The human desire

An opinion piece by Pat Lynch, Chief Executive Officer, NZ Catholic Education Office

The election of President Barrack Obama not only marks a dramatic milestone in American history, it also represents a recurring theme where inspiration provided by a leader taps the aspirations of many millions of people, not only in the USA, but elsewhere in the world.

Human beings always respond to being challenged, particularly when they see that their lives and the lives of those about them can be bettered. Nobody has to meekly accept the status quo when there are avenues open to them that can bring about positive change for the good.

If the 21st century is calling out for anything it is deeply receptive for leaders, at whatever level in society, to put before people a vision for the betterment of their world and at the same time provide the inspiration to do something about it.

“Yes we can,” has become the chant of President Obama’s supporters. It will become the chant and conviction of many more in the world as his presidency gets into gear.

President Franklin Roosevelt before him in the Depression of the 1930’s, rallied not only America but the world, to stare down the financial fears of the time. Other inspirational leaders like Nelson Mandela have also rallied nations to face the challenges of their day and to overcome them.

Despite all the wonderful benefits globalisation is bringing to humanity, there is a crisis of meaning in the lives of huge numbers of people. At rock bottom this represents a breakdown of community where shared values are not as strong as they need to be.

The lack of hope in people’s lives is another reason for the ambiguity many feel about themselves and the direction the world is heading. What people want is to be recognised, to feel that they do matter, that their uniqueness is of consequence to others, and to feel that as individuals they can make a difference to their community.

It is really interesting that since the sub-prime mortgage financial contagion engulfed the world last year we have been hearing a lot about the common good, the need for greater regulation of financial markets and the desirability of international collaboration in the global community.

People do understand that unbridled behaviours do not bring positive outcomes but only hurt many unsuspecting, often innocent individuals.

All of this is another manifestation that human beings do want leaders who resonate with the reality of their lives and are prepared to make bold decisions to make a difference for good.

Inspiration is not a commonly found commodity. It is, however, found in the behaviour of mentors and achievers. It is also found amongst those who challenge the status quo and show others how they can become ambitious for themselves, their families and for their communities.

For too long we have believed that the achievement of equity of outcomes is not compatible with excellence of outcomes. The human spirit readily recognises virtue over self interest.

People will follow leaders who urge them to act differently in order to bring about desired change, even if this involves sacrifice in the service of others. Within this setting excellence and equity are complementary concepts.

The inaugural address of President Obama, just like his acceptance speech in October 2008, has many memorable lines which will enrich the spiritual dimension of people. We can all reach into ourselves and provide similar inspirational energy for those around us and galvanise positive change.

Life can be trusted; life does make sense and life does have meaning. It is through finding our own inspiration that in turn we will ripple out to others and enable the world to step up several notches in support of the common good of all human beings.