When will we teach our children in school what they are? We should say to each of them; “Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all of the world there is no other child exactly like you. In the millions of years that have passed there has never been another child like you. And look at your body—what a wonder it is! Your legs, your arms, your cunning fingers, the way you move! You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel?”
(Spanish cellist, composer, and conductor Pablo Casals, 1876-1973))
Those with any ethical sensitivity are outraged and deeply saddened by all the young victims of gun violence. The refusal of our Congress and President to act with courage and determination to limit the sales of assault weapons is a national disgrace. And too often little ones pay the tragic price of this cowardice and hypocrisy. But there is another type of violence which is also heartbreaking, and that is a violence done to the minds, spirits, and souls of far too many children.
I have often wondered how much more sane, wonderful, and healthy our world would be if each child was encouraged to reach the full potential that is latent in his or her life. Such encouragement should not become undue pressure or manipulation. Neither should it reflect our selfish desires, ambitions, and dreams for the child. As Casals observed, each child is unique, and ultimately it is up to the child, not us, to choose the path that will bring joy, purpose, and fulfillment. We should provide all the support and affirmation we can for children to pursue the dreams which correspond to the yearnings of their hearts.
Imagine what our world would be like if every person chose to pursue their innate talent and passion.
I have observed that when people choose a path in life which weds their talent with their passion, they find uncommon joy and experience a profound sense of fulfillment. It’s as though they know who they are and why they are alive and here in this universe. Talent without passion can become drudgery. Passion without talent can become frustration. But talent that is driven by passion can become astounding and electrifying! Imagine what our world would be like if every person chose to pursue their innate talent and passion.
But the sad truth is that far too many children are denied the encouragement or the opportunity for such a fulfilling and fruitful life. Too many are never told that they could or should follow their dreams. And tragically, even more are never allowed the opportunity to become all they could be. There are those who are able to overcome the odds that are arrayed against them, but their number is infinitesimal compared to the hundreds of millions who are denied their chances to unfold into the wonders they could be. Such denials are often the result of prejudice, economic limitations, lack of educational opportunities, physical challenges, and lack of access to the advantages others enjoy because of the power, influence, and wealth of their parents.
The last sentence in the quote from Pablo Casals is sadly but profoundly true. If every child were allowed to experience the joy and deep satisfaction of matching talent with passion and following the dream of their hearts, there would be far less cause for violence. If children were taught to respect the unique treasures within all other children, they would not be threatened by the excellence and happiness of others. There would be no place for envy and jealousy. Instead of the inherent violence that comes from competition, children would be inspired to seek their own excellence simply because they have experienced the joy and liberation of being themselves and being the unique gifts to the world that 14 billion years of evolution have made possible.
… the children of our world are in our hands.
I know all this sounds like a utopian dream. And I know that this side of eternity, our world will never completely or even predominantly embrace this possibility. But I also know that we don’t have a clue as to how much is wasted, how much that is possible never comes to fruition, and how much pain is endured by children who never discover and experience the unique opportunity they could have if we adults could hold precious every child who inhabits this earth.
So, how do we start this revolution of affirmation and hope? One child at a time, followed by the political, economic, and righteous will to provide opportunities for those children whose abilities to pursue their dreams are crushed by the greed, arrogance, and indifference of a culture who only cares for its own. In ways we don’t want to accept, the children of our world are in our hands.
