The topics discussed in this book pertain not to any particular event in history, but deal essentially with the broad sweep of the modern age and with the vital role that India must play, both spiritual and practical, in this age if she is to attain her full potential?a consummation from which the world will necessarily benefit. Originally these articles were published as editorials in the monthly journal Prabuddha Bharata in the later half of the 1920s and had created a stir in the India's intellectual, nationalist, and religious circles, being extremely thoughtful and deeply inspiring.
After every happiness comes misery; they may be far apart or near. The more advanced the soul, the more quickly does one follow the other. What we want is neither happiness nor misery. Both make us forget our true nature; both are chains--one iron, one gold; behind both is the Atman, who knows neither happiness nor misery. These are states, and states must ever change; but the nature of the Atman is bliss, peace, unchanging. We have not to get it, we have it; only wash away the dross and see it.
-Swami Vivekananda