“The place to improve the world is first in one’s own heart and head and hands, and then work outward from there.” – Robert M. Pirsig in the classic, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

During their short journey on Planet Earth, humans could be divided into three categories. These would be: 1) the tourist, 2) the misfits and 3) the stewards. Which of these categories a person falls under depends on the person’s self-image.

The tourist is among us for the ride. He has no great ambition except to save his neck; enjoy his stay as much as possible while trying to have as little hurt as possible. He’s not really involved. Does not care that much about the world and as soon as he leaves, will be quickly forgotten except for those who were closest to him.

Then we have the misfits. They make up for most of the news… the bad news. They are here to push their own agendas, not caring what legacies they will leave behind and certainly not caring about the welfare of the human race.

Finally, we have the good guys, the stewards. They have a sense of ownership and responsibility toward the world that they live in. They have a healthy self-esteem, they know that they matter, that they can make a difference and they are dedicated to do whatever they can to fulfill their mission of positive contribution to mankind.

Each of us gets to decide in which of these three categories we fall under and that decision depends on how we choose to see ourselves, on how important we believe to be in the grand scheme of the Universe and in the affairs of man.

For many, the simple notion of thinking that, as individual, we really matter, is a frightful proposition. Anonymity is so much more comfortable; it makes few demands, imposes few responsibilities and seems to be the ideal path to tranquility and peace of mind.

On the other hand, the only way that any game can be enjoyed, and that includes the game of life, is by contributing and being involved. There is little glory and even less satisfaction in staying on the sideline as a mere spectator. Only by getting involved can we reap the deep satisfaction of a life that is being lived to the fullest.

Contrary to popular beliefs, people do not wear out, they rust out. Working and getting involved, if done with passion and without undue stress, will do much more good than harm. We are not machines. We were conceived and built to take active participation in the affairs of the clan. That’s how we expand, grow and reach the full actualization of our talents.

It is by getting involved that we can best fulfill the fundamental need for personal significance. Man needs to express himself and receive recognition like he needs food and water. He needs that sense of significance as food for the spirit as much as he needs food for the body.

We were all placed on Planet Earth for a specific purpose. That fundamental axiom has to be integrated in our fundamental beliefs and into our self-image. Once that this is done, man is elevated and inspired to participate and contribute positively toward the advancement of mankind.

It all begins with the recognition of the true nature of man and the building of the self-image. A stage that is naturally followed by contribution in the affairs of man which eventually ends up in the total fulfillment of one of our most fundamental need, the need for self-significance.

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Tags: Personal Development