What does it mean to fight for someone else, as opposed to fight for oneself? What inspires someone to selflessly give their life to a cause that may not bear fruit, or may lead to their death?
No one knows.
I ask you this question because I have seen numerous individuals do this. I have seen civilizations rise and fall, lovers found and lost, people fed and starved. They go about their daily lives, oblivious of the factors that work in the background. They trust their government; sometimes they are rewarded, and other times not. They put blind faith in their religions, which may lead them to salvation or damnation. They may find that their faith in everything has been lost, and turn to themselves. In the end, it does not pay to trust.
Magnus trusted few. People had scorned him in the past, and he wished to crush them with an unyielding fist. He thought better, however. They dreamt that they would receive their punishment soon enough.
Megan was a dreamer. She was devoted to her cause, but it betrayed her numerous times. Many a night was spent in a holding cell, waiting for her comrades, who had left her carelessly at a demonstration scene before, to come retrieve her. Sometimes they did not. She returned to her modest apartment to her “normal” life, tending to the needs of two fickle cats as a world churned around her. It was inescapable. To her, the contribution she made was insignificant; minute. Megan hoped, however, that one day, she would be noticed; her values respected and her efforts rewarded. That day would come soon. However, in the mean time, she dreamt.
Shane was a simple man; he lived a simple life. He provided for his family, and in turn, he hoped that they would make him proud; that was all he ever wanted. His son was growing up fast, and it was becoming more difficult to curb his rebellious behaviour. Shane had tried his best to teach him wisdom and humility, but his son wanted adventure. He wanted risk. Shane had acknowledged this, and respected his son. After all, how much longer would he be able to keep him? Shane dreamt of the past.
Seb was a good boy. He had been exposed to things that would corrupt a youth of a decade prior; thus was the standard of the new generation. Adapt or be lost: it was a cruel world. He survived, and was thankful for his father’s upbringing. He trusted his father with details of his life, as seemingly only he understood. Seb knew that there was more to life than the white picket fence and the boring existence of suburban life: he needed the adventure. Seb dreamt of the future.
Taggart was old fashioned. He heard his calling at a young age, and believing he could do some good in the world, devoted himself to the church. Sometimes he thought it had been a mistake. A man once said “every man has a price”, and it did not exempt the clergy. Tithes had rotted the church at its core. Many a time Taggart had witnessed other members of the priesthood indulge in some of the more forbidden fruits, but had stayed silent. Why would he bother? What could he change? He was afraid to dream, for the consequences outweighed the benefits.
Dreamers seldom get things done. More is accomplished by doing than thinking. However, the insecurity and uncertainty of situations leave a difficult decision: does one take risks, or does one “play it safe”? For each of these individuals, the outcomes to their stories are dependent on their personalities. Do they again, take the risk or play it safe? Do they do nothing, remaining neutral?
Whichever they choose, the world still turns. The gears still churn. The people still dream.
