Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself, 'What

Hear now, O children of the future, the words of John Eldredge, who calls us to a deeper understanding of purpose and passion. He says, “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself, ‘What makes me come alive?’ Because what the world—a wife, a child—needs is men who have come alive.” These words speak to the essence of human vitality and the meaning of living a life true to one’s deepest calling. Eldredge urges us not to be consumed by external expectations or the pressure to conform to society's demands, but to seek the fire within us, the thing that makes our hearts beat with purpose, for it is in living fully that we will offer the world our greatest gifts.

In the ancient world, the pursuit of purpose was not merely a matter of living according to the needs of the collective, but of answering the call that resided within the soul. The Greeks, with their philosophers and poets, believed that each man and woman had a unique calling, a purpose to fulfill that was distinct to them alone. Socrates, in his wisdom, encouraged the people to know themselves, to understand their own nature and desires, for it was only by becoming truly alive to one’s own spirit that one could contribute to the greater good. Plato, too, spoke of the divine spark within each of us, urging that our lives must be aligned with this deeper truth if we are to live meaningfully. Eldredge’s words echo this ancient wisdom—the world does not need us to be mere cogs in a wheel, but to be individuals who have awakened to our own passions.

Consider, if you will, the great heroes of the ancient world—Hercules, Achilles, and Odysseus—whose strength and greatness were not born from the need to fulfill a duty, but from the pursuit of their own vitality. Hercules, though driven by a set of labors, found his greatness in the fight, in the pursuit of challenges that tested him to his core. Achilles, in his tragic glory, was driven not just by honor but by the desire to leave a legacy, to live in a way that made him immortal in the hearts of men. And Odysseus, whose journey was as much inward as it was outward, sought not just to return home, but to reclaim himself through his trials. Their greatness was not in fulfilling the world’s needs, but in pursuing what made them come alive—and in doing so, they transformed the world around them.

In more recent times, the example of Leonardo da Vinci stands as a beacon for purpose and passion. Da Vinci, in his pursuit of knowledge, was not merely answering the call of his time or the demands of society, but following the fire within him to explore art, science, and the very nature of existence. His works—both artistic and scientific—came from a place of deep curiosity and enthusiasm. Had he simply sought to fulfill the world’s needs, he would not have created such innovative and groundbreaking works. It was his aliveness that gave birth to his genius, and in that aliveness, he touched the hearts of generations to come.

Eldredge’s wisdom lies in the truth that the world is not served by the compliance of souls who live only to meet the expectations of others. Instead, the world thrives when individuals come alive—when they embrace their passions, their dreams, and their deep sense of purpose. This vitality is not selfish; it is, in fact, the key to giving fully to those around us. A wife, a child, or a community does not need a person who lives in quiet resignation, but one who burns with purpose, who lives fully and gives generously from that place of life. A person who is truly alive brings energy, joy, and purpose to every relationship, and it is this vitality that inspires others to awaken to their own potential.

The lesson of Eldredge is not just about following your dreams, but about living with integrity and authenticity. When you pursue what makes you come alive, you not only fulfill your own potential, but you ignite a spark in others. This is the power of purpose: it is contagious, it is transformative, and it is the very essence of greatness. So, O children of the future, take this wisdom to heart. Do not live simply to meet the expectations of the world, but ask yourself what makes you come alive. Seek that purpose, and in doing so, you will not only find fulfillment but you will become a light to those around you, offering the world the gift of a life fully lived.

Let your passion guide you. Follow the path that makes your heart race, that stirs your soul, for this is where true greatness lies. When you come alive to your own purpose, you will naturally enrich the lives of those you love and serve. Do not fear the unknown paths, for it is on these very paths that you will discover the fullness of your being. The world, and all that it needs, will find its greatest fulfillment not in your sacrifice, but in your aliveness, your vitality, and your passion for living.