Did you know in the entire history of human civilisation, it has never been easier to write, publish and propagate content.
Margaret Mead was an American anthropologist (the study of humans, human behaviour and societies in the past and present) who was not only known for her groundbreaking scientific work but also for her outspokenness and powerful personality.
During one of her talks, a student asked her what she considered to be the first sign of civilisation in a culture.
The student expected Mead to talk about clay pots, grinding stones or weapons as the first sign of civilisation.
But Mead’s answer surprised everyone.
She said that the first sign of civilisation in any ancient culture was a bone in the leg that had been broken and then healed.
Mead went on to explain that in the animal kingdom if you break your leg, you die. If you break your leg, you cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food.
You are meat for prowling beasts.
No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.
A broken bone that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery.
Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilisation starts, Mead said.
The more you think about it, the more profound it gets, isn’t it?
We as humans have been able to build great civilisations because we care for others and help them through their problems and work towards a common goal.
When you help others, especially without any expectation, you create a strong sense of reciprocation, which is probably one of the strongest social norms that is hardwired into us.
Quid pro quo — You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.
Of course, I am not asking you to fix legs to serve and help other people.
There are plenty of other ways through which you can serve people.
I would like to believe writing is one of them.
You may not realise it but a simple well-articulated solution in the form of content, to your audience’s problem can change their lives.
It may sound like overkill but think about it.
Through your content, you can entertain, educate, inspire, motivate and persuade people to take the right path.
- Your content can entertain and make them forget about their sorrows.
- Your content can educate and make them less ignorant about facts.
- Your content can motivate and make them get rid of procrastination.
- Your content can persuade them to help others.
- Your content, if you want, can help build a civilisation.
And that’s why you should write.
And more so because, in the entire history of human civilisation, it has never been easier to write, publish and propagate content.
I will leave you with that thought.
Post Credit : Sanjay Shenoy
