* My confusion about the pros and cons of a big ego drew a couple of responses that have cleared up the issue for me. David Woolley’s contention is that “there are some big accomplishments that are pretty hard to reach without single-minded (perhaps obsessive) devotion to the goal. Winning an olympic gold medal, or climbing Mt. Everest, say. But there are other great accomplishments that have more to do with happening to be working on the right thing at the right time in the right place, and don’t require any such obsession…. A big ego is a necessary ingredient for a huge failure. It’s not a necessary ingredient for a huge success.” And Norm Stoehr (posting to the Real Joe Private Blog) pointed out that “It might not be a bigger ego, but a stronger ego that you will need to succeed. Bigger is bad, stronger is good.”
Thanks, gents. Your comments prompted me to do a little reading up on “ego.” In everyday terminology, someone with an “ego” typcially means they’re conceited and self-involved. A “big ego” means an “egomaniac.” In the psychologist’s world though, those with strong egos “…don’t need continual acknowledgement and adoration from the world around them because they implicitly believe in themselves. People with strong egos have a quiet grace and confidence that allows them to be open, giving and supportive to others and their endeavors.”
Norm also wrote: “You will have to accept becoming the “Oprah” for us ordinary guys.” Oh shit, please, no! It didn’t occur to me till just now, but one of my all-time favorite quotes pertains here: “Live your life without ambition. But live as those who are ambitious.” – Larry Brilliant. I need to act more ambitious. And a strong ego will help me to do it without ambition.
* My whining about a dearth of heroes who are decent people and live balanced lives prompted Curt Benson to post some notes about the life of President Harry Truman, including this gem: “A secret service agent who worked with Truman said that he wished that he had had a father like Truman.”
* My criticism of the Texas missionaries prompted Jo to object: “Wow! That’s some audacity you have putting words in those poor women’s mouths when all they were was grateful because they were rescued and thanking God because of it. I dont remember them mentioning that their lives were of any greater value than those who were in the trade tower.” Jo, you’re right, they didn’t claim their lives were greater in value than others. My point was to take their logic and extend it out to show the absurdity of their claim that God used the Taliban to put them in prison for a greater purpose.
Joseph and Acidman posted harsher retorts to Jo. And thanks, lizie, for contributing this quote: “Whenever cannibals are on the brink of starvation, Heaven, in its infinite mercy, sends them a nice plump missionary.” – Oscar Wilde