Sometimes during certain parts of my life I encounter something that perfectly pertains to my situation at that point. Many times I have uncovered scriptures that have spoken directly to a challenge I was facing. Recently the book that is speaking to me is "Atlas Shrugged".
The book, like the views of Rand, espouse the importance of productivity of capital generation. The enemies or antagonists are called "looters" and make their wealth by feeding off of their connections, laws, and socialist tendancies. The real generators of industrial wealth are condemned and weighed down and finally flee the country.
Why does this pertain to me? I am currently in between jobs and evaluating my worth as a contributor to the work force. Do I have the courage, work ethic, and intelligence to generate wealth myself? Do I have to rely on others to make things happen for me? These thoughts were recently evoked by a recent phone call from my mother-in-law. In it she stated that she knew a few people that I can talk to regarding a couple of opportunities in Utah. It made me think. Should I feel guilty for accepting such help? I didn't truly earn this advantage through my own work but through my connection to other people. All things being equal I want my work to speak for me and not my network.
Connections are an essential thing, a true necessity in todays world. I guess they are good in establishing an initial relationship. But work, skill, and knowledge are what should be needed in order prove worth and make connections last. So both social abilities and pure skill are needed to truly succeed. I wonder what Ayn Rand would think?
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2 comments:
Jens,
You know I’ve always hated “networking.” I feel that my qualifications should speak for themselves. But I wouldn’t feel bad for using connections at all (especially if it will bring you back here). Unfortunately (and fortunately I guess) most businesses work exactly like that. So work within the system.
On a related note Mr. Ted Nuget has said quite a few profound things, as we all well know. (“cat scratch fever” oh what poetic genius). But surprisingly he once said (probably not an original quote, but that’s where I first heard it) “if you want to be successful be of some worth to society.” In other words, if society is the one paying the check, then you got’a do what they want. Makes me think.
Nice post Gar. Here's a thought that combines your last statement from Ted Nugent and an earlier conversation about bums reading in the library.
Most of the transients that I run across in the library are very well read on subjects that don't generally translate into "value". They can be very conversant on 18th century politics in Prussia but they don't know a lick about computer programing.
In short, their knowledge is attached to interesting but commercially unlucrative subjects. If they devoted their reading hours to "plumbing the Bill Maier way" would they be in their perdicament? Kind of makes me want to rethink my interest in archaeology.
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