Lisan Al Gaib: Believing In a Something Greater Than Yourself

I believe everyone has seen the Denis Villaneuve made Dune 1 & Dune 2 movies. Absolutely majestic and grand movie remakes of the classic sci-fi book by Frank Herbert. It’s moving. But there are several parts that jump out to me. 

There is the scene when Paul Atreides speaks in front of the grand gathering of Southern fremen tribes. The power when they come to realize and believe he is the messiah, the Lisan Al Gaib, messenger from the outside. You see looks of pure rapture and joy. Even more so when he unleashes them on the universe. 

I believe this is what happens when one discovers religion. To subsume their wants and needs in the effort of the greater good. To be part of a movement and community.  Everyone wants to believe in something bigger than themselves. It used to be religion, then your country aka Nation-state. But with modern times, people find this in their sports team or the company they work for. It’s a pale semblance but it’s still something. 

Ever since I became independent, it’s hard sometimes to keep going when the goal is just to enrich yourself. It was only when I thought of the bigger mission that keeps one focused and driven. My family’s security and happiness, ensuring that all the people in my various businesses are taken care of. That my investees are meeting their potential. That my investments are a net positive for the West and the world at large. That I serve the bigger mission. 

Don’t underestimate the importance of having a big massive mission and goal. We all want to believe in something. Something amazing. Hopefully something positive. And if you are leader, give your team a massive goal and something to believe in. 

As Paul Atreides says near the end when he starts the Holy War. 

“Lead them to paradise.”