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.
