An apology is relevant only when it is real

We react to  someone/something because of who/what he/it is. We don’t react as much to those who stand for nothing.

It is we who dislike someone/something and that makes him/that controversial or polarising; for the rest of us he is either invigorating or a put-off.

They have no problems with claims for credit for the simple reason that they themselves would not like to be left behind by being timid or self-effacing. They know that nice guys finish last, and they do not agree with the values of their parents’ generation that you should hold yourself back and not be pushy.


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 the young are more willing to “lean in” – which means thrusting yourself forward to grab opportunities and not be a shrinking lily
 Why do we hold ourselves back despite obvious achievements
Why do we feel guilty about claiming credit and think of ourselves as frauds for doing so. But the description works well for old India – which holds itself back and is afraid to acknowledge success. The new generation is different and claims credit and due credit is denied the new generation fights for the same tooth and nail.

It is we who are polarised or arrogant or hypocritical about it, depending on our own predilections.

 it will pit the old versus the young, the perpetually modest against the confident. The young see no need for false modesty; the old shrink prefer self-effacing behaviour. The young take success in their stride; the old are afraid to claim it. Let’s see which attitude wins.