Movie quote from: Going My Way (1944) - Father O'Malley (Bing Crosby)
Some time in the development of western culture, being cynical became cool. At the same time, positive became naive and public expressions of hopefulness became targets for clever-minded critique. The great casualty of our cultural cynicism is the active pursuit of human potential. So much potential wasted while we sit quietly in our chairs, watching. No film better illustrates what we have lost than Going My Way, the Oscar winning film for 1944. Bing Crosby plays Father O'Malley, a role model for developing personal potential. This movie wouldn't have a chance today.
The primary purpose of life is to pursue personal potential. Everyone has more potential than we have realized but we do not all have the courage to pursue it. Sad is the individual who does not believe in a brighter future. Happiness always lurks nearby the pursuit of personal potential. Great leaders will inspire us to push our perceived limitations but we are the ultimate architects of our capacities.
In Going My Way, Father O'Malley brings fresh vitality to a failing church. Rather than belittling the aging Father who previously ran the church, he quietly inspires him to introduce more constructive approaches to community issues. Rather than react to the inappropriate actions of the local street kids, O'Malley show them how they can use their own potential to construct beautiful music. Today, we would write this optimism off as unrealistic drivel. In 1944, during one of the ugliest years of WWII, they opened their arms to a little hopeful thinking.
Each of us is a valued member of our society, but we can do more. As Bing says, "You can be better than you are." Fight the prevailing winds of cynicism. Being a clever cynic may draw passing praise but it won't put a snap in your step. Go your own way.
Check out: Another POTENTIAL post from then film 2001: A Space Odyssey
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