Where are all the good role models nowadays? People to look up to? People who are actually worth emulating? People with morals, intelligence? Someone not driven by the desire to amass money, power or fame?
I came across an editorial the other day on the London Times website posing that very question. Who’s a good role model? Where are they? And it hinted at our good friend The Doctor in his TARDIS
And you know what?
I agree with it. Not because I’m a fanboy, though I’m sure that comes into play, but because The Doctor as he’s portrayed puts out a positive image of what it should be to be human (though technically he isn’t).
He’s someone who will never resort to fisticuffs (though he will if there is absolutely no other resolution to be found), he’ll use his brain to figure things out, not because he can’t defend himself, but he’s seen what war can do, what conflict can render asunder, and what it does to those who survive it.
He’s driven by a burning desire to know, an insatiable curiosity to learn, something that I feel may be fading in our society.
Why seek things out, when we can have it spoon fed to us through infotainment?
Where’s the joy and excitement in learning something for yourself?
The Doctor looks at the world(s) with wonder and excitement. What new thing is right around the corner? What challenges to solve? What wonders to revel in?
Not only is he driven by a need to know, he always serves as a catalyst for those around him, making them realize that they are more than they thought, that there is more to the world than the cruel face it often shows us, the one we’ve learned to imitate. The Doctor looks at the face, smiles and gives it’s nose a tweak.
He wants to help.
He gives his guest stars, and us a new found way to look at the world, or perhaps he’s just restoring its wonder.
Surely someone like that is worthy of emulation, someone to strive to be like?
To see humanity and our small blue/green planet with eyes of wonder than to simply go about ignoring our fellow men and women. To help those who need our help, to better not only ourselves but humanity and our place in the universe.
The Doctor reminds me of my childhood, when every day brought new revelations about the world, new discoveries. I would remember finding a new place to play and thinking that I’m the only person who’s ever seen this thing the way I see it. Or the sheer wonder the first time I saw the pyramids or Stonehenge, and then knowing deep in the seat of my soul that the world is older than I thought it was five minutes ago, there were generations of souls before me, and generations to follow.
What sort of mark will I be leaving for those that follow? Or will they simply be settling into the comfortable grooves I’ve left in a lazy boy?
I think The Doctor makes an excellent role model? What do you think?
Now if only I could have my very own TARDIS and sonic screwdriver…
This post was Authored by TD, Our Resident Authority on all things BBC
