Can One Person Change the World?
Over the past several years I have transformed my way of thinking. I have become more about serving others and less about being self-serving, or as some like to call it “selfish.” I like to call this “selfishly becoming selfless.” I am a firm believer that as we progress in our lives we start to focus less on ourselves and focus on more worthwhile endeavors. Our obtainment of riches and success, titles and positions, money, fame and fortune slowly fades away and we start to shift or focus on how we can leave a lasting impression on the world around us, leaving a legacy that will last long after we are gone. At least that is how I view life at this current season in my life.
Harriet Tubman once said “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
This week a radio station presented a question, “Can one person change the world?” I strongly believe that one person can change the world. However, what characteristics, titles, successes, experiences, etc. would it take to change the world? Let’s face it we would need to be rich and famous to change the world, wouldn’t we? There is a simple answer to that “NO!” There are no prerequisites required to change the world. In honor of Martin Luther King Day this past Monday, I am reminded of many great people of who changed the world by being bold, courageous, fearless, and facing persecution head on, while sticking to their convictions. So, I took some time to research some of the movers and shakers of the past, to see what credentials they had to assist them in making positive changes in the world.
While the people below are common knowledge for the majority of us, I wanted to make sure I backed up my knowledge with some hard evidence as well and prove that it does not require fame, fortune, positions, titles, experience, etc. to change the world. What it does require is a passion, vision, and desire to change the world. Here are just a select few individuals who changed the world courtesy of biographyonline.net:
Jesus Christ (c.5BC – 30AD) Spiritual Teacher, central figure of Christianity.
Most in the Christian faith would consider this the #1 person who changed the world. Jesus however, had a very humble beginning. Born to Mary a virgin and Joseph a carpenter. He was born in a stable because there was no room in the inn for His family. Jesus is considered the incarnation of God and his teachings are followed as an example for living a more spiritual life. It is said that He was a carpenter in his young adult life before coming baptized at the age of 30. He was a teacher and healer (http://www.biography.com/people/jesus-christ-9354382#jesuss-ministry).
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 – 1968) Non-Violent Civil Rights Activist.
Born to a pastor and former school teacher in Atlanta, Georgia. King was a Baptist minister and social activist who played a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. Inspired by advocates of nonviolence such as Mahatma Gandhi, King sought equality for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged and victims of injustice through peaceful protest. He was the driving force behind watershed events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, which helped bring about such landmark legislation as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and is remembered each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a U.S. federal holiday since 1986 (http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/martin-luther-king-jr).
Abraham Lincoln (1809 – 1865) President of US during The Civil War, helped end slavery.
Born in a one-room log cabin in Hardin County, KY. Limited in his education as he had to work to support his family. Held several different jobs including: working on a river flatboat hauling freight, shopkeeper, postmaster, later becoming a self-taught lawyer, Congressman, and President (http://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/abraham-lincoln).
Nelson Mandela (1918 – 2013) Anti-apartheid leader. First President of democratic South Africa in 1994.
Born into a royal family of the Xhosa-speaking Thembu tribe in the South African village of Mvezo, where his father, Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa (c. 1880-1928), served as chief. His mother, Nosekeni Fanny, was the third of Mphakanyiswa’s four wives, who together bore him nine daughters and four sons. After the death of his father in 1927, 9-year-old Mandela—then known by his birth name, Rolihlahla—was adopted by Jongintaba Dalindyebo, a high-ranking Thembu regent who began grooming his young ward for a role within the tribal leadership. Sentenced to life in prison, later to be released after serving twenty-seven years of his sentencing. In 1994, became the first black President of South Africa (http://www.history.com/topics/nelson-mandela).
While I could go further in depth about each of the individuals listed and not listed, there is a reoccurring theme among the change agents of history. Each individual sought an opportunity to bring about change where and when change was needed throughout their communities, serving a purpose. The difficulties and accomplishments of each individual is well documented and taught world-wide to this day and will continue to be spoken about for generations to come.
Which brings me back to my question “Can one person change the world?” The overall answer is “yes." Maybe changing the world is a lofty goal for many, but what if you could change your household, community, state, or nation, would you do it? There are many worthwhile causes out there in the world today; causes that need someone to be the leader of. We need individuals who are willing to bringing about awareness on select issues. Individuals who are willing to place fears aside, while facing insurmountable obstacles and opposition head on, remaining unwavering in their convictions.
In conclusion, if so many people of the past were able to add value to the world, assisting with change, then what are you/we capable of doing today, to assist in making the world a better place for the future? Are you the one to change the world?
References
100 People Who Changed the World. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.biographyonline.net/people/people-who-changed-world.html on January 23, 2016.
Abraham Lincoln. (2009). History.com Staff. Retrieved from http://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/abraham-lincoln on January 23, 2016.
Jesus Christ. (n.d.). Biography.com Editors. Retrieved form http://www.biography.com/people/jesus-christ-9354382#jesuss-ministry on January 23, 2016.
Martin Luther King Jr. (2009). History.com Staff. Retrieved from http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/martin-luther-king-jr on January 23, 2016.
Nelson Mandela. (2009). History.com Staff. Retrieved from http://www.history.com/topics/nelson-mandela on January 23, 2016.
