On Failure

Most people have seen uplifting movies. Throughout countless setbacks, the protagonist breaks down barriers and volts over obstacles to succeed. Usually, despite the numerous support systems in place, all the viewers see is the protagonist standing on a podium. Hearts swell with pride, and minds become determined. Quite frankly, there are reasons for constant production pieces about success and almost none about failures.

First, within the dominant narrative, there is an intense desire to make every human being think that they only need the drive and stamina to achieve whatever goal is presented. Mature individuals understand that someone could be brilliant and hardworking, but getting the validation of “success” could depend on external forces. Getting a degree for a well-paying job is worthless if employers offer stingy pay. Unaffordable housing means never owning a home, let alone a mansion among celebrities.

Also, telling everyone to “aim for success” literally forces everyone into a competition. For people rolling their eyes and preparing animal examples, consider that no animals have more resources than others. Wealth, privilege, and resources are elements of competition that animals can avoid. Moreover, keeping people in competition prevents organizing activism. This is why not only political leaders, but activists become corrupt.

Most importantly, the dominant narrative wants people to believe that if everyone just devotes more resources and time to goals, failure is impossible. People should get more college education, invest more money, work longer hours, start more businesses, and just keep hoping one works. In this new era, none of that works because everyone received the same advice, likely from someone who was able to enjoy a middle class lifestyle. Ironically, the people offering the “advice” are the same individuals with nothing to say when confronted with failure.

Therefore, there will be lots of documented failure on this blog. People are stressed and depressed for good reasons. No one needs a “feel good” story. There are drugs for that. People need to understand that easy answers are worthless without resources. Taking risks can simply be risky without yielding great rewards. Oh, and saying no one is “owed anything” is also a worthless, easy answer. That is simply what people who have never struggled say to others to brainwash them.