TAW122
Emissary of the right to die.
- Aug 30, 2018
- 6,715
I had similar topics with respect to motivational lines and similar platitudes, like this one here explaining why motivational crap is evil and another one explaining how uplifting, patronizing platitude pushers are not better than bullies. Recently, I just had an thought on the common line: "You can do it!" and "You can do anything you put your mind to." I find that line to be annoying and unhelpful and I will explain:
If one were to take that quote literally and to the extreme, then that would mean that anyone can do just about anything in the world. But factually speaking, that is simply NOT true. This is because everyone is born with different skills, backgrounds, and abilities. Some people are better than others at certain things. For example, I'm not really good at sports or anything that requires a lot of quick reflexes and quick reactions, I am simply not born that way, so like if someone were to say "TAW, you can do it!" I would just feel a bit annoyed, offended because I know it's not true. Likewise, someone who doesn't have mental acumen for mathematics and analytical thinking, it would be unfair to assume that said person could be a great mathematician, logician, or someone in the analytic field.
In addition to this, I'd like to say there are also limits as well. Some people are born with higher IQs, better genetics, better health, etc. thus have the capability to rise to the top of their field, and not everyone can or has the means to. Think of professionals sports for example. You could have someone who works very hard, has the genetics and ability, but still fall short. Also, not everyone is cut out to win the next Nobel prize, or be a personality. Sure, you can have someone who works hard and gets somewhere but again, not everyone can get there. Next example is colleges and universities. A lot of people who applied to very prestiguous universities around the world may/not necessarily gain admission to said universities or colleges. In fact, it's not just academic prowess, but a handful of other factors, some luck, and also competitiveness of the said university or colleges' program. Therefore, by throwing such a blanket statement around and then thinking that people can do it, sets them up for a lot of disappointment due to false hope and unrealistic expectations. This is the reality and those statements are out of line with reality. By their logic, if someone didn't reach a goal, then they didn't try hard enough, and it's their fault, which is far, far from the truth. The truth is that not everyone can be good at everything, some people are born with better abilities and higher IQ, some people are less fortunate, and of course, effort is a factor in the equation of success, but far from the ONLY factor.
To be fair, I get why motivational speakers and similar people want to encourage and rally others to do better and I can see that. I just don't agree with the premise and background of it, especially if it sets someone up for disappointment. Sure, there are people out there who could use the motivation, but people like me only find it as a nuisance more than anything.
Does anyone feel the same way too?
If one were to take that quote literally and to the extreme, then that would mean that anyone can do just about anything in the world. But factually speaking, that is simply NOT true. This is because everyone is born with different skills, backgrounds, and abilities. Some people are better than others at certain things. For example, I'm not really good at sports or anything that requires a lot of quick reflexes and quick reactions, I am simply not born that way, so like if someone were to say "TAW, you can do it!" I would just feel a bit annoyed, offended because I know it's not true. Likewise, someone who doesn't have mental acumen for mathematics and analytical thinking, it would be unfair to assume that said person could be a great mathematician, logician, or someone in the analytic field.
In addition to this, I'd like to say there are also limits as well. Some people are born with higher IQs, better genetics, better health, etc. thus have the capability to rise to the top of their field, and not everyone can or has the means to. Think of professionals sports for example. You could have someone who works very hard, has the genetics and ability, but still fall short. Also, not everyone is cut out to win the next Nobel prize, or be a personality. Sure, you can have someone who works hard and gets somewhere but again, not everyone can get there. Next example is colleges and universities. A lot of people who applied to very prestiguous universities around the world may/not necessarily gain admission to said universities or colleges. In fact, it's not just academic prowess, but a handful of other factors, some luck, and also competitiveness of the said university or colleges' program. Therefore, by throwing such a blanket statement around and then thinking that people can do it, sets them up for a lot of disappointment due to false hope and unrealistic expectations. This is the reality and those statements are out of line with reality. By their logic, if someone didn't reach a goal, then they didn't try hard enough, and it's their fault, which is far, far from the truth. The truth is that not everyone can be good at everything, some people are born with better abilities and higher IQ, some people are less fortunate, and of course, effort is a factor in the equation of success, but far from the ONLY factor.
To be fair, I get why motivational speakers and similar people want to encourage and rally others to do better and I can see that. I just don't agree with the premise and background of it, especially if it sets someone up for disappointment. Sure, there are people out there who could use the motivation, but people like me only find it as a nuisance more than anything.
Does anyone feel the same way too?
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