TALENT AND RESPONSIBILITY

Saw, or rather, read something upsetting some days ago; the contents of which I wish not to divulge. Whatever the case, I do feel disgruntled and indignant; feeling that writers - bloggers, even - should be responsible for what they publish. By "responsibility", I am not only referring to negative comments or strong feedbacks per se; but rather, my primary concern here is the consequences on the receivers' end. Sure, the freedom of speech. The Bible has said it clearly, and nevertheless, even if it hasn't, it doesn't take much intellect to come to this conclusion. "It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak". Another verse says, " Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble".
The bottom line? If whatever you're planning to do hurts or stumbles anyone, then don't.


I don't personally know this person; all that I am acquainted with is the face, the name, and the occupation or area of study. Walking past each other, we don't greet each other because our paths in life haven't really crossed. We're just familiar faces. Thus, the a-tad-too-strong reaction surprised even me myself. I had not banked on, or expected, this. All I know is, I'm feeling upset because this (what I feel) is reckless publishing. I feel and worry for the innocent, younger ones. I lament even more, at the use of talent. Yes, this person is a really excellent and brilliant writer. Talented. And that's where it is also the area of biggest concern.


There's a common saying that "with greater power, comes greater responsibility". Yesterday late evening though, while I was still mulling over this twist of event for reasons I can't fathom, I realized too, on a first-hand experience for the very first time, that this bit holds as much truth as well: "with greater talents and abilities, come greater responsibility".

We are often too used to acquainting power and authority with responsibility. A teacher has great responsibilities. A leader has great responsibilities. A president has great responsibilities. Power, authority, and responsibility seem almost synchronous.

Though preached many times before, the link between talent and responsibility has never sunk as deeply into me as this. It is like hitting a home run. On a side note, William Shakespeare couldn't have put it any better:


"O, it is excellent to have a giant’s strength; but it is tyrannous to use it like a giant."
- William Shakespeare, “Measure for measure”




"With greater TALENTS and ABILITIES, come greater responsibility". This is the first time I'm seeing this in a different light. Momentarily, just as quickly, I rejoiced.

Yes, I've said it: I rejoiced. I involuntarily heaved a sigh of relief. The reaction was something totally automatic.


"THANK GOODNESS I'm not talented! THANK GOODNESS I can't write as eloquently as this person can! THANK GOODNESS I'm just another normal person. Thank goodness, thank goodness!"



The instant I did that, a feeling of heavy uneasiness came. Should you really be thinking that way, girl? Is this the right mindset and attitude? Instantaneously, the verdict is out. I guiltily halted myself in the tracks and hastily did a 360degrees turn from the warped theory.



What am I good at? I questioned myself, intending to get back on proper track and find something good to focus on.

I realized, even among the present circle of friends...
I'm just a normal writer.
I have an average brain.
Neither do I have one of the better voices.
Neither am I an excellent comforter.
Neither am I a superb giver.
Neither am I the wisest adviser.
Neither am I an humourous joker.
Neither am I an entertaining conversationalist.
Neither am I the strongest warrior.



I realize, I have nothing to speak of.
What am I good at? What am I useful in? What strengths are there?