One bit of hard advice I received while I was a graduate student at Columbia University in the City of New York was the warning that — if you are not vigilant and demanding of your talent every day — you will slowly become what you hate.
The temptation to give in to hate is convenient for many because hating is easy while honoring your talent is tough and, many times, unpopular. You become what you hate by giving up your idealism in a world that crushes originality and perseverance of purpose.
Keep the light within you alive by always requiring the best of yourself even when you are down. Talent will always revive you and lead you onward. Live up to the covenant of your life. Honor the truth of your talent.
As the great son of Nebraska and philosophical political poet William Jennings Bryan said, “The truth, when crushed to the ground, shall rise again.” Talent is always vindicated but it may not happen in a single lifetime so leave behind breadcrumbs of your essence for the truth seekers to follow.
So true.
When we give in to hate, we take the first step on the road that brings us to that change. It’s inevitable; I’ve seen it too many times.
Eternal truth.
Well said.
Thanks, Ed!
It is nice to have you here with us!