How does one person inspire others
We certainly don’t take specific political positions on this blog; our primary purpose is to explore the nature of inspiration. But whether or not one agrees with the political philosophy of Barack Obama, it’s clear that millions have been inspired by his written and spoken rhetoric in the past three years. Many of those inspired have not been citizens of the United States, but rather reside in other areas of the world, so it would be fair to say that his appeal is at least somewhat cross-cultural.
In the following video, Benedictine monk and prolific author Brother David Steindl-Rast offers his opinion of the basis for that reaction.
We’re interested in your view. After you watch the video, please reflect on the question and let us know your reaction.
http://www.terrypearce.com/wordpress/wp-content/vid/brotherdavcidonobama.flvWere you/are you inspired by Obama? Do you agree with Brother David’s assessment? If you were inspired and you disagree with Brother David’s assessment, why do you think you were moved by Obama?
If you were not inspired, what was missing?
Is Inspiration dependent on what we consider moral?
While many believe that we are only inspired by our “better” angels, it seems that many have been inspired by an appeal to values that would not be considered “better” at all. History and the present day hold many examples of dictators, corporate barons and other zealots who called forth the inspired efforts of many people for causes that were not considered “better.“
Are these aberrations, or is there something in the nature of inspiration that is amoral?
Thanks for your comments!
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