KEY POINTS:
The election of President Barack Obama not only marks a dramatic milestone in American history, it also represents a recurring theme where inspiration provided by a leader taps the aspirations of many millions of people.
Human beings always respond to being challenged, particularly when they see their lives and the lives of those around them can be bettered. Nobody has to meekly accept the status quo when there are avenues open to them that can bring about positive change.
If the 21st century is calling out for anything it is for leaders, at whatever level in society, to put before people a vision for the betterment of their world and at the same time provide the inspiration to do something about it.
"Yes we can," has become the chant of President Obama's supporters. It will become the chant and conviction of many more in the world as his presidency gets into gear.
President Franklin Roosevelt before him in the Depression of the 1930s, rallied not only America but the world to stare down the financial fears of the time. Other inspirational leaders such as Nelson Mandela have also rallied nations to face the challenges of their day and to overcome them.
Despite all the wonderful benefits globalisation is bringing to humanity, there is a crisis of meaning in the lives of many people. At rock bottom this represents a breakdown of community where shared values are not as strong as they need to be.
The lack of hope in people's lives is another reason for the ambiguity many feel about themselves and the direction the world is heading. What they want is to be recognised, to feel that they do matter, that their uniqueness is of consequence to others and to feel that as individuals they can make a difference to their community.
It is really interesting that, since the sub-prime mortgage financial contagion engulfed the world last year, we have heard a lot about the common good, the need for greater regulation of financial markets and the desirability of international collaboration in the global community. People understand that unbridled behaviours do not bring positive outcomes but only hurt many unsuspecting, often innocent, individuals.
All of this is evidence that human beings want leaders who resonate with the reality of their lives and are prepared to make bold decisions to make a difference for good.
Inspiration is not a common commodity. It is, however, found in the behaviour of mentors and achievers. It is also found among those who challenge the status quo and show others how they can become ambitious for themselves, their families and for their communities.
For too long we have believed that the achievement of equity of outcomes is not compatible with excellence of outcomes. The human spirit readily recognises virtue over self interest.
People will follow leaders who urge them to act differently to bring about desired change, even if this involves sacrifice in the service of others. Within this, excellence and equity are complementary concepts.
The inaugural address of President Obama, like his acceptance speech three months earlier at the Democratic Convention, has many memorable lines which will enrich the spiritual dimension of people. We can all reach into ourselves and provide similar inspirational energy for those around us to galvanise positive change.
Life can be trusted, life does make sense and life does have meaning. It is through finding our own inspiration that we will ripple out to others and enable the world to step up several notches in support of the common good of all human beings.
* Pat Lynch is chief executive of the New Zealand Catholic Education Office.
