LaGrandeur [Destiny of all Men]

If "greatness is thrust upon us," as Winston Churchill once said, then it stands to reason that those who are destined for greatness are rarely aware of it. In more reasons than one, that makes perfect sense. If one knew what his life had in store for him, then his thoughts his choices, everything about his behavior would all be to promote or sway his predestined path.

If people truly had the power to map out their own destiny, then everyone would have a success story, no?

Maybe. Maybe not. Such a paradoxical life we live, and depending on how you look at it, it can be saddening. What about the folk who everyone enjoys, that want to ascend to 'their' own personal greatness- yet they're wasting their life working at a convenience store?

Or...
That's what everyone has them believe.

Who's to say that greatness means success- or fame and fortune? Shouldn't it really be about making a difference? Improving the quality of life? Does that mean anything anymore? Hmm. Maybe it does, probably does not.

I've always been a bit of a charlatan. I've been deceptive in my social life, and my romances. However, I was mostly deceptive to myself, in the form of self-deprecating humor, stoicism, and secret pseudo-misanthropy. It wasn't until recently that I discovered the worth of life, friends, and a good woman.

I guess the point I'm trying to make here is I've discovered my own personal greatness. No, I'm not a millionaire and I'm not known around the world. I am however, loved by few. I am finally experiencing regret for the men I've killed. I am ready to make some woman truly happy. (...but I'm not stupid, so that last one I won't rush.) I look forward to helping my people now, and I don't expect help in return. I realize now that The Constant wasn't blowing smoke up my ass. I am a survivor. I'm going to march where others stumble...and I shall be there to help them up so they can stand beside me. For if I see folk on the way up, it's only feasible that I will see them on the way down if I ever fall.

I'm not perfect. It's just what I think. (...and NO. this doesn't make me a hippie.)

"I think the destiny of all men is not to sit in the rubble of their own making but to reach out for an ultimate perfection which is to be had. At the moment, it is a dream. But as of the moment we clasp hands with our neighbor, we build the first span to bridge the gap between the young and the old. At this hour, it’s a wish. But we have it within our power to make it a reality. If you want to prove that God is not dead, first prove that man is alive." -Rod Serling