Urdaneta City University

College of Education
One, San Vicente West, Urdaneta City

THEMES OF EMPOWERMENT IN OUR SOCIETY

Understanding Gatchalians The Teachings of the Unknown
Master
(Inspired from Max Ehrmanns Desiderata)
A Reader-response Criticism by Alexandra D. Nalapo
The Teachings of the Unknown Master by Rado Gatchalian operates on the
assumption that the implied reader is fully aware of the poem Desiderata by Max
Ehrmann as the basis of the author in making this poem, which invites the reader to
take care of oneself and to be humble.
Thus, the leading way to understanding the poem lies in its title as well as to the
poem Desiderata which means desired things. The title itself triggers the mind of
the implied reader to think of all the knowledge he has gained and what is to be
expected from the poem. It suggest then that it will give advice on how to live
accordingly based on the experience of the Master as stated from the title.
Desiderata, on the other hand, suggest from its title the things that are to be
wanted while living. The assumption that the reader has read the poem already, will
link him to understanding the poem.
The poem operates in empowering our society. As the world continue to develop
technologically and degenerates economically, as people continue to fight for
survival, the standards of the society get higher. People strive to fit in to the society,
living a life they did not wish to have in order to live. Young people struggle to be
who they really are because society will judge them if they are different from the
rest. These are the ideas the poem is trying to eliminate, to live according to the
standards of the society but with freedom and happiness from within.
As the poem is trying to leave teachings that would empower the society, one is to
be humble. No matter how high the achievements are, it is important that the feet
remain on the ground because boasting may cause loss (Lines 1-2). That it is
important to be present in times of need because everyone experiences to be in
that situation, and to receive help, one must be willing to offer (Lines 3-6). That
failing in life is inevitable but it is always free to begin again and that being wealthy
means success but it is how you gain that wealth which is important, how good a

heart remains to be and how one stands tall no matter how life seemed to
contradict everything (Lines 7-14).
It also suggests that there is no such ranking or classes in life. Everyone deserves to
be treated equally and it is important to keep moving forward no matter how hard it
is (Lines 15-18). It is important that one should welcome the hardships it will take to
be on top and to never do something bad even to the people we hate (Lines 18-27).
It is important to depend only in oneself because chances are, everyone will leave
and it is how strong a person is that will determine how he will live. It is important to
be contented, to accept ones real self that is when one becomes a winner (Lines 2834).
The remaining lines advices the society to enjoy life as it is only to be lived once.
Everyone can be someones light in the darkness no matter how dim or how small
the light is. It is important to be available in someone elses time of need because
that is the purpose of life, to be able to give sacrifice for the sake of others.
All in all, the poem wants the society to take heart. No matter what is going on be it
in the physical world or even within their minds and heart, it is important to realize
what are the things that should be valued, that though deceptions like money, fame
or anything should be prioritized, the poem reminds them to believe that it is the
goodness of the heart that matters, the humbleness and the presence of sacrificial
help they are willing to offer are that true wealth that will bring peace and harmony
to the Earth.