Hello, hello –
I think we know what this is all about by now.
Perceived failure is oftentimes success trying to be born in a bigger way.
What?
True, False, or Racist?
False. This message’s ambiguous phrasing is an interesting feature. Generally, I hear this kind of thing from people who are so afraid of being technically inaccurate that they lose the power of their statement in the process of removing any and all details. Well, I think a statement so broad that it simply cannot be true is also so broad that it cannot be useful.
‘Perceived’ failure means… what? It sounds like it should just mean ‘failure’, but then we would say… failure… so it’s obviously something a little different... maybe? And ‘oftentimes’ sounds like a lazy argument – I see that oftentimes is used here to acknowledge that the statement isn't always true, but if that's the case why would I accept it as true for the purposes of this fortune? If it’s supposed to be true, it better always be true, don't you think?
Anyway, moving on – as far as a fortune goes this ambiguity seems unusual. It’s certainly been rare thus far in my sample set. Every fortune I’ve reviewed has at least tried to pass itself off as 'fact' (despite my determination that seven of the eight have been false) by using clear, declarative statements. I wonder if this explains the popularity of fortune cookies – strong statements create the impression of truth, especially if the idea itself is false.
Keep it or chuck it?
Chuck it.
Happiness is often a rebound from hard work.
Here’s another wishy-washy message that readers will be stunned to discover I’ve determined as…
True, False, or Racist?
False!
This isn’t as simple as my knowing enough perfectly happy people who don’t do anything. It’s also not that I know a lot of hard working people who remain unhappy. I think what I’ve learned from my experience is that hard work can help a great deal with sadness and that this indeed can help me become happier. But being less sad is different from happiness, a far more elusive feeling.
Keep it or chuck it?
Chuck it.
Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.
Is there a better way to wrap up than with a Failure Fetish Fortune?
True, False, or Racist?
False, false, false, false, false!
Why am I constantly finding people who insist on failing first before doing anything else? How about succeeding first? Or at least just not failing? My guess is that a lot of these ‘motivational’ messages come from people who don’t have a good understanding of failure. If someone is able to ‘begin again’ with more intelligence, that sounds to me like a setback, not a failure.
A failure is when you are unable to start again. I borrowed that thought from the following quote – success is never final, but failure can be. I agree with the quote in general but I would amend it – failure is final.
Keep it or chuck it?
Chuck it.
