Mark Twain’s words invite us to reflect on two profound moments in life. The first—the day you are born—marks your entry into the world, a miraculous beginning filled with potential. The second—the day you discover why—represents the moment of self-realization when you uncover your unique purpose and meaning in life.
The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why……..Mark Twain
He highlights that while every life begins with potential, the discovery of purpose gives life direction and fulfillment. This discovery becomes the guiding force that shapes our decisions, fuels our passions, and provides us with a sense of contribution to something greater than ourselves.
An Inspiring Example: Malala Yousafzai’s Journey to Purpose:
Malala Yousafzai’s life is a profound example of how purpose can emerge from adversity and grow through courage and determination. Born on July 12, 1997, in Mingora, Pakistan, her life began like any other, full of potential and untapped possibilities. But her journey would be anything but ordinary. As a young girl, she lived in the Swat Valley, a region renowned for its beauty but later overshadowed by the oppressive control of the Taliban.
From an early age, Malala demonstrated a passion for learning, influenced by her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, an educator and activist who ran a girls’ school. In her community, education for girls was often undervalued, and when the Taliban began imposing restrictions, they specifically targeted girls’ education. Schools were shut down, and the Taliban threatened those who dared to resist. For many, these circumstances would have been paralyzing, but for Malala, they became the catalyst for discovering her purpose.
Malala’s “day she found out why” came when she realized the profound injustice of denying girls the right to learn. Her love of education and her belief in equality ignited a passion to speak out, even when it put her life at risk. At just 11 years old, she began writing a diary for the BBC Urdu under a pseudonym, detailing her life under the Taliban and the struggles of girls yearning for education. Her words, filled with honesty and courage, resonated with readers around the world and brought attention to the plight of young girls in Pakistan.
As her advocacy grew, so did the risks. Malala became a public figure, giving interviews and openly challenging the Taliban’s oppressive policies. Her courage came at a great cost. On October 9, 2012, while traveling home from school, Malala was attacked by a Taliban gunman. She was shot in the head and left in critical condition. The attempt on her life shocked the world, but it failed to silence her. Instead, it strengthened her resolve and amplified her voice.
After months of medical treatment and recovery in the United Kingdom, Malala emerged as a global symbol of resilience and advocacy. She continued to champion the cause of education for girls, delivering powerful speeches and engaging with world leaders. In 2014, at just 17 years old, Malala became the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Her acceptance speech was a rallying cry for action, reminding the world that education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for change.
Malala’s advocacy extends far beyond speeches and awards. She co-founded the Malala Fund, an organization dedicated to ensuring 12 years of free, safe, and quality education for every girl. Through the fund, she supports initiatives in countries facing the greatest barriers to education, empowering local leaders and communities to drive change. Her work reminds us that discovering purpose isn’t just about finding personal fulfillment—it’s about creating a ripple effect that uplifts others.
Malala once said, “I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” Her journey from a small valley in Pakistan to the global stage is a powerful reminder that our purpose, when pursued with passion and determination, has the potential to transform not only our own lives but the world around us.