Truth is a funny thing. It can be as strong as a dragon’s roar, or be as flimsy as the attention span of a baby. Either way, it’s imperative that we examine the ideas we hold because nothing is more dangerous than a false creed.
Truth is like a picture we set on the wall. Like a picture, its framed by truth, but that frame can be shattered by new perspectives. The ability to change is within all of us, but it’s often hidden underneath a thick layer of murk that is protected by dragon scales. Those scales can be defeated by the four elements change.
First, it takes a strong belief in a new perspective. This was the case for Hiccup’s father (Stoick) who wanted to name Hiccup the next chief of Berk. Deep down, Hiccup believed he wasn’t leadership material, despite all the change he caused in Berk. Yet, his father held strong onto his belief. Unfortunately, belief isn’t enough to cast aside a persistent shadow of doubt.
Second, you need evidence to support your claim. While out mapping the region, Hiccup ran into his mother (Valka), a dragon master. She shows him the sanctuary where she lived with dragons in peace. Peace with dragons was no longer theoretical or isolated to Berk.
Third, you need to present your evidence in a convincing manner. After learning that Hiccup created a dragon utopia in Berk, Valka realized that her husband could in fact change. Slowly but surely, the waters of change stirred inside of Hiccup, but the current wasn’t strong enough to move Hiccup toward his destiny.
(Spoiler) Fourth, the person in question needs to be able to evaluate new evidence and reject their former claims. During a huge battle, Hiccup came under attack by a fearsome dragon. Stoick, who once hunted dragons, sacrificed himself to save Hiccup against a devastating dragon attack, killing him. Through the smoke of Stoick’s viking funeral, Hiccup saw the truth. He had the heart for peace and the soul of a dragon. He didn’t have to choose one over the other. He choose the truest form of expression, he choose to be himself, a leader in the face of chaos.
Everyone is capable of change. Sometimes, it’s buried deep beneath the ashes and obscured by thick clouds of smoke, but it’s there. Everything you need is already inside you, but it might take the most stubborn person you know to convert the waters of change into meaning actions.