Three things will define what becomes of any life ultimately. These are passion, platform, and people. Passion is an essential requirement for a life of significance. Merriam-Webster gives several definitions of passion. The one that rhymes most with our subject is, “a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept.” No one becomes significant for doing nothing. It is as we engage in productive activities that we make our contribution to the society. The second thing is platform.  As important as passion is, it will be futile without the necessary platform for expression. William Wilberforce found his own passion in eradication of the obnoxious slave trade and reforms of morality in society. The platform he found for his passion was politics and public service.

No one becomes significant for doing nothing… After becoming certain of your passion or purpose, seek out a platform for expression…You will also need to find people of like-minds to push through in your chosen cause.

Finally, there is the people factor. Wilberforce became friends with William Pitt in 1779. The two of them got motivated to enter politics; and that was how Wilberforce was elected to Parliament in September 1780 at the age of 21, the minimum age requirement for an elected office at that time. This gave him the opportunity to debate the ills of slave trade and sponsored many bills towards its eradication. After becoming certain of your passion or purpose, seek out a platform for expression. Sometimes, you may have to use an existing platform; and at some other times, you may have to create a new one altogether. You will also need to find people of like-minds to push through in your chosen cause.