I don't consider myself notably cynical - at least no more so than the average world-weary, disaffected Penn student. I believe in the essential goodness of man, I trust in the curing powers of chocolate and I have faith that a simple smile accomplishes a lot.
But like most of you, when it comes to thinking of the future, I want facts, numbers and pragmatic proof that I won't fail with the risks I take. [Note: "risk" = anything post-graduation.]
Which is why I take issue with the inspirational quotations often used to encourage us and to drive us forward. They don't account for context, they don't impart concrete knowledge or plans, and as anyone in need of motivation will tell you, they are a poor substitute. for actual inspiration.
You know the phrases I mean; famous sayings like Les Brown's "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." Such quips instruct us to take risks and strive for better, but when it comes to the possible consequences of our actions, do they really make us feel better?Their ability to comfort seems minimal at best. And yet we surround ourselves with quotations like these, tacking them on our walls and writing them in our cards as if repetition and ubiquity are the anecdotes for triteness.
Actual success stories, however, never cease to be interesting or inspiring - or more importantly, reassuring. Whether it is the entrepreneurial success of our fellow students (see page 10) or the near-mythic tale of Fred Smith launching FedEx, these examples reveal that inspirational quotations are poor proxies for the real thing; these successes drive us to not only try, but also show us what is possible when we do reach that proverbial moon.
Granted, these self-starting-savants are likely the exception, not the rule. And I admit that focusing on success stories is a one-sided approach to the various outcomes of a risk; just like there aren't de-motivational quotations, we don't like to dwell on accounts of bankruptcy and crashing businesses. though the recent front pages of the New York Times suggest otherwise.
Is this cynical thinking? Maybe. But good luck telling your friends at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and Lehman Brothers (and AIG and Merrill Lynch) that they haven't failed - they've just landed among the stars!
Suddenly, secure investment in a share (or two) of cynicism doesn't seem so wrong.
Here's to you,
Kerry
