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Written by Brent Hundley
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Tuesday, 19 September 2006 |
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Seek the good, extol the virtuous.
Recently, I was involved in an internet conversation where one of the participants mentioned that their spouse was a doctor practicing in a poor, rural area. Another participant responded to this statement by saying that there is nothing noble about a doctor serving in a poor or a rural area. This led to agreement from yet another participant. I found the whole exchange rather bizarre.
At no time was it implied that being a doctor was somehow noble or by doing so for poor clients or in a rural area garner a modicum of nobility. It was only mentioned because it fit within the discussion on health care. Why did some of the participants feel a need to sidetrack the discussion to one about nobility? Was it a phobia about doctors or maybe the poor? Unfortunately, I didn’t challenge the statement. Since then I’ve come to regret my inaction.
What is this fear of nobility of purpose in our society? There are people who do good just because it needs to be done. Yes, there is a satisfaction that comes from doing good. I would even say that the doing is its own reward. That does not take away the fact that an act is noble. Instead of tearing down, we need to embrace and exult in the noble people and acts that surround us.
I contend that a doctor serving in a poor and rural area is indeed noble. Any competent doctor can find an easier life and more money by practicing in a large city. Seeing a need, and then meeting that need is noble. The cosmetic surgeon who restores a nose, an ear or an entire face is noble. Life would be so much easier and more lucrative just doing face-lifts and breast implants for such a surgeon. What about our soldiers, police and firemen? They are just doing their jobs. They are getting paid for it. Are they noble? I say yes.
There are noble people and acts around us every day. The soldier who keeps our country free is noble. The fireman who risks life and braves the fire to save others is noble. The police officer that writes the speeding ticket or stops a break-in is noble. The missionary risking life to serve faith is noble. The doctor saving or preserving life is noble. In each case the person is doing what they wish to do. In each case their actions make our world better. These are the people who should be our heroes. It is these people who we need to commend and emulate.
To my friend whom I did not defend, I apologize. My inaction is my shame. Now, though, my eyes and mind are open. Now, I have no need for fear or to whisper. Now, I see noble people. |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 19 September 2006 )
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