You know, everyone likes a good zero to hero story. Take Rocky, for example. He’s down on his luck, but good fortune comes his way as he receives an invite to the biggest boxing match of his career. Rocky decides that he’s in, and that he’ll do whatever it takes. Cue the training montage.
We like that, don’t we? Doing whatever it takes. Hey, if downing a dozen egg whites and running up those stairs in the early morning will make the difference between winning and losing, we’ll go for it, won’t we? Especially if “Gonna Fly Now” is playing in the background. There’s something incredibly motivating about seeing someone go for it one hundred percent. Perhaps you’ve had one of those moments too, trying to get that trophy, or trying to ace that exam. But what about taking things too far?
Last time, I briefly mentioned a course about ‘influential writing’. I found it wasn’t really about writing, rather, about telling stories so others believe you’re a big deal. Sounds cartoonish, doesn’t it? It’s reminiscent of that one boy on the playground, who would tell us one tall tale after the other. However, the presenter of the course, a well-known marketing guru, believes that’s what it takes. In his mind, in order to earn the big bucks, you have to raise your status, which means convincing others that you’re a big shot. And because he believes the ends justify the means, he sees no problem with exagerating (or even partly fabricating) stories about yourself.
In the same course, he discusses how cults indoctrinate their audience, suggesting you employ their tactics as well, just to gain an edge businesswise. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed more and more of these quasi cults out there, a number of which have gotten my attention.
One group follows a certain former president, who can’t handle a loss. It doesn’t matter what anyone tells them, they’ll rather believe the entire world is conspiring against them, instead of facing the possibility that their dear leader might be lying to them. Tell them anything, and they’ll immediately go: “But what about the other guys?” Okay buddy, that’s some great deflection there. Unfortunately, it seems that once they’ve been brainwashed, it’s difficult for them to turn back.
People are losing their minds lately, they really are. The other day, I watched this YouTube short. An Asian woman was discussing how North Korea found itself in trouble after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and how their leaders handled the situation.
In the comments, someone immediately went, “It’s just like Canada!” It’s easy to guess why he said that. Most likely, Canada is too left wing for his liking. Who knows, he might even have legitimate disagreements with their policies. But instead of simply stating the facts or even his opinion, he goes way overboard. He doesn’t just bend the truth a little, he breaks it. Obviously, if you had to choose between living in North Korea and Canada, the choice should be obvious. It’s a shame, because the truth is enough, it really is.
This man is one of many, who believe that, as far as politics is concerned, the ends justify the means. Anyone who’s even a little on the left? “Oh, well, that’s a dirty commie, obviously!” Or at least, that’s how a conversation would go, I imagine. Typically, these people go from one conspiracy theory to the next. Every time, their political enemies are the bad guys. Which is rather convenient, don’t you think? And there’s nothing you can say to them. They’ve got it all figured out.
Anyways, back to my point. Doing whatever it takes can be great, as long as it’s guided by ethics and a moral compass. If you do it right, you can be a source of inspiration. Do it wrong, and you’re a detriment to society. Something to think about.
Kind regards
Vincent J. Dancet