While at dinner in Amsterdam, Gus tells Hazel, "If you don't live a life in service of a greater good, you've gotta at least die a death in service of a greater good."
In the end, Gus says, "The real heroes anyway aren't the people doing things; the real heroes are the people NOTICING things..."
What do you think is most heroic? Living a life in service of a greater good? Or noticing the good in life?
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Great question. I would say living a life in service of a greater good. At the same time I wouldn't dismiss noticing the good in life as something small. But for the most heroic, I stick with the first option.
ReplyDeleteI think a little of both is necessary for a well-rounded person. But I think that the people who have the largest impact overall tend to be those who notice the good. Because recognizing someone for a small thing they do can have a greater impact in the long term than doing a large thing. People tend to feel unappreciated, and a little recognition gives people the will to carry on rather than give up.
ReplyDeleteWow -- great question. I think it has to be a balance. You can't be doing so much that you miss out on actually seeing/experiencing all that is around you. That doesn't feel very enlightened. But I also think the people who spend their entire life contemplating a flower miss out on creating that good in the world that we want other people to notice.
ReplyDeleteI think that if you live a life of service, you also are tuned into noticing the good.
ReplyDeleteAs an advocate of noticing perfect moments, I'd have to say the latter. I think that is a service we do for ourselves, one that makes the world a bit better for everyone around us.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great observation about Gus's statements!
I think a balance of the two would be ideal. You don't want to be so focused on your own accomplishments, even if they are for the greater good, and not notice the beauty and wonderful things others are doing.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need both in the world. We need people doing the noticeably heroic things... but we also need people who notice the little things that get quietly done by others & often go overlooked & unrewarded. Just because they're not big & splashy doesn't make them any less worthy of recognition. Great question!
ReplyDeleteYou left such a kind comment on my post. But it also had me wondering if things are okay where you are. Just wanted to send positive thoughts your way today. (Hugs and a smile)
ReplyDelete