(Another reflection on) inherited will

(Another reflection on) inherited will

I’m such a sucker for shounen anime. Maybe it is because of the context of my childhood – from watching Filipino dubs of Japanese anime in local channels, getting excited by Japanese dubs with English subs in cables, to internet and Netflix access.

A common theme in shounen anime is “inherited will”. I’ve reflected on this in the past, and I feel that this theme is more relevant to my life than ever. This theme is what I loved about One Piece, Naruto, and to some extent Dragon Ball Z (side note: they did Gohan such a disservice after the Cell saga…).

In a way, this “concept” of inherited will has guided my approach to mentorship and being mentored. How can I not be grateful for the mentors that went before me and showed what is possible? How can I not choose to pay it forward when I know I cannot ever repay the wealth of wisdom and will my parents and mentors have passed to me?

The spirit of inherited will is made more manifest in the works of those who came before us. At the very least, their work provides a blueprint or a template. At best, their work provides inspiration of what could be and how we can build on what they have done.

Doing good work feels like such a vocation because it enables the next generation to stand on the shoulders of giants. Mediocre and BS work are flimsy and may even be un- and de-inspiring; good work (even if not perfect) can inspire and can allow the next in line to inherit the will and dreams of the OGs and the pioneers.

May the good work that we do always honor the will and dreams of those who came before us!

John 14:7-14. Otherwise believe for the very works’ sake. Amen, amen I say to you, he that believes in me, the works that I do, he also shall do; and greater than these shall he do.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-126: MAY 6, 2023]