Everyone has a talent. We all know the person who can sing perfectly on pitch, the one who can turn a can of beans, a ham bone, and some spices into a feast, or the one who has the ability to fix any machine with a few tools and a steady hand. Some people are able to take their particular talent and make it their career. However, not everyone is that fortunate. For many, following their passion comes down to the question of opportunity—education, mentorship, and most frequently, cold, hard cash. This is unfortunate. In a just society, all people should have the opportunity to follow their passion and offer their particular talent to the world, and if they lack the means to achieve that goal, those means should be made available to them.
There are several reasons people should be given the chance to exercise their talents to the full. First, it is good for the individual. Studies consistently show that job satisfaction is closely tied to workers enjoying that they do. “Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher, made a wise point when he said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” (Fernando).” Of course, in order to “do what you love,” it is important to have the talent and ability to do the job, and there must be market for those talents.
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For example, loving to dance and having the talent and ability to be a prima ballerina are not the same, and even the greatest dancer needs an audience. However, if one has the talent and drive to become a prima ballerina, not to mention the physical requirements, then that person should have the opportunity to train for that career, not have to settle for life in an office. There are many people who will enjoy the talents of a gifted dancer.
Allowing people the resources to follow their dreams and use their talents is also good for society. One might argue that the world does not need prima ballerinas, but how much joy have great artists given to the world, and what matchless works of art may have never come into existence because their creator did not have the chance to shine? Moreover, not everyone with a talent is an artist. Doctors, carpenters, engineers, and teachers all have particular talents that make them want to pursue these careers, and all of these talents are needed. When people are doing the work they love, they are motivated and invigorated. They do better work because they are doing work they love. Children benefit from passionate teachers. Patients benefit from doctors who love to heal. Even the humble cook at the local diner benefits his customers by providing delicious, nutritious food. He also helps the community by being part of a successful business that employs others and offers them a living. Job satisfaction is like a stone thrown into a pond; it sends out ripples that touch many.
Finally, there is an issue of fairness. Life is often not fair, but why should that be? Our society has the resources to offer education and opportunities to all. The old adage, “Give people a hand up, not a handout” has a core of truth to it. If talented people are offered the chance to reach their goals, they are far more likely to become productive citizens and solid members of their community. They earn more and can therefore invest more, stimulating the economy and making their lives better, as well as the lives of their children (Eberly and Martin). In the end, offering people the resources and encouragement to enable them to use their abilities benefits everyone. It should be a part of every society’s goals to use their people’s talents to the fullest for the good of all.
