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INSPIRATION IN VARIOUS FORMS
Kathlyn Q. Barrozo
Class of 1991, University of Santo Tomas
B.S. Medical Technology
Many people excel in what they do because of inspiration. Inspiration comes in many forms.
Some people find inspiration in other people who figure a lot in their lives—family, a beloved, a friend, a
pioneer in the field, perhaps. For people who serve as an inspiration to others, it is a great honor. However,
there are others who say that they are inspired by someone, so they do what they do. They try their best to do
as their idol does, but often end up as an inferior copy. They say that the best form of flattery is imitation, but
really, imitations often fall flat. What would be better is to have one’s own trademark on what they do in order
not to be called mere imitation.
There are those who are inspired by a particular event, for instance, a tragedy. Yes, tragedy has often been the
springboard that has inspired so many people to act and do what they must. When a person does use events as
a touchpad for action, it would be laudable if the action urges him to act in the best way possible. It would be
great if the event urges him to become a much better person and to find his own niche in the world. But for
those who find a certain thirst for negative actions, such as revenge, for instance, the inspiration is misplaced
and the action is always misguided. When we are faced with certain adversity, let that lead us to find ourselves
in a much better light. Let that lead us to become a much better person.
There are those who are inspired by a need. This type of inspiration is original, in that it comes from within. For
instance, we all try our best in our respective fields because of the need to make a living, a need to be
recognized, a need to become what we are expected. Need fuels passion, and passion urges us to act
accordingly. Again, this could easily become a double-edged sword, since there are those whose needs are
twisted, evil and selfish. Let our needs be pure, our intention devoid of selfishness. Then and only then can the
end truly justify the means.
In our quest for inspiration in life, let our hearts speak with conscience. Let is not be misled by the wrong
notions and the worst misconceptions. Inspiration should lead us to what is good and true and just. You might
say this is very like the inspiration for superheroes, and they are born in the pages of comic books. But wouldn’t
you say that what truly inspires superheroes is their great love for humanity? And the world is all the better for
it, especially a world where children are inspired by the greatness of these superheroes and try to live
exemplary lives themselves. Let us be inspired like our children are who equally feel inspired by what we show
them.
Questions for Discussion:
1. Who is the one person in the world who inspires you? Why do you feel inspired by this person?
2. Have you ever been inspired by a certain event in your life? Be able to talk about that event in class.
3. Determine the difference between a need and a want. Which of the two inspires more greatly?
4. Did you ever have a superhero as a child? How were you inspired by this superhero?
5. What happens when you lose inspiration? How do you try to get it back? Are you always successful in getting
it back?