Everyone teaches us something

Jesse Owens is a world famous athlete. After getting his first Olympic gold medal, he spoke the following lines:

[The poem quoted here is the piece that circulates widely online beginning "To those of you who laughed at me, thank you", commonly attributed to Jesse Owens. The attribution is unverified and the text is under copyright, so it is not reproduced on this site.]

The moment I read this poem, something in me stirred. I could not sleep for a number of nights. I stayed up, thinking about the truth behind the poem, and how I have faced adversity.

When I first wanted to start out on my own, and I was an employee at Satyam, I went to one of the big guys for help. He listened to my ideas, and told me I was not ready. He told me that I should wait for a few more years – how many, he never specified. But I went ahead, despite his advice, and became what I am today.

Whenever I face adversity, I am reminded of this poem. If you read it every day, like me, it will give you the strength you need.