Truly meaningful living is never vainglorious. There may, at times, be the need to stand in the spotlight, to stick one’s neck out or to stand apart, but truly meaningful living is always selfless.
Consider the most significant men and women in recorded history, not those who made markets or governed the affairs of men, but those who stirred mens’ hearts to greatness and reacquainted them with their dignity and nobility of purpose. Their lives were not consumed with controlling resources, protecting proprietary information or securing high religious or secular office. They made good use of such things if they came along, but they did not lust after or obsess about such trivial matters.
Gregory Hake 
This is what in fact brings happiness.
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One who continues to honor truth regardless of accolades or derision, regardless of loss or reward, provides orientation in the swirling chaos of human desperation and greed. Any possibility of value in human affairs is dependent on this.
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Our passion for whatever the task at hand, be it within the parameters of corporate life where quotas abound and ROI seemingly rules, or the tranquility of biodynamic farming and farm to table enterprises, or the raising of a child from conception to adulthood – this attitude or character is what imbues our actions. Only we have control over such matters. When I am productive I am unaware of results yet delighted in the process at hand and realize suddenly the magic that has unfolded in various ways over time and that many people were involved. Thank you for the reminder to be ourselves in all things, to use our resources wisely and that we are a vital part of a greater whole.
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This is contrary to popular belief, where fame, power, politics and wealth are what is considered living a meaningful life. Many people are afraid of living a life that comes and goes, where no one remembers anything about them except for what is written on their tombstone (or Facebook). To lead a truly meaningful life, we need to be passionate about what we are leaving as a legacy. You have artfully illustrated how each person can do this, not only in this post, but throughout your entire blog. Thank you.
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This is a truly great post Gregg and I appreciate it. In my life I have noticed that those who pursue greatness for themselves are rarely that but instead always struggle with their identity and with their overall level of self confidence; I guess that is because when one thinks only of oneself there will never be satisfaction nor can you ever relax into just living with joy in your heart. I guess that we could call this lack of character couldn’t we!
On the other hand, those who assist others to discover their greatness for no other reason than the desire to be of value to others do lead truly meaningful lives. I guess that we could call this having Character couldn’t we!
If I might give one piece of advice it would be to “forget yourselves” and instead immerse yourself in the joy of assisting others.
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We are ever greatful for those who come to remind us of the great potential of our own selves. Not the greatness of this world, but the greatness of Spirit. That we each might continue the struggle to lift ourselves above the desires of this world, and see beyond! Looking past the illusion of what the eyes believe they see, and become aware of what the heart already knows.
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I love this quote by the editor Horace Greeley, “Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.” Character is developed by doing the right thing no matter what the appearance, truly because it is your habit, your bent.
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