Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
Howard Thurman
What Makes You Come Alive
Topic: Courage, Integrity, & Purpose
Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
Howard Thurman, born on November 18, 1899, in Daytona Beach, Florida, emerged as a highly influential figure in American history. As a theologian, philosopher, educator, and civil rights leader, Thurman’s intellectual pursuits underscored the intersection of spirituality and the fight for social justice. Growing up in a segregated society, he became a beacon of enlightenment and understanding, using religion and spirituality as powerful tools to combat racial discrimination and social injustice. His profound impact on American society is evident through his extensive writings and teachings, which continue to inspire.
Thurman’s influence extended notably to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whom he mentored. His book, Jesus and the Disinherited, profoundly shaped King’s understanding of nonviolent resistance, which became a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement. In addition to his role as a mentor, Thurman achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African-American dean of a predominantly white university, serving as the dean of Marsh Chapel at Boston University. His guidance and teachings helped foster a deeper understanding of the potential role of Christian churches in social justice efforts, which significantly influenced the direction and spirit of the Civil Rights Movement.
Even after King left Boston University, Thurman continued to support him and other civil rights leaders, emphasizing the importance of maintaining spiritual roots amidst their social justice efforts. He urged them to remain vigilant in their spiritual journeys through meditation, prayer, singing, celebration, and worship. Thurman believed that true social change could only come through personal transformation and adherence to spiritual disciplines. Howard Thurman passed away on April 10, 1981, in Daytona Beach, Florida, leaving behind a substantial and impactful legacy that continues to inspire individuals in the fields of civil rights, theology, and education.
Thurman, Howard. “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Violence Unveiled: Humanity at the Crossroads, by Gil Bailie, Crossroad, 1996, p. xv.
Howard Thurman
Theme: Moral Courage
About This Howard Thurman Quotation [Commentary]
Howard Thurman encourages individuals to seek what invigorates their spirit rather than merely fulfilling external expectations. His advice, “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive,” underscores the concept of moral courage. This involves living authentically and passionately, aligning one’s actions with personal fulfillment and integrity, rather than conforming to societal demands.
Thurman’s work, particularly in “Meditations of the Heart,” underlines the importance of the inner journey in discovering one’s true self. He advocates for internal consent as a filter to ensure one’s actions and choices resonate with their deepest values and convictions. This internal vetting process is crucial for moral courage, as it requires honoring one’s inner voice, even against external pressures or norms.
In essence, Thurman’s teachings connect individual fulfillment with the world’s broader need for genuine, engaged contributors. He posits that moral courage is not merely about confronting external challenges but also about embracing the internal quest to uncover and nurture one’s unique passions. Thurman’s message serves as a guide for those seeking to live with impact and purpose, emphasizing the importance of personal authenticity and inner authority.
A Couple of Additional Quotations From Howard Thurman
Verification of the Citation via Quote Investigator
Quote Investigator: In 1995 teacher Gil Bailie published “Violence Unveiled: Humanity at the Crossroads”. Bailie stated that he heard the quotation under examination from Howard Thurman. [1997 (1995 Copyright), Violence Unveiled: Humanity at the Crossroads by Gil Bailie, Section: In Gratitude by Gil Bailie, Date on Section: August 1994, Start Page xv, Quote Page xv, A Crossroad Book: The Crossroad Publishing Company, New York.]
Once, when I was seeking the advice of Howard Thurman and talking to him at some length about what needed to be done in the world, he interrupted me and said: “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
The text above appeared in a section titled “In Gratitude” dated August 1994. Bailie indicated that he heard the remark from Thurman twenty years in the past, i.e., around 1974. Howard Thurman died in 1981.
Resources
Related Quotes
Copyright © 2017 – 2024 LuminaryQuotes.com About Us