And why then do we try our best to eliminate struggles?
It is the struggle, that makes us stronger. We struggle to become stronger so we can stop struggling and make things easier for ourselves and others.
Do we try to make things easier for others because we do not want them to become as strong as us and challenge our position?
I doubt that anyone tries to help others in order to make them weaker. But, that is often the result. Try carrying your kid all their life and see if they ever learn to walk. Give someone free food and a place to live and see if they ever get a job. Lock your self in a germ-free environment and you will never be able to leave because you have no immune system. Build “the house of the future” that never makes you lift a finger and your muscles will atrophy. Sounds silly?
Ok, pay for your kids’ college education and see how much they value it. Give everyone free health care and see if they do what the doctor suggests. Force corporations to keep jobs in America, and see if Americans are willing to work as hard as people from other countries.
I would love to make your life easier – to spread the wealth around, but I can’t, and even if I could it would not be good for you. I can’t because people do not value free things nearly as highly as things they have to work for. The gift would be quickly wasted and you would be left with less than you had. It sounds, cynical but there are thousands of examples throughout history to back-up this assertion. Giving something to someone who is not willing to work is like pushing a string. Eventually you will be dragging them.
Even if I could lead you to water and make you drink, if I do all the work, you would never get stronger or learn how to take care of yourself. The best thing I could do is get out of the way and make sure there is nothing unnecessarily blocking your way.
This principle holds true with any form of leadership – business, parenting, government, even friendship. Get out of the way and let your seedling grow. Remove arbitrary rules, protect against truly unfair activities, inspire and encourage, but do not remove all the obstacles, and don’t help too much.
Dirt gets in the way as a seed grows into a plant. It has to force its way through, but without the dirt the seed would not grow. Do not remove the dirt or you will kill the plant. Then again do not pour concrete on top of it either.
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This post got no comment?! Not even from me?! I think this is one of the best posts you have ever written!
This is a good point and said well! Most Americans need to read this and take it to heart. I know it is something I needed to hear!!