientist. Although we had never met, I've heard of him as the creator of the RISIS orchid and a very interesting and philosophical person. Dr Lee passed away on 1 Jun 2008, aged 81. Here are some motivational words from him, which we can all share around:

"I came from an underprivileged background. I was born a British subject, went through the Japanese occupation of S.E.A. and the events that followed after the war in the region. I lost 6 good years of my life. At one time I saw no future for myself. I was a charcoal seller, a farmer planting rice and other crops, a dealer in the “black” market and an odd job man. In the beginning I felt miserable and often cried till I had no more tears. My mother, whom I love very much, told me not to feel sorry for myself. She left me with the following advice: The world does not care for what you lack. It is only interested only in what you have to offer.

"My mother’s advice woke me up. I began to see the good in the things that I had to do. There is plenty for me to learn in what I have to do even as a farmer or charcoal seller. So long as what I do benefits and does no harm to others, my mother would be proud of me. This is what I always wanted for one who has sacrificed so much for me.

'I adopted and promoted this philosophy in my personal, professional life and career. My academic, professional and personal achievements speak for themselves. I hope that this quotation when practiced properly will also motivate others, as it did for me."

Here's where you can read more about him.