LIKE stars scattered across the sky, our world is decorated by extraordinary talents and geniuses in every field imaginable. The collective light created by these brilliant individuals serves to illuminate the path to our future. It foretells what humanity can become and how it can change for the better. Yet, the more determinative factor in shaping our future is not merely the intelligence or skill of a select few but rather the inherent ability to grow and evolve that exists within every single person. After all, what use is a revolutionary idea or a profound new invention if no one is willing to change their lifestyle to adopt and use it?

Thus, the very future of humanity hinges on answering a rather strange question—Is it really true that a leopard cannot change its spots and a tiger cannot change its stripes?
Are human beings truly capable of change within a single lifetime, or is the process of evolution something that must unfold over several generations?

If people cannot change their opinions and adopt new ideologies during their lifetime, then it follows that each new generation bears the burden of catalysing societal change. This would mean that instead of being able to build upon a clean foundation, every new era begins with the task of discarding outdated beliefs, much like emptying a metaphorical trash can before growth can begin.

Perhaps we can better understand our ability to change by examining individuals from the past. One of the most influential figures in history was, of course, a German-born physicist with iconically eccentric white hair and a bushy moustache—Albert Einstein. Known for his groundbreaking work in physics, Einstein has become a universal symbol of intelligence and the face of scientific discovery. Yet, his humanitarian side is not discussed nearly as often as it should be.

After leaving Germany and moving to America in 1933, Einstein was heartbroken to realise that African Americans were suffering under the Jim Crow laws in much the same way that Jews were being persecuted in Germany. Feeling a deep sense of kinship with those experiencing discrimination, he used his influence to speak out against racism and advocate for the rights of African Americans. This transformation in his worldview led to his famous quote in which he described racism as a disease—one he refused to remain silent about.

What makes this shift even more remarkable is that Einstein’s personal diary, which chronicled his travels in the 1920s, revealed that he had once held prejudicial sentiments himself. Yet, within the span of a decade, he not only corrected his own biases but actively fought against racism and oppression.

This proves that human beings can, in fact, grow and change within their own lifetime. While a leopard cannot change its spots, nor can a tiger change its stripes, a human being can transform through experience and knowledge. In truth, change is our very own speciality!

If there was room for growth in the heart of a renowned genius, then surely, there is space for us to evolve as a generation. One of Generation Z’s greatest concerns is the imperfect world being handed down by previous generations. However, the reality is that ‘previous generations’ are still present and actively shaping the world alongside us. With the right approach, we can create a united front against the social ills that have plagued humanity for centuries—ills that have been passed down from one generation to another, like unwanted heirlooms.

So, the real question is not whether humans can change but rather how we can ensure that they change for the better while they still hold the world in their hands.