Robert Samuelton of Washington Post wrote an interesting article today entitled: In Good Times and Bad Times. He opened with this interesting observation based on James Grants’ book, “The Trouble With Prosperity
”:
While he was quoting this in context of an economic theory, I believe on the other hand that this is actually a life’s important lesson that we need to learn from. We are a breed of survivors, and that separate us radically from the animal species. We survive in the worst of situations. In fact, we survived two world wars that left us in economic and emotional depression as result. We survived other worst man made and natural calamities. It is our inherent nature to survive. No doubt.
Ironically, we don’t stand strong in wealth, success and prosperity
. Grant was right after all. We become complacent when things go well with us. Our success and overconfidence as a result become our Waterloo. Why is that? No wonder Abe Lincoln’s wit rings timeless truth:
Although he was referring this remark in the context of political power, it holds true in any similar situation. Who would have thought that in an age where technology has advanced beyond what we can imagine, and where the exchange of information is done in split seconds, that the whole world will still go on an economic slowdown like this?
Were we caught unaware? Are these things simply the results of our own folly? When will we ever learn?
”:“If things seem splendid, they will get worse. Success inspires overconfidence and excess. If things seem dismal, they will get better. Crisis spawns opportunities and progress. Our triumphs and follies follow a rhythm that, though it can be influenced, cannot be repealed. Good times breed bad, and vice versa.”
While he was quoting this in context of an economic theory, I believe on the other hand that this is actually a life’s important lesson that we need to learn from. We are a breed of survivors, and that separate us radically from the animal species. We survive in the worst of situations. In fact, we survived two world wars that left us in economic and emotional depression as result. We survived other worst man made and natural calamities. It is our inherent nature to survive. No doubt.
Ironically, we don’t stand strong in wealth, success and prosperity
. Grant was right after all. We become complacent when things go well with us. Our success and overconfidence as a result become our Waterloo. Why is that? No wonder Abe Lincoln’s wit rings timeless truth:“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power...”
Although he was referring this remark in the context of political power, it holds true in any similar situation. Who would have thought that in an age where technology has advanced beyond what we can imagine, and where the exchange of information is done in split seconds, that the whole world will still go on an economic slowdown like this?
Were we caught unaware? Are these things simply the results of our own folly? When will we ever learn?
13 Comments:
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts ^_~