Where you lead, I will follow

Since the school year has begun, I have done a lot of thinking about what I do and why I do it. Invariably, student government is inherently limited and I have less time than ever before to volunteer. Perhaps it is too cliche to say that I seek to make a difference in the world. This morning I found a couple of quotations that seem to resonate.

"A leader is best when people barely know that he exists, less good when they obey and acclaim him, worse when they fear and despise him. Fail to honor people and they fail to honor you. But of a good leader, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say, We did this ourselves."
--Lao Tzu--

Some say that my teaching is nonsense.
Others call it lofty but impractical.
But to those who have looked inside themselves,
this nonsense makes perfect sense.
And to those who put it into practice,
this loftiness has roots that go deep.

I have just three things to teach:
simplicity, patience, compassion.
Simple in actions and thoughts,
you return to the source of being.
Patient with both friends an enemeies,
you accord with the way things are.
Compassionate toward yourself,
You reconcile all being in the world.
--Lao Tzu--

How would other philosophers answer? Plato? Machiavelli? Is one right or are there pieces that we can extract from their writings? Sometimes I regret that I do not have more of a background in these writers.

I cannot remember who was talking about being both idealistic and cynical these days. Perhaps I would characterize myself as idealistic and realistic. I do not seek recognition but yet I wish to be acknowledged for my hard work. While I believe that "Everyone can be great because everyone can serve" (Martin Luther King), is it possible that being "great" is the same for everyone? This idea was dicussed in my English class last year in reference to Dante. Lovely circles in Paradise. Everyone can serve, whether it is community or individual-driven. Yet is is a matter of perspective or opportunity? How can we ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential?

Lately I have also been drawn to classical music. Lab, writing, or relaxing in my room. Beethoven. Chopin. Mahler. Mozart. It is a solitary escape, I do admit.