Dreaming Big, Making an Impact

I was going to make this post some weeks ago, but then I went into contemplation. I needed to think long and hard about the statement in the title of this post, especially its context and Pokémon relationship. I debated on whether to keep the wording (with slight modification) or to refer to it indirectly through some other expressions. In the end, I decided to keep the original wording and discuss it as it is, albeit with a slight grammatical shift. In any case, its connections with Pokémon are quite deep.

As for the statement's origin, some weeks ago, a TV program that used this statement as a slogan - but with the verbs in the imperative form - aired its final episode after having been on the air for a few years. The premise of the program was to present business owners who pave success and do good. I've only occasionally watched the program, in particular while writing the posts for this blog, but it's something that I enjoy in part when I do so. That said, I also can't help but think about Pokémon when considering its slogan.

Out of all the characters in Pokémon that I can think of, in my view, the ones that most embody this principle are Gym Leaders. In addition to being great Trainers outright, they can be (and are) influential to other groups of people. That is likely why they run and lead a Gym: so that they can be great(er) and be (more) influential to people. This includes the disciples themselves - who might one day succeed, then run and lead the Gym in their place - as well as the Trainers who seek their own form of greatness. They really size up themselves so that they can affect others.

To an extent, this statement can be considered to apply to another distinct group of Trainers: the Elite Four, the best ones of their region. They don't have disciples to speak of, but they are more or less influential to other Trainers and their lives, especially as their stories indicate. At the least, they become involved with them beyond the battlefield, making their lives that much greater. As such, this can be considered an adjunct to a post I made about a month ago regarding their capacity to "rule the world together"; they do so in the way that brings the greatest benefits possible, satisfying both statements.

What this statement entails is social responsibility; people can be and are involved in society to affect them beneficially and greatly. This was the point of that TV program, to indicate and show who exemplify this. It's not that big of a stretch to think that the same may be true for certain people in the world of Pokémon, in much of the same ways as people in the real world, except of course along with all the perks of the eponymous creatures. The program may not be shown anymore, but at least its memories will remain with me... and to an extent, with my enjoyment of Pokémon.

One year ago: Friend Faves