‘Beliefs clearly play an important part in motivation. But is there a more fundamental, inspiring factor?’ Photo: by Joel & Jasmin Førestbird on Unsplash

‘What is the bigger vision that we can all buy into?’

A problem shared: Howard Grace on our deeper instincts

‘What is the bigger vision that we can all buy into?’

by Howard Grace 26th March 2021

There is a story that when St Paul’s cathedral was being built somebody was walking around asking workmen what they were doing. A carpenter said he was sawing wood. A bricklayer said he was laying bricks. When asked what he was doing a sweeper replied: ‘I’m helping Christopher Wren build his cathedral.’ Many of us are engaged with worthwhile initiatives, the equivalent of the carpenter and bricklayer. But what is the bigger vision that we can all buy into, with the perspective of the sweeper?