What Will Be Your Final Contribution?
M.C. Escher’s last work, Snakes, was completed in 1969, three years prior to his passing. Escher used every possible moment in which he felt well enough to work on this last print. There was no sign in the print or in the preliminary studies to indicate that Escher was running on his last reserves of strength. It’s fascinating the will and determination certain individuals can conjure up, even in the face of death, to see one’s passion to completion. Personally, I don’t know anyone who, mere moment prior to that final curtain call, would opt to paint a final perfect picture, snap an awe-inspiring photograph, or write a best seller rather than slow down, see a doctor, and get some rest.
Being as frail as Escher was, to be able to produce a beautiful, detailed, final work of art before finally saying, “Well, that’s that then,” is nothing short of miraculous. Heck, even in my most pristine, sober state, I could never equal a work such as Snakes.
Drawn almost entirely freehand, these are some of the study sketches for Snakes
All of this got me wondering, what will my final contribution to society be before my time is up? What will yours be? Anything? Or will you, along with millions of others, fade away and simply be replaced by the next drone in line? Who will remember you 50, 75, or 100 years from now?
It’s this question that bothers me. Sure, the short-term goal is to provide for my family, but beyond that, what’s my higher purpose? It’s this concern that has haunted me for many years. There’s something inside that tells me I’m meant to do something. I refuse to believe that I’m the only one who feels this way.
Perhaps I’ll find the answer sitting in front of a keyboard, behind the wheel of a large automobile, or even staring down the business end of a shotgun. Who can say when and where divine inspiration will strike, but believe me brother, it’s not enough to wait for that guiding hand…will I be prepared to reach out and grab hold when it does?
Oh, and kudos to you if you immediately spotted my reference to the Talking Heads. *fist bump*
