H. Mann & Mo. T
“Be ashamed to die, until you’ve won some victory for humanity” 
When I was around 14 years old, I came upon this quote from Horace Mann. At that time as an adolescent, I was struggling, trying to figure out my place in the world, my significance, my calling.
I am still working on it nearly 30 years later.
Widely considered the “Father of American Public Education”, Horace Mann’s work in the early 1800’s changed the face of education in the United States. He spearheaded the ‘Common School Movement’ (ensuring that every child could receive a basic education funded by local taxes), served as the first Secretary of Education in Massachusetts, was elected State Senator, served in the U.S. Congress, and later founded Antioch College. Clearly, Mr. Mann won many ‘victories for humanity’ in his 63 years on earth.
Today, I am still plagued by the question; What victory will I win for humanity?
Will I discover a cure for AIDS or cancer? Probably not.
Will I lead us out of our current global economic crisis? Unlikely.
Will I negotiate a lasting peace in the Middle East? Doubtful.
I’ve come to a point in my life where I still don’t know what I’m called to be. How can I make a difference? I’m just one person.
I’ve heard the words ring hollow in my ears my entire adult life. Be ashamed to die, until you’ve won some victory for humanity.How can anyone ever measure up?
Can I really win a victory for HUMANITY?!
As followers of Jesus Christ, we know He achieved the ultimate ‘victory for humanity’ – His victory over death. His victory came through sacrifice. Through selflessness. Through unconditional love.
Showing us by example through his life, his death, and his resurrection, he shows us that the answer is not beyond our reach. It is simple, not complex. It is within each of us. It is Love. He even leaves us with a new commandment, “Love one another as I have loved you”.
Following the example of Jesus, Mother Theresa’s words help to give a new way to reframe Horace Mann’s imperative. She simply says,
“We can do no great things, only small things with great love”
I find comfort in her words. Can I help bring about a profound respect for the dignity of all human life? Can I help rid the world of crushing poverty? Can I work for fair and just public policies? Can I help bring peace to the world?
The real the question is – Can I love? I think I can.
And in doing small things with great love, maybe
this will be a ‘victory for humanity’.
Comments