I had to reread the line "In large part due to our freedom of speech and freedom of the press, American politics has never been as accountable as it is today."...I would agree with you in theory. I do not find this to be true in this current administration. I feel like I am in a 1984 scene on any given day. I hope this country can value the First Amendment no matter what party you ascribe allegiance to. If not, we are a dead republic.
I cannot go along with your citing Hillel's quote as hype. It is one thing to be for one's self. It is an entirely different matter to take that to mean he favored the narcistic behaviors, to the point of deliberately causing harm to others, of which you wrote.
I think we might look at the root of modern hype as coming from hyper as in hypersonic or hyperextension or hyperbole; overly this or that; ;this or that to extreme.
While I can agree that there was fault in all those who went along with the schemes, even because they so wanted to believe, I think primary responsibility rests with the two criminals. Maybe the adults in the room should have stopped them, but each made a choice to go down their path. Perhaps they were foolishly encouraged, but they chose to deceive and build on their own deception. They were not unaware.
“It’s often said that low expectations crush the ambitions of children. I think that’s true. It’s also true that expectations which are unrealistically lofty can lead people astray unless they possess the self-knowledge and strength of personality to resist the adulation. In this battle against the hype-loop, it’s helpful, maybe crucial, to have people around you who love you enough to be your devils’ advocate instead of just another enabler.”
I cannot tell you how well this fits my brother and his wife, when it came to their only child, who is now 32, living with them, and has a job that allows him to sit in his room, using a computer. He’s also smoking and drinking an excessive amount of beer, but I don’t know if that’s while he’s on the job (wouldn’t surprise me).
I still remember when he was around 8, my SIL bragging that they’d had him tested, and he was *gifted.* They were so proud of their offspring! As he matured, our family (including my parents) were appalled by some of his behavior, along with the fact that his parents seemed to be oblivious or even encouraged it by excusing things that made us wonder how they could be such loving, but horrible parents.
Now, my brother is disappointed, discouraged, and still seems unable to do anything to actually help his son move on, and become an adult. When my brother visited recently, he described a litany of problems his son is having, and seems bewildered. How did this happen? My parents knew 25 years ago, but they either felt it wasn’t their business or they knew my brother wouldn’t listen, so they kept their mouths shut. Everyone knew, except my brother and his wife.
"And, in truth, humility is to wisdom as breath is to life." . An essential truth and a very beautiful turn of phrase. Though I can't resist, "You can order your "humility is wisdom" t-shirts online at LMCYT.com. Colors may vary. Hurry as supplies are low!"
I had to reread the line "In large part due to our freedom of speech and freedom of the press, American politics has never been as accountable as it is today."...I would agree with you in theory. I do not find this to be true in this current administration. I feel like I am in a 1984 scene on any given day. I hope this country can value the First Amendment no matter what party you ascribe allegiance to. If not, we are a dead republic.
I cannot go along with your citing Hillel's quote as hype. It is one thing to be for one's self. It is an entirely different matter to take that to mean he favored the narcistic behaviors, to the point of deliberately causing harm to others, of which you wrote.
I think we might look at the root of modern hype as coming from hyper as in hypersonic or hyperextension or hyperbole; overly this or that; ;this or that to extreme.
While I can agree that there was fault in all those who went along with the schemes, even because they so wanted to believe, I think primary responsibility rests with the two criminals. Maybe the adults in the room should have stopped them, but each made a choice to go down their path. Perhaps they were foolishly encouraged, but they chose to deceive and build on their own deception. They were not unaware.
I love that quote by Hillel and I meant it to apply SOLELY to self-promotion, which I think is a good quality.
I struggle with self-promotion as the intended meaning.
Historical footnote. My father wrote about Hillel.
https://www.abebooks.com/9780838102190/story-Hillel-Aaron-H-Blumenthal-0838102190/plp
I suppose standing up for yourself might be more spot on.
“It’s often said that low expectations crush the ambitions of children. I think that’s true. It’s also true that expectations which are unrealistically lofty can lead people astray unless they possess the self-knowledge and strength of personality to resist the adulation. In this battle against the hype-loop, it’s helpful, maybe crucial, to have people around you who love you enough to be your devils’ advocate instead of just another enabler.”
I cannot tell you how well this fits my brother and his wife, when it came to their only child, who is now 32, living with them, and has a job that allows him to sit in his room, using a computer. He’s also smoking and drinking an excessive amount of beer, but I don’t know if that’s while he’s on the job (wouldn’t surprise me).
I still remember when he was around 8, my SIL bragging that they’d had him tested, and he was *gifted.* They were so proud of their offspring! As he matured, our family (including my parents) were appalled by some of his behavior, along with the fact that his parents seemed to be oblivious or even encouraged it by excusing things that made us wonder how they could be such loving, but horrible parents.
Now, my brother is disappointed, discouraged, and still seems unable to do anything to actually help his son move on, and become an adult. When my brother visited recently, he described a litany of problems his son is having, and seems bewildered. How did this happen? My parents knew 25 years ago, but they either felt it wasn’t their business or they knew my brother wouldn’t listen, so they kept their mouths shut. Everyone knew, except my brother and his wife.
"And, in truth, humility is to wisdom as breath is to life." . An essential truth and a very beautiful turn of phrase. Though I can't resist, "You can order your "humility is wisdom" t-shirts online at LMCYT.com. Colors may vary. Hurry as supplies are low!"
Thanks Sam!
Anne,
Thanks for your candor and openness. Your comment is so very poignant and on point. .
Best,
David