Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan was a guest at the career days organized by İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi, themed “Professional Expert Meetings.” Addressing students in the process of building their careers during the program, Tarhan highlighted the importance of setting goals and being hopeful in one's career journey. Those with clear goals, who can focus and concentrate, can open windows in their soul, said Tarhan, noting that talents emerge as they are challenged.
“True success is the success achieved in the totality of life”
Sharing insights on the definition and limits of success, Tarhan focused on the concept of total life success. Tarhan said: “As a principle, I don't say I am successful or unsuccessful. Success is total success, it comes from being able to hold onto life. Therefore, even the most successful person who says 'I am successful today' is thinking sectionally, only about the present day. However, when one thinks spatially, they focus on being successful until the end of their life. When we think about what kind of person you want to be at the end of your life, how you want to be remembered, what you want written on your tombstone, that's when true success becomes evident. Therefore, it is problematic for a person to say 'I am successful,' and also problematic to say 'I am unsuccessful.' But when successful, one can say 'I am striving.' Acting by distributing here is very important. In 21st-century skills, the first step to success is 'being good at teamwork.' A person who can work in a team succeeds in this era. Those who achieve this implement the leadership style we also define as scientific leadership. In scientific leadership, no one who cannot manage themselves can manage a group. You must start managing from yourself, but the first condition for this is self-awareness, knowing and understanding yourself. The second is self-management, managing yourself. In other words, true success is being able to manage your own desires and impulses.”
“A serious cultural drift is occurring in the world”
Tarhan pointed out that a serious cultural drift is being experienced in the world, emphasizing that global powers are expanding their areas of dominance daily through technology. Tarhan said: “We experienced a transition from the age of information to the age of wisdom. The 20th century was the age of information, and the 21st century is the age of wisdom. As you know, there was the agricultural era. There was Web 1.0, then Web 2.0 emerged, machines were produced, industrial engineering and electrical circuits were discovered. With the discovery of electronic engineering, automation began. Information highways formed, like a second crucial highway. Information highways like the internet emerged. Throughout human history, new technologies have never been so intertwined with people. A serious cultural drift is currently being experienced in the world. The powers holding media and communication in the world are engaged in a voluntary imperialism. That is, they produce something without us realizing it, and we buy it under the guise of fashion without any real need. This process continued until the emergence of the Metaverse. Their aim is to possess more things, to hold the power and dominance of the world in their hands. Within this cultural imperialism, we need to decide whether we will be users of technology or used by technology. Humankind never thinks about death. They don't think about life after death. There is no sense of accountability. They say, 'I have the freedom to act as I wish.' This is the method of pagan culture. Humanity is currently turning towards pagan culture.”
“Young people should not lose their career hopes”
Tarhan emphasized the importance of setting goals, noting that young people should not fall into despair regarding their career aspirations. Tarhan said: “Some of the choices I made throughout my life were intentional, while others developed spontaneously. Everything that happened in my life story is actually an unfinished story. The outcome will be clear at the end of life. Some situations arose before me, and in such situations, I did not insist. There are things a person has the power to do, and things they do not. There are things you can control, and things you cannot. Therefore, the most important thing for young people is not to lose hope in their careers. When you experience difficulties, you should not fall into despair; you should define your goal. You will strive, and a door will open. Those with clear goals, who can focus and concentrate, can open windows in their soul. There is such a secret voice in humankind. Many deep talents emerge this way. That's why talents develop when challenged. Young friends, set your goals in your career journey. Goals are very important. Do not fall into despair.”