True value gets created in the long term. Earlier generations lay the foundation to be successively built upon. And looking back one can see how value has been created, whether as a family, institution or nation. And we are part of that value creation chain. Our role in life is, of course to give ourselves a good quality life, but at the same time create value.

Our attitude creates value. When we recognise that we are Trustees of our resources, we ensure we contribute more than we consume.

Conviction creates value. Our ability to visualise a better future enables us to sustain the journey and make choices which may be difficult but correct. And conviction when married to commitment saves us from temptation.

Patience is important. The good sense to know that natural laws should be respected. Every world champion knows that reaching the top has taken thousands of hours of patience, practice and perseverance.

Sacrificing short term gratification for long term value creation requires clarity and inner strength. In a world where people around us are not just in a hurry but instant gratification is becoming the norm, ordinary habits can create extraordinary value. And our daily life gives us opportunities – using less water when in the shower, walking instead of using a vehicle when we can, watching our impulsiveness when spending by not asking whether we can afford it but whether we need it.

Upholding values creates value. We strengthen the foundations of systems when we safeguard them from short term compromises and pressure.

And when we care enough we leave behind our wok and words to inspire future generations. And it fills their heart with pleasure when they are pensive and feeling low.

And creating value does not mean we are denying ourselves just to give a good life to our children. Bringing up a privileged and entitled generation will lead to severe other challenges. Creating value is enjoying the fruit but also realising that each fruit has a seed which we must plant. And nourish it till it bears fruit.

We cannot leave the world to a handful of people to govern and fix. Each one of us has a role to play. And no effort is too small and no problem too big that we cannot, with our collective consciousness solve. When we think beyond ourselves we create value.

And as we live a good life and create a better one, let us always be guided by the simple truth – this planet has not been inherited by us from our parents, it has been borrowed by us from our children.