When posed with the question, “What can you do?”
This morning, I received an impassioned call from an editor, who eloquently recounted a quote from the esteemed British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” This profound statement beautifully delineates the contrast between the means by which we sustain ourselves and the acts through which we enrich our existence.
Moreover, consider the stirring words of John F. Kennedy: “My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” This eloquent appeal underscores the profound impact of individual actions on the collective well-being of society.
When asked, “What can you do?” how might one respond?
One day, an editor inquired if there was anything we could do for the local children. On a whim, I proposed a workshop to impart the joy of creation to the young minds. The editor, intrigued by this notion, set the wheels in motion for its realization.
As the workshop commenced, the children, initially reticent, gradually began to expand their horizons and unleash their creativity. Witnessing their eyes sparkle with enthusiasm and seeing them become engrossed in their narratives made me realize the profound impact that a small investment of time and effort could have on their futures. It became clear that rather than waiting for others to act, we must take the initiative ourselves to effect change in society.
What we can do for the future is something we can do now. It is not about the past or the future, but about this very moment. Regardless of the scale, starting now holds intrinsic value. If you are concerned about environmental issues, you can begin with small, everyday actions. Reducing plastic use, diligently recycling, and conserving energy are all immediate steps you can take.
Our actions today lay the foundation for shaping the future. As Churchill’s words suggest, life is enriched not merely by what we receive, but by what we give. And as Kennedy articulated, individual actions collectively bring about significant change. By accumulating the small actions each of us can take now, we can build a better future.
The question, “What can you do now?” is not merely a prompt for self-improvement but a call to responsibility towards society as a whole. By identifying and acting on what we can do now, we can undoubtedly transform the future.