Whether you want to be a Thermometer or a Thermostat is really up to you. You see, a Thermometer simply reflects the temperature of its environment, always quickly adjusting to the situation; while a Thermostat goes one step above and beyond to make a positve change in the temperature of its environment. You can always opt to "go with the flow" to follow what others and society norms dictate to you, or you can stand firm with your values to bring about a differentiating change in the world that would make it a better place than ever before. Be the Change Ambassador, and importantly, be the Change that you want to see in the world. In my view, one should strive to become a Thermostat rather than a Thermometer, because the world needs more Thermostats.

More Quotes by Deodatta V. Shenai-Khatkhate

Sharing a strange experience from my student years at Manchester, England, during late 1970's. I had just arrived in England from India, and was searching for an accommodation, basically a room to rent. I always used to call the English landlords by phnoe first, to ensure that a room was available, and then visit those addresses, located miles away, by taking the bus or a train. Upon my arrival, I was always told that either there was no room at all or that the room was just rented. After a dozen or so such frustrating experiences, it became clear to me that the room was always available - but those English landlords and landladies were reluctant to rent it to someone like me, an Indian or a non-white person. Interestingly, the room was always available to my voice on the phone, because my voice could not reveal either my skin color, or my race, or my national origin. The mystery was thus dispelled, and yet that realization was surely a rude awakening to the true color of English society. It was my first encounter with prejudice and discrimination, and the most shocking moment that shatters one's innocence completely - especially after coming from a noble culture and the best upbringing that takes pride in Equality. I shall always remain thankful to England for the best education that I received during my M.S. and Ph.D., as much as for such exposure to the dark side of the real world. Years later, after coming to America, I realized that America is a whole new wonderful world that welcomes all, and treats everyone with respect and dignity they deserve. God Bless America!