Self-Reliance, Emerson Style
Steve took inspiration from the great transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson for today’s newsletter, Invent Your Future- Now.
Here’s an excerpt:
Circumstance affects our results, but we cannot let a blame of circumstance distract us from what we need to do. On the contrary, circumstance should inform what we do. Look out the window at the outside world, and study closely what is happening. Then, turn and look in the mirror and say to yourself, “Ok, now it’s time for action.”
Steve advocates we take charge of our futures and invent them (now!). So, what are you waiting for? Read the newsletter, and Invent Your Future- Now.
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Steve, great post. I was particularly struck by the mention of the man who said “God till take care of [him].” In a recent consultation, I was hit with the same words. I had to ask them “Why do you think God gave you feet, legs, hands, arms, etc.?” The reply I got was “To move around and do things.”
My next words were “So, he might open a door. But if He doesn’t appear, pick you up, and carry you over the threshold, I suppose He could be hinting that YOU have to actually use those appendages to get there yourself.”
Similarly, I have a very close friend who constantly makes comments starting with “If I ever win the lottery, I will…” followed by things that might be very difficult but could be achieved nonetheless through planning, hard work, and patience. I’ve also heard lots of people say things like “We’re going to have children when we’re financially ready.” Yeah. Uh huh. I’ve NEVER heard someone say “We were financially ready, so we had a child.” They got pregnant. They had a baby. They adjusted their lifestyle accordingly.
I see it this way:
Your intentions create your conscious thoughts.
Your thoughts create your actions.
Your actions create your circumstances.
Nowhere in that equation or chronology does “chance, luck or fate” appear. Unexpected events will happen. But the long-term consequences of such events is not about luck or chance or destiny — it’s all about knowing where you’re trying to go and using that as the compass which guides your actions and reactions, both of which start in your mind, not somewhere “out there.”
Just reminded myself of the story of the man in a flood. It had been raining heavily for days. The news said “A flood is coming. Evacuate immediately.”
Sitting on his porch with water up to the steps, a boat with two firemen approached. “Get in, they said.”
“Oh, no” the man replied. “God will save me.”
A while later, the man was on the roof of his porch. Floodwater reaching the top of his windows. Another boat approached. “Jump in. We’ll rescue you.”
“Oh no,” the man shouted. “God will take care of me.”
Now perched atop his chimney, water above the ridge of his roof, a helicopter lowers a ladder to him and the voice on the loudspeaker says “Grab the ladder. We’re here to save you.”
“No need,” he shouts. “God will take care of me.”
The man drowned a little while later.
Standing at the “pearly gates,” St. Peter announced to the old man that his name had been erased from the book. He was condemned to spend eternity in hell for his lack of faith.”
The old man said “WHAT??? I thought God would save me?”
A voice boomed out “Well, I sent two boats and a helicopter.”
Thanks Dan, as always!
Great newsletter, Steve! Thank you for the inspiration and initiation to move forward. Regarding God and business, for me Old Testament Scripture says it best, “Go to the ant you, sluggard; consider its ways and be wise.” The ant seems to work like none other in both building now and preserving for the future. I also love the story Dan retells. Thanks again, Steve.
Oh, and how I love Emerson! Thanks for that too. Excellent relevant quotes by Shakespeare and Yogi Berra also. Great!
Thanks for coming by Judith – always great when you’re here! I think Emerson is more pivotal and influential on our modern world than any of us can realize.