Merlin is well cast fantasy on sorcery in 5th century. For a seeker, you can get anything from anywhere — that pretty much describes me. I look for what is it that I can take back, even from a series that is completely fictional. Merlin’s selflessness is what struck me and got me going on this post.
From this series on Netflix what I loved the most is the relationship between prince and eventually king Arthur and his manservant Merlin. In this series, Merlin the most incredible sorcerer in the world, uses his magical gifts silently that Arthur and whole of Camelot isn’t even aware — that’s what keeps him alive. A wise and gifted sorcerer stays a foolish, reliable, loyal manservant. Is that even possible? We have seen other selfless people — Mother Teressa, Mahatma Gandhi, Daisaku Ikeda and many others. What are these people made of and what drives these people? — “A Cause”. Having a cause is so important and can drive you for a lifetime. “What’s in it for me” can be short lived and transactional.
Merlin was trying to fulfill his destiny and no matter how much he tried changing it, he always was put back on course. However, what is more important is how Arthur was being. Initially Arthur was a spoilt brat but eventually his just, fair and strong leader side of his is what made it easier for Merlin to be selfless. All this is fine for a story, but does this really happen?
In my home setting, I have this maid who would do anything asked of her in return to be able to make it possible to give her children a decent chance to live their dream as she was denied hers. I had other maids in the past, they all had similar requirements of giving their children a shot at a better life, but not none of them were denied the opportunity in their childhood. Parents are known to be selfless for their kids, but can that be extended to all other aspects and relations in their life? Who you largely are or become, is defined in your childhood.
Being from the software industry and looking back in all the years, I tried to remember if I had come across any Merlins (other than myself ;)). I then tried to see what could be a cause? Most are almost in the transactional — “what’s in it for me” mode. A few who try to be cause oriented, get abused/misused. Have you seen otherwise?
For Talent to be selfless (irrespective of what kind of person possess the talent), one thing is for sure, it needs a great leader to nurture it so — a leader who is just, courageous, purpose driven and future oriented. Great leaders unfortunately are hard to come by. You do get good leaders, but great leaders are few. If you have worked for one such leader do share.
