I'm not sure if this is the correct way to create a new topic, but I wanted to share a link to a piece by MLK, Jr. that I think is relevant to one of our discussions on Thursday about figuring out how to be fulfilled in our careers as lawyers. (Credit goes to Prof. Harcourt for suggesting this piece last week--I did not find it on my own.)

https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/drum-major-instinct-sermon-delivered-ebenezer-baptist-church

I thought "The Drum Major Instinct" sermon above provided a very thought-provoking perspective because the premise is that we all have an inherent desire to obtain praise, recognition, and appreciation. We're conditioned to desire this "drum major instinct"--"a desire to be out front, a desire to lead the parade, a desire to be first." Of course, this can be channeled and distorted to serve unethical purposes or lead one astray in an attempt to please others, ally oneself with "big-name" people, or try to feel a sense of belonging by creating a society of hierarchical exclusivity at the expense of others.

All of this speaks to the potential "evils" brought by "the drum major instinct," which I think relates a lot to the pressures that many of us feel in deciding how we "should" practice law--to gain recognition or praise with the hope that maybe this will make us fulfilled as lawyers, just as we've sought to gain recognition and be "the best" up to this point. However, MLK offers an interesting perspective in suggesting that this drum major instinct can instead be channeled to live a life where you can seek to pursue justice, truth, and a commitment to serving others. I find the idea that a desire to be "the best" or gain praise can be channeled to serve others quite interesting. It seems to beg the question of whether we're just doing "good" to be recognized, or we're doing "good" because we genuinely want to have a career where we can advance justice and truth. Alternatively, does this distinction really matter if the end product is a net positive impact on society? Put more simply, can genuine fulfillment be met through being praised/recognized/appreciated?

This may have turned in to a bit of rambling, but my main goal was to share the link above in case others are interested in reading it.

-- DeborahSparks - 16 Jan 2021