Sunday: Earn the Right to Have a Point of View

Not too long ago, Jan and I watched the movie, Music Within. The movie is based on the story of Richard Pimentel, a brilliant public speaker with a troubled past. When he returns from Vietnam severely hearing-impaired, he finds a new purpose in his landmark efforts on the behalf of Americans with disabilities.
One line in the movie was especially memorable for me. During his years as a capable but arrogant student, he was told by one of his professors, “Go out and earn the right to have a point of view.”

Not bad advice! Live life, live it fully, experience it completely with all of its victories and challenges. Look, observe, process, analyze, listen, learn. Develop an integrated point of view; earn the right to have a point of view. And then, Speak.