India’s metro cities have sold the same dream, better jobs, higher salaries, and a faster path to success. However, what if the very environment that is designed to promote ambition is also fueled by self-doubt?The question has gained attention online after IIT Kanpur alumnus Arjav Modi shared a LinkedIn image arguing that geography does more than knowing where people live; it affects how they measure their lives.The question has sparked a debate on social media after IIT Kanpur alumnus Arjav Modi shared an interesting insight comparing life in Bengaluru to life in a hill town. Rather than arguing that one way of life is superior to another, Modi’s post explores a familiar concept: the environment we live in affects not only how we live but also how we see ourselves.
A LinkedIn post by IIT Kanpur alumnus Arjav Modi has sparked a discussion about how geography affects people’s perception of success. Comparing the experiences of a young professional in Bengaluru to a hill town, the post argues that fulfillment depends not only on money, but also on the environment people live in and the expectations that shape everyday life.
The story of two 27-year-old children
In viral post, there are two versions of the same person. The first version sees the person as a 27-year-old earning around Rs 40 lakh per year in Bengaluru. She lives in a large three-bedroom apartment, travels by taxi and has groceries delivered to her door. According to traditional values, it is a successful city life.However, according to the post, success does not always equal happiness. Modi says living in a city full of very young entrepreneurs and very talented people can put your life on the line. A person may be financially successful, but still feel inferior because of the success of others.The result, he argues, is loneliness, self-doubt, and the feeling that one’s “best years” may already be over.
The mountain path
The second scenario presents a very different picture. The same 27-year-old now lives in a small hill village, earning less than half the salary of his colleague from Bengaluru. Instead of a taxi, they ride a scooty or walk. Instead of ordering food online, they pick vegetables while watching the sunset, hand in hand with their partner.The financial situation is less, but the emotional situation looks different. Here, the neighborhood is mostly in their mid-30s and older, people who are satisfied with their lives, welcoming to newcomers, and optimistic about the future. Instead of feeling left out, the young professional feels assured that he still has plenty of time to grow, explore, and succeed.The comparison shows that happiness is not only based on money, but because of the place where people feel that what they have achieved is achieved.
The geography of expectations
Modi’s article introduces a growing concept in psychology and behavioral research – self-evaluation by comparison.In an environment dominated by innovation and competition, the methods of success change from time to time. Promotions, financial aid stories, luxury lifestyles, and social media posts become symbols. On the contrary, in places where life is moving slowly, there are other ways of society. Technical success is important, but not in every negotiation.Therefore, the difference does not mean cities and villages. It is about the creation of expectations that surrounds a person.
Not choosing one life over another
One of the most notable aspects of Modi’s post is that he avoids projecting a better life for the rest of the world. Bengaluru remains one of India’s most technological hubs, offering opportunities that smaller towns cannot match. At the same time, quiet environments often provide the lifestyle many professionals seek after years of high-pressure jobs.The comparison instead encourages the reader to realize that emotional experiences of success are often created by stories. The same income, age, and job can be very different depending on the people they interact with on a daily basis and the motivations of the people around them.
Negotiating beyond salary
The reason for its appeal is its struggle against old ideas, and the higher wages correspond to the increase in the ideas of success.In fact, the question asked is more straightforward: Does one want to succeed or does one just feel successful?In a world where young professionals are faced with the task of building a fast-paced career, this principle becomes very important.In the end, the debate is not so much about Bengaluru or the hills as it is about ideas. Sometimes it seems that although we cannot always change our environment, we can change the way we see it.