Selfish Vocations: How pursuing your dreams serves humanity
Your unique vocation matters more than you think
When Marlon Brando was announced to the crowd as winning the grammy for the Godfather he made an interesting choice. Rather than kiss the person next to him and walk to the front with speech in hand he decided not to show up at all — instead, Sacheen Littlefeather, a Native American activist, took his place on stage.
Marlon Brando made the decision to allow Littlefeather to address the audience on the treatment of Native Americans in the film industry and the ongoing events at Wounded Knee. In doing so, he furthered a cause that he was incredibly passionate about. His humanitarian act became a significant moment in the media, making the roads through the news, talk shows and everyday conversations across America.
What’s more interesting is that he didn’t do this by marching in protests, although he had done this before, instead it was his pursuit of acting that gave light to an issue that never would’ve received that much attention had he never pursued acting in the first place.
How will my work help the world?
I’m often asked by students who I work with, how will creating art, making music, writing my book, learning about political theory, opening a healing studio, starting a YouTube channel on books I love – help the world? It’s an interesting thought, that our work needs to be that of direct service to serve humanity. And yet our calling is as needed as the doctors in their surgery and the activists on the frontlines. Because without it, what type of world would we be living in?
Without variance Earth would be a wasteland
When I went to the Lourve I was awe-struck by it’s magnificence and grandeur. How could such beauty come from the paintbrushes of mere mortals? But what if when you entered the Lourve there was nothing, no Mona Lisa, no Venus de Milo, no wedding at Cana? The very place that attracts 9 million visitors each year would be void of inspiration, beauty, human lineage and cause one to think – what’s the point…Extend this to the entire world and it would be a wasteland. Luckily for us, not everyone is called for direct service work.
Each type of work has its place and its point
There is a purpose for what we do and why we are called to it. Ultimate service is not doing what others believe we should do but rather doing the thing we are called to do. It’s as if only we are able to bring forth a certain type of work that humanity needs, even if others don’t recognise it. What’s as important as keeping people alive is making sure our existence is meaningful. And our work is a potent fuel source to draw meaning from.
Selfish paths give back the most
The interesting irony that I’ve repeatedly noticed is that those who pursue their path selfishly have given back to humanity in the most extraordinary ways. Whether that’s George Orwell’s pursuit of the written word and forming 1984 because of it. Whether it’s Marie Curie’s obsessive pursuit of scientific discovery, which led to groundbreaking medical advancements like the development of X-rays and cancer treatments. Whether that’s Jean-Luc Godard bringing in the French New Wave movement and introducing a completely different approach to film creation – many of the techniques that are still used today. All of which gave back to humanity in their own way.
When it comes to giving back to the world, the way to do it is not to sacrifice your calling for humanity; believing that it’s the right thing to do. Instead it’s about pursuing your calling with selfish devotion which, overtime, will allow you to give back to humanity in the highest form of expression available to you in this lifetime. Along that road there will be opportunities for you to serve causes, help others and give back. Remember, if Marlon Brando doesn’t act in the Godfather he would have no platform to offer the cause he believed in.
If you’re craving a meaningful vocation or career and haven’t found it yet, consider enrolling in our Unearth Course + Community:
About Unearth: The Unearth Course is a first step towards a fulfilling and purposeful vocation. Set up as a monthly membership, Unearth is centred around our signature course which teaches people how to discover their Career Archetype and find their unique vocation.
Why a membership and not a single course payment? Along with the ongoing guidance from Joel and supportive community, the monthly membership allows you to access the course at a low price each month. This makes the course much more accessible to all. Once you’ve finished with the course, you can stay for ongoing support (community, guidance & live calls) or simply end your subscription.
Here’s what’s included:
Online Course: An 8 week self-paced online course giving you step-by-step knowledge on how to choose your career path by unearthing your Career Archetype.
Live Q&As: Ask your questions, get them answered and surround yourself with other members in the community.
Community Support: Be a part of the community and share your experiences with other members who are discovering their career path.
Worksheets + Action Items: Complete our tried and tested method to know your Career Archetype with conviction.
Designed Rituals: Do the rituals and experience the unearthing process first hand.