In the words of the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles, “To exert his power in doing good is man’s glorious task.” If we break it down and really feel the weight of this message, it’s like Sophocles is telling us: "Gamitin mo ang kakayahan mo para gumawa ng mabuti. Doon ka tunay na magiging dakila."
- In a world that’s constantly pushing for clout, material gains, and fleeting validation, this quote feels like a deep reminder of what truly matters.
For Gen Z and Millennials, we live in a time where the word “power” can take on many forms. It’s no longer just about political authority or physical strength. Power now comes in our ability to connect with others, to influence mindsets, to innovate, and even to spark change using social media platforms. We have tools at our fingertips that earlier generations couldn’t have dreamed of. But with great power comes great responsibility—“like legit, ikaw na’yong may chance to shift the narrative, so what are you doing about it?”
Imagine this: you’re scrolling on TikTok or Instagram, and you come across creators who use their platform not just for entertainment but for advocacy. They champion mental health, call for climate action, educate about social justice, or simply make people laugh on their hardest days. What they’re doing is exactly what Sophocles envisioned centuries ago—using their influence, their power, to make the world a better place. And here’s the thing: you don’t need millions of followers to do this. Kahit small acts lang, basta coming from the heart, it’s still power in action.
Think about it in everyday terms. Power isn’t always about grand gestures. It’s in small, consistent efforts: choosing kindness in a heated argument, lifting up a friend who’s struggling, or standing up for someone who’s being wronged. Kahit simpleng bagay like sharing verified information instead of fake news, that’s you exerting your power to do good. Di ba ang fulfilling knowing na kahit papaano, nakakatulong ka?
But let’s be real: doing good isn’t always easy. May mga times na nakakapagod, especially when it feels like the world isn’t changing fast enough. Nakakafrustrate minsan, lalo na kung parang wala namang nakaka-appreciate. But here’s the tea—doing good isn’t about recognition. It’s about purpose. It’s about knowing in your core that you’re contributing to something greater than yourself.
We often hear phrases like “Be the change you want to see in the world” or “Small actions lead to big impacts.” These aren’t just clichés; they’re truths rooted in the idea that power—when used selflessly—can ripple outwards. Imagine if each of us in this generation decided to use our unique strengths for good. Ang laking impact kaya nun! From coding apps that solve social issues to organizing donation drives, even to just being a friend who listens—lahat ‘yan forms of exerting power to do good.
Sophocles’ wisdom challenges us to rethink how we view our capabilities and opportunities. Instead of chasing self-serving goals, he urges us to channel our power towards collective upliftment. Whether you’re starting a sustainable business, mentoring a younger sibling, or raising awareness for an important cause, every effort counts.
So, ano nga ba ang legacy na gusto mong iwan? It doesn’t have to be world-changing on a massive scale. Even if you make a positive difference in one person’s life, you’ve already lived up to your “glorious task.” As Gen Zs and Millennials, we’re often called the most socially conscious generations. Let’s live up to that reputation by using our power—our influence, our voices, our talents—to create a better, kinder, and more inclusive world.
Remember: the real glory is... hindi nasusukat sa dami ng likes or followers. It’s in the lives we touch, the change we inspire, and the good we leave behind. Go out there and flex your power—not for yourself, but for the greater good. Because – “To exert his power in doing good is man’s glorious task.” And that, my friends, is the kind of legacy worth striving for.
~Othello
