A Drum Major is the leader of the Parade. Everyone has their eyes on the grand and splendor. Dr. King’s speech, The Drum Major Instinct, February 4, 1968, discusses where the desires for recognition and praise originate. It is this instinct that the foundation of the ego's need for validation is born.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. understood the Drum Major instinct or impulse.
“We are born with this instinct. And there is deep down within all of us an instinct. It's a kind of drum major instinct-a desire to be out front, a desire to lead the parade, a desire to be first. And it is something that runs the whole gamut of life.”
We all want to be important. When we do good things we like to get praise. We get this warm glow to our ego when we see our name in print. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. says, it is like Vitamin A to our egos. Nobody is unhappy when they are praised, even if they know they don't deserve it and even if they don't believe it. There is nothing wrong with this instinct or impulse. It is good if you use it right and don’t pervert it. Greatness must be earned.
Writers have a great responsibility to their readers. Don’t let the drum major impulse overshadow the purpose of your words.
I invite you to read Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message from February 4, 1968 just two months before his death. Click here then click on the lower right hand side “The Drum Major Instinct” with Dr. King’s picture.
Write it down,
Carma
Very interesting speech. I actually just heard of it myself about a week ago, when I was asked to read it for a discussion with my AmeriCorps group. Thank you for spreading the message!
ReplyDeleteHi Crystalee,
ReplyDeleteI just heard about it too and it intrigued me. Some people are asked to do great things not because they are great or can be great but because they can carry the burden. Very enlightening.
Carma
Carma...great post. The speech goes right along with God gives you what you can handle. Enlightening indeed.
ReplyDeleteWarmly,
Donna
Hi Carma,
ReplyDeleteTried to follow the link and got a Page could not be found message.
Theresa
Stress-FreeParent.blogspot.com
Carma - didn't know about this one - I am going to read the speech.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Judy
http://www.localfoodconnections.com
Judy I had not heard of this either. This is an excellent speech. Dr. King was a great speaker.
ReplyDeleteCarma
Hi Donna,
ReplyDeleteI thought the speech related to writers as well because of the responsibility that we have to our readers. Especially in the children's field.
Carma