I Say What I See: Making the Best Use – Why Utilization Defines Progress

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I Say What I See: Making the Best Use – Why Utilization Defines Progress

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The strength of a person or a nation lies not in abundance, but in the wise and purposeful use of what is useful.

Introduction
In life and in nation-building, the measure of progress often lies not in how much we possess, but in how wisely we use what we have. The word utilize, as defined in dictionaries such as Oxford and Merriam-Webster, means to make practical and effective use of something. In Myanmar usage, the term အသုံးချသည် carries the same spirit – to apply resources, knowledge, or opportunities in ways that bring benefit. To utilize what is useful is not simply about efficiency; it is about discernment, about choosing the most or the best use of what is available. Whether it is time, talent, or tools, the true value of anything emerges only when it is directed toward meaningful ends.
The word “use”, according to the Oxford Dictionary, means to put something into action, service, or purpose – whether employing a tool, consuming a resource, or benefiting from its function. Merriam-Webster similarly defines “use” as to avail oneself of, to employ, or to expend by putting into service. Locally, English–Myanmar dictionaries translate “use” as အသုံးပြုသည် or အသုံးချသည်, emphasizing practical application in daily life. The adjective “useful”, in Oxford’s definition, refers to something that can help achieve what one wants, such as a tool or information that serves a purpose. Merriam-Webster adds that “useful” means capable of being put to use, serviceable, or of a valuable kind. In Myanmar, the term အသုံးဝင်သော conveys the same sense – something beneficial, practical, and worth applying. Together, these definitions show that “use” is the act of applying, while “useful” describes the quality that makes something worth applying, both globally and locally tied to the idea of turning potential into value.

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1. Personal Perspective
In our daily lives, the idea of “use what is useful” begins with personal choices. Many years ago, while living and working in Bangkok, Thailand, I often listened attentively to recorded sermons of venerable Sayadaws from Myanmar on VCDs and DVDs. One Sayadawgyi’s teaching carried the phrase “Use What Is Useful or Use It While It Is Useful”, which has stayed with me ever since. That wisdom reminds us that usefulness is not permanent – time, health, and opportunities all pass quickly. To make the best use of them while they are available is both a practical and spiritual lesson.
2. Societal Perspective
At the level of society, usefulness is about how communities share and apply resources. A tool, an idea, or even a tradition becomes valuable only when people put it into practice for the common good. For example, education is useful not just for the individual student but for the whole community when knowledge is applied to solve problems, create jobs, and improve lives. A society that knows how to use what is useful – whether technology, culture, or cooperation – grows stronger and more resilient.
3. National Perspective
For nations, usefulness takes on an even larger meaning. A country may have natural resources, institutions, or talented citizens, but their true worth lies in how they are utilized. A government that uses its resources wisely builds infrastructure, strengthens education, and ensures justice. A parliament that uses its voice responsibly creates laws that protect and empower.

And a state that uses its identity well unites its people under shared values. For countries like Myanmar, the lesson is clear: to march forward in nation-building, citizens and leaders alike must make the most and best use of what is useful – time, talent, and trust – before those chances fade.

Transitional Paragraph
From the personal wisdom of a Sayadawgyi’s sermon, to the shared practices of society, and finally to the duties of a nation, the lesson remains constant: what is useful must be recognized and applied before its value fades. This journey from individual to collective reminds us that usefulness is not an abstract idea but a living force, shaping lives, communities, and countries when it is put to its best use.

Conclusion
To utilize what is useful is more than a matter of convenience; it is a principle that guides the way individuals, communities, and nations grow. On the personal level, it means making the best use of time, health, and opportunities while they last, as the venerable Sayadawgyi’s sermon reminded us, usefulness is fleeting and must be embraced before it fades. On the societal level, it means applying shared resources, knowledge, and traditions in ways that uplift the community and strengthen bonds among people. On the national level, it means leaders and citizens alike must recognize that resources, institutions, and talents are only as valuable as the wisdom with which they are used. A nation that fails to use what is useful risks wasting its potential, while a nation that makes the most and best use of its assets builds resilience, prosperity, and unity.
Thus, the call is simple yet profound: to see usefulness clearly, to apply it wisely, and to honour it faithfully. In doing so, we fulfil not only our personal duties but also our collective responsibility to shape a society and a nation that thrives.

Final Echo
To utilize what is useful is to honour the fleeting gift of time, the shared strength of society, and the enduring duty of nationhood – for only in wise use does life, community, and country find their true worth.

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