Mains Marathon

• Start your answer by defining aptitude and attitude.
• Explain why attitude is most important than aptitude and provide justification with the help of suitable examples.
• Conclude with a balanced opinion on the importance of both to become successful.

Answer:

Aptitude refers to the natural or inherent ability to perform a certain task or activity. It is often measured by tests that assess one’s skills, knowledge, or potential in a specific domain. Attitude, on the other hand, refers to the set of beliefs, feelings, and values that influence one’s behaviour and outlook on life. It is often expressed by one’s words, actions, and reactions to various situations. Altitude, in this context, means the level of success or achievement that one attains in life.

The quote implies that attitude is more important than aptitude in determining one’s altitude. It suggests that having a positive, optimistic, and resilient attitude can help one overcome the challenges and difficulties that one may face in life and achieve one’s goals and aspirations. On the contrary, having a negative, pessimistic, or defeatist attitude can hinder one’s progress and prevent one from reaching one’s potential.

The reason why attitude is more important than aptitude is that attitude determines how one uses one’s aptitude.

• A person with a high aptitude but a negative attitude may not be able to utilize his or her potential fully, as he or she may lack motivation, self-esteem, or discipline.
• A person with a low aptitude but a positive attitude may be able to compensate for his or her limitations by working hard, seeking feedback, and learning from mistakes.

There are many examples of people who have demonstrated this principle in their lives.

• For instance, Abraham Lincoln had a humble and difficult upbringing, and faced many failures and setbacks in his political career. However, he had a strong and determined attitude that enabled him to persevere and become one of the most influential presidents of the United States.
• Similarly, Helen Keller was born deaf and blind, and had limited opportunities for education and communication. However, she had a courageous and curious attitude that motivated her to learn and become a renowned author, activist, and lecturer.

On the other hand, there are also examples of people who have wasted their aptitude due to their poor attitude.

• For instance, Charles Babbage was a brilliant mathematician and inventor who designed the first mechanical computer. However, he had a difficult and irritable personality that alienated his colleagues and sponsors. He failed to complete his projects and receive recognition for his work.
• Similarly, Marilyn Monroe was a talented and popular actress who had a successful career in Hollywood. However, she had a troubled and insecure attitude that led her to abuse drugs and alcohol. She died at a young age due to an overdose.

Attitude and aptitude for Civil Servants

• For a civil servant both these qualities, i.e., aptitude and attitude are of equal importance as they go hand in hand in developing a personality which inculcates a sense of service.
• A civil servant must have an aptitude/ability to do his job as well as an attitude to do his duty, i.e., to serve the people.
  • For instance, in a feudal and patriarchal society, to promote female literacy, an officer must himself have a favourable attitude towards women empowerment along with the effective persuasive skills to change people’s attitude.
• The dynamic field of new public administration with increasing use of technology for efficient delivery of services requires not only an attitude to adapt oneself to the changing environment and demands of the job, but also an aptitude to learn quickly to perform one’s job in the most efficient way.

‘Aptitude without attitude is blind; Attitude without aptitude is lame’ Both the right skills (aptitude) and the disposition (attitude) are equally important to excel in a particular field. It is the right blend of the two inherited and acquired qualities respectively that go hand in hand in determining the gains and losses in a person’s life.