The experiences and exploits of a college grad trying to make it in the "real world:" leaving school and friends in New England, moving south, and living with her boyfriend. Watch as I pretend to be an adult.
...you are not special. You are not a beautiful or unique snowflake. You're the same decaying organic matter as everything else. - Tyler Durden
This may be a bit harsh, but it captures my current sentiments rather well. Today's rant is about those people. You know the ones I mean. The people who think that, by the grace of god, genetics, or upbringing, they are somehow better than everyone else. They are healthier, smarter, more charming, morally superior; in short, their shit doesn't stink. I'm sorry, but... are you fucking kidding me? Have you developed a cure for cancer, brought about world peace, or contributed anything of worth to society? Will you be remembered in the annals of history? For that matter, will anyone other than say, your grandchildren, remember you two generations from now? Probably not. Face it: for 95% of us, the answer to these questions is no. And that's fine. It's as it should be. There can only be one Napoleon, one George Washington, one Martin Luther King, Jr. Great men and women are few and far between because society cannot tolerate more than a few of them in any given generation without disolving into anarchy- the majority of us have to be content to run things behind the scenes, to follow where others lead. Now, I'm not suggesting blind obedience. Far from it! It is everyone's duty to be as informed as we possibly can be about the world around us. We have a tremendous resource at our disposal. The human mind is an amazing organ, capable of far more than most of us realize. It's a sad fact that most of us choose to fill it up with trivialities and inanities, prefering to watch TV or play video games rather than read a book or play an instrument. These people frustrate me as well, and will be the subject of a future rant. Everyone (baring those with legitimate mental disabilities) should be able to make informed decisions regarding our health, governmental policy, and lifestyle. But the fact remains that the vast majority of us will not be political or social leaders, will not develop a multi-billion dollar company, and will not create beautiful works of art, literature, or music. Most of us are doomed to relative obscurity. And you know why that is? It isn't because we lack brains, talent, or ability. At least, in many cases it isn't a lack of these things. The missing factor 99% of the time is drive. You see, I've met these men and women. Maybe not the "great-greats," world leaders and social icons- but the second tier greats. The "lessor-greats." Diplomats. CEO's and CFO's of companies we've all heard of. Famous trial lawyers. Senators and Congressmen. A post-master general or two. Hell, real Generals and Admirals. Even a couple Nobel prize winners. For a while my father and other extended family floated in the same Washington, DC social circle as these "lessor-greats." My father was VP of one of the largest aviation techology companies in the country during a time when air travel was the fastest growing tech field out there. My uncle was a speech writer for Johnson, and then President of PBS. So, ever since I was little, dinner parties and social events tended to have a few of the "muckity mucks" schmoozing with the rest of them. And yes, they're bright. Yes, they're personable. In almost all cases they are highly educated and well connected. But you know what really sets them apart? They are driven as hell. They have an ambition that is truly astounding, and their energy level is almost always through the roof. After you meet one of these people, one of the 'pillars' of our society, you walk away knowing exactly why they reached the heights they did- they worked their asses off. They pushed night and day to get where they are, in many cases sacrificing comforts like family and friends along the way. Personally, I feel no need to live like these men and women do. I'll be happy to pull down a decent salary, and perhaps effect some small good in my own little corner of the universe. But I have to admit- they are damn impressive. So, you there. Yeah, you with your smug expression and holier-than-thou attitude... you want the luxury of feeling superior to your fellow man? Very well. Join the ranks of the men and women I've described. Write a truly great novel. Not a popular one- a great one. Effect a profound and needed political change. Work your way up from dirt to found a successful company. Paint, write, or compose a masterpiece. Do something. Make something. Show that drive, that ambition, that fire that is present in truly great men.
Because until you do you're no better, and no worse, than the rest of us schmucks.
