But it is not the job of truth to make us feel good. It is the job of truth to be true, and it is our job to deal with it.
William DeresiewiczRead
Don't play it safe. Resist the seductions of the cowardly values our society has come to prize so highly: comfort, convenience, security, predictability, control. These, too, are nets. Above all, resist the fear of failure. Yes, you will make mistakes. But they will be your mistakes, not someone else's. And you will survive them, and you will know yourself better for having made them, and you will be a fuller and a stronger person.
Interpretation
Embrace risks and face failure, as doing so leads to personal growth and self-discovery.
William Deresiewicz's quote encourages individuals to move beyond societal norms that prioritize safety and control. By taking risks and confronting the fear of failure, one can experience personal growth and develop a deeper understanding of oneself. Making mistakes is a part of life, and rather than succumbing to the comfort of predictability, embracing challenges can lead to a more fulfilling and resilient existence.
In practice
In a motivational speech about entrepreneurship, one could use this quote to inspire resilience in the face of business challenges.
But it is not the job of truth to make us feel good. It is the job of truth to be true, and it is our job to deal with it.
One day, I had a patient who was going through chemotherapy who came to me and said, 'I'm going to go on with what I'm doing, but I need you to tell me what it is that I'm fighting.'
I would rather be alone and a loud voice for action than be silent.
At first I wasn't sure that I had the talent, but I did know I had a fear of failure, and that fear compelled me to fight off anything that might abet it.
Racism and sexism, misogyny and homophobia, they're so visible. They're out in the open. When they're visible, it's a lot easier to deal with them.
You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.
Fear can be one of the most destructive emotions. It is, of course, also very important, in that fear sometimes stops you from doing stupid things. But it can also stop you from doing creative or exciting or experimental things. It can cloud your judgement of others, and lead to all kinds of evil. The control and understanding of our personal fears is one of the most important undertakings of our lives.
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