You owe the world something

Everything we create is shaped by the people and ideas that came before us.

Influence

Consider this: you are the average of the people you spend time with or even the ideas you consume. Everything you’ve learned and experienced has been built upon the ideas and efforts of those who came before you.

• As an engineer, you owe a debt of gratitude to all the engineers and mathematicians who laid down the essential foundations upon which your work is built.

• As an artist, you owe it to the countless artists who inspired you, as well as to the innovators who created the tools and materials you use.

• As a human, you owe it to all the scientists, philosophers and everyone who has contributed to make life on this planet easy for you.

Roots

Yes, there might have been struggles along the way. You may have faced days when you lacked the courage to keep pushing forward, or perhaps it took you years to master your craft.

Yet, you must understand that a part of your success is linked to those who walked the path before you.

• Maybe it was a rival who spurred you to excel.

• Perhaps it was a mentor or a set of influences from the past / present that guided your growth.

Compounded Learning

Think about compounded learning, the idea that you accumulate knowledge over time from various sources, including books, discussions, and your own experiences.

• You build upon the experiences of others.

• You accelerate your understanding by learning from the struggles and successes of those who came before you.

Branches

The entire journey of humanity is a testament to how we grow and evolve based on the foundations laid by our predecessors.

Now, I’m not neglecting the effort you put in to make all of this happen, your effort matters a lot. Without it, none of this would have occurred.

But reflect on this: would you be the person others or even you know, if it weren’t for the people who came before you or those who traveled alongside you?

Moreover, think about all the people you have influenced, even if it was just in the tiniest of ways?

So, how will you pass the baton forward?

Fin