How Anyone Can Change The World | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

How Anyone Can Change The World

Sometimes the best impacts for good are the quiet, local works, sort of like a vigilante for service.

19
How Anyone Can Change The World
pixabay.com

You may not change the whole world.

A notable trait about Millennials, one that they sometimes are made fun of because of how they choose to go about it, is their ambition to change the world. For this reason, so many of this rising generation, not unlike a few of their predecessors, have joined up with one or more causes that they feel can make that greatest impact for good.

But despite such a lofty ambition, why do some not take it seriously?

Speaking from my own observations, it seems that many Millennials are attempting to achieve greatness through media attention and gaining followers on Facebook and Twitter (myself included). What many members of the older generation realize and want Millennials to understand is that not everyone can achieve that kind of greatness—the one where social movements create revolutions on the scale of MLK—with the same level of success. Sometimes the best impacts for good are the quiet, local works, sort of like a vigilante for service. Too many who want public recognition do not realize that sometimes making a difference for good anonymously is actually better. One, there is little temptation to become full of oneself, since that often depends on external praise. Two, those who never know who gave them service have greater faith in humanity since there is no way for them to repay their benefactor; the next best thing is to become a benefactor for others, especially in secret. Lastly, actions speak louder than words. It is one thing for me, an otter-lover, to speak out on the need of otter conservation, which for example’s sake I will not do here; it is quite another to give of my resources, and even show people why otters matter, and just how fantastically awesome they are. Most people will not remember what I say, but they will remember what they see and how they felt.

I feel that if one wants to make the greatest difference in the world, they should not actively seek media attention. Said Syndrome of "The Incredibles," “If everyone’s super, no one will be.” Zephram Cochrane, the historical figure of "Star Trek" who invented warp drive, was quoted to say, “Don’t try to be a great man, just be a man. Let history make its judgment.” Who knows, that person you secretly serve may become one of those famous people, inspired by what you did. You will have a place of historic significance without the negatives that come with publicity. But if not, you can live with the knowledge that even if you do not change the world, you can change one person’s whole world.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
coffee

It's finally flu season! It's around that time in the school year where everyone on campus is getting sick, especially if they live in the dorms. It's hard to take care of yourself while being sick at school, but here are some coping mechanisms to get you on the path to feeling better!

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

The Battle Between College And My Mental Health

College isn't easy, and I'm afraid I'm not going to make it at the rate my mental health is going.

193
woman sitting on black chair in front of glass-panel window with white curtains
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

Everyone tells you that college is hard, but they fail to explain why. Sure, classes are hard. Math sucks, and political science can be so boring. But that's not even what's killing me about college. What's killing me about college is my deterioating mental health.

As a college student, I feel as if people don't understand just how exhausted I, and fellow college students are. We have so many things going on, all the time, and sometimes it's hard to explain to people how we feel. Personally...I'm tired. I'm sad. And I'm struggling every single day with my emotions. But the thing is, it hasn't always been this way. I haven't always hated school, so why am I feeling like this now?

Keep Reading...Show less
manager

For the average 20-something, life moves pretty fast. You’ve got classes, friends, relationships, jobs, family, and whatever else we overcommit ourselves with. I probably should have learned to say no to adding more to my schedule a long time ago, but instead here are 11 things that can be more helpful than coffee.

Keep Reading...Show less
Parks And Rec
NBC

Your professor mentions there's a test in a few days and you didn't know about it.

Keep Reading...Show less
Blair Waldorf

Resting b***h face. Defined as a person, usually a girl, who naturally looks mean when her face is expressionless, without meaning to. Many of you suffer from this "condition." You are commonly asked what's wrong, when nothing is. What people don't know is that is just your facial expression. Here are some things they wish you knew.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments