Great article Joe. The concept of needing to earn rewards (including self-esteem) through learning, skill, production, and (last but not least) development of personal character over time has been lacking in our society for awhile - but this is no accident. Our entertainment, advertising and consuming habits have taught people that the things which are important in society can be had instantly, bought, or even faked. Forget traits like honesty, patience, hard work, compassion, kindness... did I mention honesty yet? They just aren't sexy.
What I wear, drive, or can get away with and rationalize as my due have no bearing on the improvement of my character. The fundamental building blocks of character may not be sensational or high tech, but they are what make or break our worthiness as humans and define who we are - not just as individuals, but also as a society. Everything else is just so much veneer and pretty noise.
"Failure is a chance to learn and grow."
Sounds to me like the perfect candidate for our new national motto.
redbus
· 2 weeks ago
Joe, this was a great read! I liked the section on self-esteem. In my experience, there must be a balance. Theologically, humans have innate worth as those created in the image of God. On the other hand, we mustn't be afraid to promote a merit-based system when it comes to academics. My sons are on full college scholarship not because God made them, but because they worked hard in school beginning in kindergarten. And the "self esteem" stuff? You won't hear it in a Japanese school, and they consistently outperform American students. Could there be a connection?
vey9
· 2 weeks ago
Jason Blair is perfectly qualified to do many things, like wash dishes in a Chinese restaurant. He should be ignored. One inch of ink is too much.
To try to understand his mind, one need only look at the mindset of a common thief. Not much there, except the desire to "get ahead" without expending the effort.
While I was in college, I knew many "brilliant" students like Blair. They were coddled by the professors even when they refused to grind away like the rest of us. The lucky ones dropped out. The unlucky ones, like Blair, didn't and because they didn't, allowed their head to swell. Later, when grinding was called for, to make a living, they couldn't do it. You see the results.
For Blair to blame bipolar and depression is a hoot. Most of the writers I know suffer from bi-polar (how do you think they can grind out so much?) and a good many would be classified as depressed. Sorry, I just don't have much sympathy for a thief.
All Comments
What I wear, drive, or can get away with and rationalize as my due have no bearing on the improvement of my character. The fundamental building blocks of character may not be sensational or high tech, but they are what make or break our worthiness as humans and define who we are - not just as individuals, but also as a society. Everything else is just so much veneer and pretty noise.
"Failure is a chance to learn and grow."
Sounds to me like the perfect candidate for our new national motto.
To try to understand his mind, one need only look at the mindset of a common thief. Not much there, except the desire to "get ahead" without expending the effort.
While I was in college, I knew many "brilliant" students like Blair. They were coddled by the professors even when they refused to grind away like the rest of us. The lucky ones dropped out. The unlucky ones, like Blair, didn't and because they didn't, allowed their head to swell. Later, when grinding was called for, to make a living, they couldn't do it. You see the results.
For Blair to blame bipolar and depression is a hoot. Most of the writers I know suffer from bi-polar (how do you think they can grind out so much?) and a good many would be classified as depressed. Sorry, I just don't have much sympathy for a thief.