A good poem, with a question that always creates an inner conflict (for me). On the one hand, every human being has their own dreams they'd like to see made real, and I think most of us are at least a little repulsed at the thought of giving up our own dreams to help someone else achieve theirs. On the other hand, I feel selfish when I single-mindedly put my own ambition before the interests of everyone else, and part of me argues that compromise - a willingness to invest in someone else's passion - is an essential part of human coexistence.
Parentage is a good "devil's-advocate" here. Any father/mother must necessarily give up some of their time (time they could spend on their own dreams) to nurture the dreams of their children. No one I know would call those people fools though, they'd call it an essential part of being a parent.
It's a hard balance to strike; satisfying pursuit of one's own dreams; selfless support of family, or friends, or community.
Thank you for this piece! Clearly it got my mind-cogs turning...
I appreciate your comments and the thoughts you shared.
I think love is the key element in deciding where to strike a balance. A parent sacrificing their dreams to help their child is an act of love. Supporting a friend in their pursuit of a dream is an act of love. Where the scales become unbalanced, I think, is when the love given, and sacrifices made, is not returned in some fashion. If our own dreams are hindered and unsupported, and we exist solely to fulfill the whims of others, it soon can feel like we are stuck living a life beyond our ability to shape or change in any meaningful way.
A good poem, with a question that always creates an inner conflict (for me). On the one hand, every human being has their own dreams they'd like to see made real, and I think most of us are at least a little repulsed at the thought of giving up our own dreams to help someone else achieve theirs. On the other hand, I feel selfish when I single-mindedly put my own ambition before the interests of everyone else, and part of me argues that compromise - a willingness to invest in someone else's passion - is an essential part of human coexistence.
Parentage is a good "devil's-advocate" here. Any father/mother must necessarily give up some of their time (time they could spend on their own dreams) to nurture the dreams of their children. No one I know would call those people fools though, they'd call it an essential part of being a parent.
It's a hard balance to strike; satisfying pursuit of one's own dreams; selfless support of family, or friends, or community.
Thank you for this piece! Clearly it got my mind-cogs turning...
I appreciate your comments and the thoughts you shared.
I think love is the key element in deciding where to strike a balance. A parent sacrificing their dreams to help their child is an act of love. Supporting a friend in their pursuit of a dream is an act of love. Where the scales become unbalanced, I think, is when the love given, and sacrifices made, is not returned in some fashion. If our own dreams are hindered and unsupported, and we exist solely to fulfill the whims of others, it soon can feel like we are stuck living a life beyond our ability to shape or change in any meaningful way.