Comments on: Do You Believe This?

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 05:09:20 +0000

From a Christian theological perspective – I would disagree with the statement “You are a thoroughly good person.”
The rest I could probably accept..

Do I hold all that in my heart… maybe on a good day..

By: MossysF

MossysF — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 19:24:30 +0000

They are entitled to the “Pursuit of Happiness”. Doesn’t mean they are entitled to happiness.

By: BD

BD — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 13:34:18 +0000

Jeremy Weiss: the question of whether or not someone is “entitled” to live was settled, at least in this country, years ago.

Our founders thought it was self-evident (not even worth debating) that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

By: fin_indie

fin_indie — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 13:21:18 +0000

Glad to see someone calling to light this “entitlement” attitude. It’s definitely widespread and it really, really gets my goat. I particularly love the entitlement attitude towards homeownership, especially given where prices are today. You EARN it or you don’t get it — you’re NOT entitled!

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 00:30:58 +0000

No, but I think it’s a good way to sell a self-help book

How about “You were extremely lucky to be born in this country and have the education to be able to read this sentence.”

Man, too cynical today!

By: Bruce Will

Bruce Will — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:43:44 +0000

Oh, life is a glorious cycle of song,
A medley of extemporanea;
And love is a thing that can never go wrong;
And I am Marie of Rumania.

-Dorothy Parker

By: JLP

JLP — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:11:32 +0000

Interesting discussion going here and that’s just the first three paragraphs. Anyway, it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who has problems with the opening to Tracy’s book.

By: Miguel

Miguel — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:04:44 +0000

I’ve reread that statement a couple of times, and must say that depending on exactly how I look at it, it does and does not make sense.

I would reword it as follows:

You are human and fallable, but you constantly strive to be the best person you can be. You work extremely hard and deserve a wonderful life, full of success, happiness, joy, and excitement. You are entitled to have happy relationships, excellent health, meaningful work, and financial independence because you have made these your life priorities. These are not your birthright – you recognize and appreciate how extremely fortunate you are every single day.

Your success is built upon your high level of self-esteem, integrity, self-respect, and personal pride. You are extraordinary and unique in your abilities, yet also recognize the value of modestly when it comes to human relations. You have amazing untapped talents and abilities that, when properly unleashed and applied, can bring you everything you could ever want in life – few people fully understand their potential and in helping them find it, you also help yourself.

You are surrounded by abundant opportunities that you can take advantage of to realize you dreams. You know that the only real limits on what you can be, do, or have are the limits you place on yourself by your own thinking – and you are committed to expanding your mind and the minds of others.

By: Independent George

Independent George — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 20:57:23 +0000

Aside from the question of entitlement, the word ‘thoroughly’ in the first sentence really bugs me, too. I consider myself a good person, but my mind boggles at the notion that anybody can be thoroughly good. We all have our vices, and to blind yourself to them is to be defeated by them. A little humility goes a lot further than all the positive reinforcement in the world.

I do agree with the last paragraph, though – we are living in an age of wonders.

By: Bobby

Bobby — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 19:34:25 +0000

I must say I disagree with most of the first paragraph simply based on the use of a few words. I believe what the author was trying to speak to is the inherent value, unique attributes and potential in each person. However, to use words like deserve, entitled and birthright, in addition to the first and last sentence of the initial paragraph, can support beliefs and perceptions that are not realistic.

I believe everyone can be a good person and your life can include these things, but to state that they should be yours without reservation is naive.