Now then, why do many people, after a couple hard laps on the track, slow to a walk, clutching their stomachs and gasping loudly, while others continue to zoom along, picking up steam as they go? The former lack discipline, will, and skill (which is achieved through discipline and will), while the latter possess all three in great quantities because they have dedicated themselves to the pursuit of success.
That may be true. It also may be true that certain people are genetically predisposed to long-distance running. And again, it may be true that some people were given opportunities to pursue track and field at a young age, by supportive families, while others were not. And further, it may also be true that some people have the leisure to pursue running while others have to work long hours, or at multiple jobs to provide for themselves or their families. There are far, far more factors involved in success than mere determination and will, though that certainly does help.
2009-02-09 15:51:05
The individual never used to be held on such a pedestal, and modern conservatism has idolized the nature and potential of the individual far beyond what is reasonable. This is not to say achievements aren't also grounded to some degree in natural ability, in hard work, etc. but the accident of our birth is a huge deciding factor in where we end up. For instance, two equally talented men could be born, one in the US, and one in Kenya, and their lives might not quite mirror one another, despite their best efforts, despite their equal talents...
2009-02-09 03:08:54
It's true, happenstance plays a major role in how we end up, not the least of which is the accident and fortune or misfortune of our birth. That's why a society that values order and humanity will do its best to provide the best possible network for its citizens. A strong middle class is the surest way to create better opportunities for the most people. I'm afraid our current trajectory promises more pain than stability, and it's high time to re-evaluate that course.
2009-02-08 04:21:39
I don't know, Bob. I think the whole "ownership-society" is problematic. Then again, I think the concept of single-family homes is problematic. I think the drift away from extended-family living is not the direction humanity was supposed to move. It creates undue burdens on workers, on the State, on the individual. Ironically, I just began Gladwell's Outliers, and there in the first chapter is at least a little validation for this point. Everything is bound to community, and yet we now do our best to tear away at that most essential fabric of society.
Was the world built to sustain homes for every family? Perhaps, but perhaps families were meant to work together, multi-generational efforts, to realize this. Now we all want everything.
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Philip--
That may be true. It also may be true that certain people are genetically predisposed to long-distance running. And again, it may be true that some people were given opportunities to pursue track and field at a young age, by supportive families, while others were not. And further, it may also be true that some people have the leisure to pursue running while others have to work long hours, or at multiple jobs to provide for themselves or their families. There are far, far more factors involved in success than mere determination and will, though that certainly does help.
The individual never used to be held on such a pedestal, and modern conservatism has idolized the nature and potential of the individual far beyond what is reasonable. This is not to say achievements aren't also grounded to some degree in natural ability, in hard work, etc. but the accident of our birth is a huge deciding factor in where we end up. For instance, two equally talented men could be born, one in the US, and one in Kenya, and their lives might not quite mirror one another, despite their best efforts, despite their equal talents...
It's true, happenstance plays a major role in how we end up, not the least of which is the accident and fortune or misfortune of our birth. That's why a society that values order and humanity will do its best to provide the best possible network for its citizens. A strong middle class is the surest way to create better opportunities for the most people. I'm afraid our current trajectory promises more pain than stability, and it's high time to re-evaluate that course.
I don't know, Bob. I think the whole "ownership-society" is problematic. Then again, I think the concept of single-family homes is problematic. I think the drift away from extended-family living is not the direction humanity was supposed to move. It creates undue burdens on workers, on the State, on the individual. Ironically, I just began Gladwell's Outliers, and there in the first chapter is at least a little validation for this point. Everything is bound to community, and yet we now do our best to tear away at that most essential fabric of society.
Was the world built to sustain homes for every family? Perhaps, but perhaps families were meant to work together, multi-generational efforts, to realize this. Now we all want everything.