Moulds

I came across the word humble and it got me thinking along lines I had never thought before.  There was a political system that seemed to attempt to force humility (amongst other things), on the general population.  Everyone was made to be the same.  Those with power and influence were lowered, and those who had nothing were raised.  This did not apply to the ruling elite of the time.  Like George Orwell said “all men (animals) are equal, but some are more equal than others.”
What occurred to me that had not done so before, was how in one sense this was an attempt to force something on others that did not occur by choice.  Humility is a noble goal, but it is like everything to me, it cannot be forced.  What is imposed from without is often resented while what is chosen from within has the power to change.
There are many good qualities that I do well to instil in others.  But forcing who I am on them is not one of them.  Others are not me.  I need to adhere to principles that are right for all, but my individuality needs to be my own expression.  Forcing something on someone just does not work.  I may submit to forced power, but unless I choose it, I am guaranteed to resent it.
I may be a teacher and not a farmer.  I have something to give in a way that is unique to my mould.  I may be a threat or seen as a potential threat, but I cannot be what I am not.
I have just seen many Australia Day awards dispensed.  In many cases I saw rewards were given for long term service.  I do not necessarily know if the motivations were humble or prideful, but I do know that the outcomes were that many benefitted.  My mould does not create my character, but it does create my purpose.
The mould that is me is a one off.  I may belong with many similar moulds that make up a set, but my individuality needs to find expression.  Like cups.  There are many types of cups, but they are all cups.  A cup is not made from a fork mould.   If the fork mould is the only one, how do I cut?  What does the food go on?  What do I drink from?
What I am becomes obvious in the long term.  I may be forced into a mould, but if that mould is not me, I am not a natural fit.  Whatever my mould, give it time and it will be seen.  Who I am will become obvious.  My mould may determine my purpose, but it does not determine my character.  Moulds are a means to an end, and not an end in themselves.