I read "Magnificent Obsession" by Lloyd C. Douglas in High School it can be read here and I must say it stuck with me over the years. The idea behind the plot was the protagonist, Robert Merrick, decoding a secret journal from a well known physician, Dr. Hudson, in town. The journal contained information that Dr. Hudson can money and time to people who needed it to carryout their dreams or get over a rough patch in life. Hudson recorded every deed he did in his journal but literally swore every single person he helped to secrecy that it was him. He received nothing back form the people expect he was able to perform better in his work because of his good deeds. He also had the people promise to pass on the gift he gave them, to others in need when the time came. Merrick as he decodes and talks to the people in the journal discover a huge chain of people helping others out when no one else would. An example was him giving a sum of money to a struggling restauranteur and then that person gave money to another person that needed it to pay rent. And so on. really its an early version of Pay It Forward.
The same thing happens when we donate to startups and people who are trying to start their dream. We take no position in their company but really only help out. Although normally we tell people we do these things but there is a way to do it without telling anyone or even receiving anything from it. It is nice though to get the little funding gifts the company gives people though. Overall, it does embody the idea of "Magnificent Obsession" and Pay It Forward. We give to others so that one day if we are in need or struggling others will come help us. Helping others out is the best thing humans can do for one another and when we expect nothing back it makes it sincere and worthwhile to give to others. We also get back something we want when we back the project if it is a new book, movie, or the next gadget that will make our lives easier.
I'm not the best at giving to others but I do try and truly expect nothing back when I help others. I can about my fellow humans and their struggle. Not trying to fix every problem or know that i can do something for everyone but I can try to make the lives of those I know better. I think crowdfunding is a great thing that has helped many people and enriched the lives of many people. So let's continue and give to others freely and without getting anything back directly. We will get back so much more and maybe there is a power in giving to others and seeing them succeed that makes us happier and wealthier. There is real Pay It Forward to do in our lives so let's get out there and make a real difference rather than the small Pay It Forward that others promote. We want real change.
No comments:
Post a Comment