In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being … those people who rekindle the inner spirit
Albert Shweitzer
Wherever these people are hiding, show them to me. I'd like to meet them and learn from them. I want their spark; their fire. I want to be consumed by the belief that people still care. That there are still those who are generous of themselves; whose lives are not just about pulling their own weight (and yet there are those who don't even bother), but are willing to give a little more each day or the next for others, unafraid of being labeled as martyrs.
In essence, I think such sentiments place me in what Stephen Covey categorizes as the "fragmented person," one who falls prey to the human tendency toward victimism. In the sequential and painstaking process of becoming a whole person, there are four words that operate - vision, discipline, passion, and conscience. Which are just the opposite of a life dominated by indulgence and ego.
There's an inner struggle in everyone. Every day, we fight our own wars. But it's not a contest or a quest for bragging rights. It's about finding a purpose and meaning that goes beyond the self. It's what made the great ones great - what helped them make things happen and have influence on others. Writing this doesn't make me one, but if spreading the word will help bring out those voices, know that I'll be on the frontlines waiting for trickles of inspiration.
Thanks, lazarus!
Greatness = responsibility. That’s right. And that’s ok. Because we can’t be great if we can’t handle it. 
i remember one Star Trek movie where this character said something like “don’t try so hard to be a great man… just be a man and let history decide for itself.”
we can all aspire to be great but i think in aiming so high we’re likely bound to disappoint others as well as ourselves (except for a few exceptional individuals who are clearly meant for greatness). if we can find the motivation to consistently improve ourselves… now that wouldn’t be so bad, would it?
Posted by onyxx at November 1, 2007, 7:15 pmAll comments are moderated. Your comments will not appear here unless approved by the blog owner. Thank you.
along with greatness is a greater responsibility. we can’t be great overnight, or do what Jet Li does in his “great moves”. maybe we first need to align ourselves with some great people, and be enflamed by their fire.
btw, nice piece here, zarine.
Posted by lazarus at October 27, 2007, 3:14 pm