Francis of Assisi said: “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” His roadmap guided him to amazing things that began in simplicity. Francis gave up his rich lifestyle to live as a simple monk. According to tradition, he passed a church building in disrepair and heard a voice saying, “Francis, go and rebuild my church.” He set out to do the necessary by preserving the building, and eventually he helped restore the Catholic Church.
Setting out to accomplish the impossible might be “tilting at windmills” like Don Quixote from the first modern novel in the early 17th century. Now the windmills are gigantic and the forces behind them stronger. Francis’ example is wise — begin with what is necessary and move to the possible, as best one can. That roadmap led others in accomplishing the impossible.
Nelson Mandela is famous as the leader of non-violent resistance and South African independence. He began by treating his jailers and fellow prisoners kindly as friends during imprisonment on Robbin Island. Then came the impossible task of preventing a bloodbath immediately after Independence by inspiring non-violence and Truth and Reconciliation Commissions. Mother Theresa of Calcutta entered her pathway to sainthood by comforting and caring for the sick and dying on city streets. Each is respected and famous because of humble service, not their self-advancement or grandstanding.
Nor were these accomplishments by a single individual. Most people can do necessary and possible things join with others to accomplish what seems impossible. Francis’ example inspired others to join Franciscan Friars and join Clare as nuns known as the Order of St. Clare. Remember the local St. Clare Medical Center. Mother Theresa helped the sick and dying in Calcutta and established Missionaries of Charity who now serve in 133 countries. Mother Theresa’s sacred vow is to give “wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor.”
John Holland, was advisor in establishing Lilly Awards at Wabash College, the goal of which was to identify future leaders among high school seniors who might become leaders in society. His research showed that the best predictor of future leaders was becoming an Eagle Scout. I mentioned this to men in a local church discussion and identified some Lilly Scholars who became outstanding leaders. One retired man noted that he had been an Eagle Scout, but never a leader. We knew, however, that he was a significant leader in reestablishing our church Scout troops, one for boys and one for girls, and continues as a significant leader. He did the possible that could strengthen Scout programs and restore community respect. Often more can be accomplished humbly from the second pew rather than from the podium.
None of us will be canonized saints or famous celebrities, but our respected local leaders humbly do what is necessary and even accomplish what seems impossible. A local lad saw a need at the city park at the corner of Grant and North Streets. He designed and constructed a shelter as his Eagle Scout project. Neighbors’ use of the park increased. Years later others are undertaking a major renovation of the park. None of us needs to “tilt at windmills,” but each of us can do the next necessary thing and then the next possible thing. It might surprise you what together we can accomplish — perhaps what seems impossible.
Raymond B. Williams, Crawfordsville, LaFollette Distinguished Professor in the Humanities emeritus, contributed this guest column.
