The most famous line from the movie Field of Dreams is, “if you build it he will come”. I remember that I really didn’t want to see it when it first came out. I was never a Kevin Costner fan and I didn’t want to see him deadpan a baseball movie. A friend dragged me to it but when I came out, I was glad because it was at once, something hopeful and still it had a message of redemption. I thought they had stolen the line from somewhere but I recently discovered that it was original.
The idea of building a baseball field (in the middle of a corn filed) just on the promise that an unknown “he” will come seems preposterous at the beginning of the movie. Slowly, the plot unfolds and it just doesn’t seem so foolish at the end. All the characters in the movie are looking for something to make their lives complete. Through the field, they all find what they are missing in life.
The idea of building that field is a lot like the idea of building trust. When you want someone to trust you, you can’t ask or demand it from others. The best building block for trust is an act of selflessness because trust is a two-way street. You can’t ask for it without giving it in return.
When I think about it, trust is the basis for my little blog. I write what I think about things and I trust you readers to take me at face value and know that I’m not trying to trick you or sell something. My task is to put as much effort and skill into each post so that you enjoy the experience. If you don’t, I hope you will provide feedback so I can improve. If you do, all I can really ask is that you continue to read.
Towards the end of the movie, the James Earl Jones character says, “
people will come“. So when I note that readership is flagging and I get discouraged, I remember this piece of advice and soldier on. I hope that you will continue to come and read, and together, we can share some humor, ideas, and insight. Thanks.
So That's Life?
If You Build It
07/10/2012Posted in commentary | Leave a Comment »