Greatest Achievement of Man

The question in this essay is broad and pertains to a really wide-range of response. Therefore it needs to be narrowed down a bit, but currently I’m facing a dilemma here. Should the answer be seen physically, is the question answerable by enumerating countless material things human have magnificently created so far? These kinds of achievement are abundant owing to the advancement of our technology. Somehow men are not satisfied with what is considered plain and simple.

In my view, the greatest achievement of man is not based on material things and objects they have created with purpose. Achievement, much like success, should be treated as a journey. But in order to reach this and maximize our potential, we must keep striving. 

Before, I thought that being happy and making the people I love and people around me happy is the main goal I wanted to achieve and the purpose of my existence. But now I’ve realized that there is so much more to that. I have read the response I wanted to write in this essay from an article someone has written and I’ve realized that yes that is the answer I’ve been searching for. The greatest achievement of man and anyone can aspire to attain is “to never be forgotten”. This achievement is very much attainable if you just think about it. So many people have passed away too long but their name and personality is still being repeated by our son’s and daughter’s and definitely it will be the same for the generations to come. People who have  attained such achievement includes our heroes, artist, leaders, and most of them are significant people in our past that were responsible in shaping our culture, society and the environment we live in now. History books still sing praises to their greatness and achievement.

But what if I am just a simple Filipino citizen let alone belonging to the lower class, is there a need to sacrifice my life in order to attain such achievement, you may ask. Or perhaps should I run for congress, senate and as president to be able to remember my name? Do I need to have special skills or be good in any sport, in the field of art and communication to compete for fame in order to be remembered?  Do I need to formulate a theory and make a contribution that would make an impact in our society to never be forgotten? I have also questioned this to myself, and the answer is no, those are not necessary. I only stated well-known people as an example, just for a clear definition, but I guess it only harbors confusion.

Let me elaborate it more to be precise in what I am talking about here. The greatest achievement I am talking about that any human being can attain happens through service to others. All of the examples I have mentioned earlier did just that, they rendered there service to help out not only their fellowmen but to others as well. This “service to others” is how we can be always remembered.  So this excludes well-known men who have achieved fame through evil procedure and wrongdoing (e.g. Hitler). Moral intention must always be considered when we are in service to others.

I think what I am saying is clear now. For those belonging to the masses you can still be remember and have the opportunity to attain this great achievement. You just have to strive and do what you can in service to others.  We are all different.  Our means and capabilities cover a vast spectrum.  Do what you can.  Sometimes all we can afford is a kind word.  Never be ashamed to offer a kind word.  It will surely alleviate the feeling of others may it be in minute effect.

Just remember when we are in service to others – we are also in service to ourselves. It will make us happy if not sooner, in the end it will.