The Power of Fulfillment: Exploring Abraham Maslow's True Calling

Abraham Maslow, a renowned psychologist, once said, 'If we don’t answer our true calling and use our gifts wisely, we will forever be empty and miserable.' This insightful quote captures the essence of the intrinsic drive and fulfillment that comes from aligning one's actions with their true purpose. In this article, we delve into the meaning of this quote and explore how it applies to various professions, including writing, music, and art.

Rare Circumstances, Vivid Examples

For many creative professionals, such as poets, musicians, and writers, the experience of living up to their true calling isn’t a distant dream but a vivid reality. Take, for instance, the case of prolific writers like Isaac Asimov. These individuals are so naturally at peace with their work that they experience moments of unbridled creativity where the words flow effortlessly, without the need for writer's block. In these instances, the act of producing tangible content is a deeply satisfying experience.

Personal Anecdotes and Insights

Reflecting on my own experiences, I've had moments where words poured out of me in perfect sentences, with no need for editing or second-guessing. These rare circumstances are not just limited to writing but can be likened to the survival instinct of someone drowning, regardless of their swimming skills. The urgency to continue and fulfill one's true calling extends to anyone who is desperately seeking their purpose. I recall three such instances in my 41 years, where I wrote quickly and got everything down in one go, with no need for editing.

Exploring the Authenticity of Folksongs

An online discussion thread on folk song clichés, or tropes, sparked my creativity. I crafted a folksong pastiche based on these tropes, weaving a narrative about an Irish sailor who journeyed to Botany Bay, then murdered his girlfriend, was haunted by her vengeful ghost, and finally faced capital punishment. The authenticity of the song was praised, but I also observed how it felt more like a spontaneous creation rather than a refined piece. This experience mirrors the raw, unedited nature of true calling.

Parodies and Humor

Situations of stress and chaos can also trigger the true calling. During my tenure as a librarian, I faced near-riots in the school library, leading to the writing of a parody of Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen. The lines 'Deaf to the hoots of seventh-graders crowding in behind. Class class! Quick boys... ' and 'You would not tell to new librarians eager for employment How sweet it is to work with children.' reflect the frustration and humor of the situation.

Short-Short Stories and Beyond

Personal stories and creativity aren't confined to professional settings. A Usagi Yojimbo fanfic featuring a rabbit samurai battling giant fleas is an example of expressing one’s calling in a leisurely, polished manner. Such experiences highlight how the act of creation, whether quick and spontaneous or thoughtful and polished, is a fulfillment of one's true calling.

The Most Famous Occasion

The most well-known instance of this phenomenon is Julia Ward Howe's 'Battle Hymn of the Republic'. After hearing the song 'John Brown's Body', she awoke in the night with the first lines spinning in her head, hastily wrote them down, and left it on her bedside table. The spontaneity and urgency of her creation are reminiscent of the precise moment when a writer’s words flow freely.

Final Reflections

Abraham Maslow’s quote reminds us that ignoring our true calling is a path to perpetual emptiness and misery. For many, this true calling is deeply intertwined with creativity and professional fulfillment. Whether it's writing, music, or any other form of artistic expression, the moments of effortless creation highlight the intrinsic satisfaction derived from aligning with one's true purpose.