Like you, Mardy, I love to pick apart words to find their origin . In 1993 I took a summer workshop at Kent State which sparked my interest in Greek and Latin root words. For the next twenty years I delved into that subject with a passion. It was extremely useful in my years of tutoring high-school students. I'm hopeful that I reached a few students and created a love of words in them.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Bernadette. How nice to know that you also shared your love of etymology with your students. That means your passion will live on after you're gone.
Determination... AKA 'STICK–TO–ITIVENESS' ... Just last week, I told a young Turkish friend about the children's' story of 'The Little Engine that Could' ... Hope it inspires him to not give up in his quest to get into law school in Canada. Thanks Mardy...I'll pass some of your words of wisdom on to him.
Thanks, Arlene. I'm surprised that popular expression didn't come to my mind when I wrote this week's post. Although, now that I'm thinking about it, I've always regarded "stick-to-itiveness" as more of an example of "tenacity" or "persistence" than "determination."
Although determination is critical to many endeavors in life, one must not forget its down side, especially in dealing with health issues. Popular books, such as the 1984 Love, Medicine, and Miracles by Bernie Siegel on “beating cancer,” whatever that means, through so-called positive thinking and “determination" set up many patients with devastating results. I’ve seen friends and family members struggle with chronic illnesses of body and mind, illnesses so complex that no amount of hard work and willpower could cure them.
I like how your observation at the end qualified that determination can be equally destructive when the motivation behind the determination does not have a common good at its core.
Thanks for your kind words, Harvey. I'm delighted to hear about the link. If any of my subscribers would like to learn more about Harvey's The New Daily Journal, go here: https://hestanbrough.com/
I knew the mystery author! So rare of me to do so. I needed to read these quotes about determination. It is a great reminder to “keep going!” The AI image was amazing!! I am impressed that you are venturing into our new reality undaunted.
Congratulations, Manisha. People in my age cohort are generally familiar with Camus, but when younger people like you are, it's impressive. As you work on your writing career, you'll need all the determination you can muster. Glad to hear you liked the AI image as well. It was soooo easy to create!
Determination can be the source of much pain, heartache, wasted time, and frustration if you don’t consider these observations from your Dictionary of Metaphorical Quotations:
So often when the obstacles in your path can’t be overcome, it’s not your path.
Robert Brault, in The Second Collection (2015)
In the face of an obstacle which it is impossible to overcome, stubbornness is stupid.
Simone de Beauvoir, in The Ethics of Ambiguity (1948)
Thanks for weighing in, Mark. I probably should have explored that sub-theme a bit more in the post. In the future, I will make sure to add more quotes on the downside of determination to my DMDMQ: https://www.drmardy.com/dmdmq/
"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. No use being a damn fool about it." --an evolved quote, often falsely attributed to WC Fields.
In my forthcoming book on innovation in carmaking, I have a chapter on aphorisms that elucidate the Silicon Valley culture. This is one of them.
As long as your process was good, failure is acceptable, in fact encouraged. But as executive Carol Bartz said, you should "fail fast forward". Take the loss, learn from it, and move on. Don't be a zombie who has no chance of success but, refusing to die, saps up resources that could go to something better.
Hello John. Thanks for sharing that quote, which I've always loved, and your other thoughts on this week's theme. Please let me know when the book will be available.
Jerome Kern wrote the melody, but Dorothy Field wrote the lyrics to "Pick Yourself Up, Dust Yourself Off, and Start All Over Again." The (other) story of my life.
Interesting writing on the topic Mardy. Last night I picked up Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree and reread it. Think of the tree's determination to satisfy the boy!!
Regarding next week's topic: I predict a significant Blue Wave is coming on Tuesday. Its significance may be (and hopefully will be) substantial. The time has come for an end to a dominant theme of politics by divisive control. Thank you, Dr. Mardy, for your many efforts to get American "on track again" over the past several years. I predict, and I hope and I pray, that we will all see tangible results on Tuesday.
Thanks for weighing in, Roger, I appreciate your kind words about my efforts. The theme of next week's post is still a big question mark in my mind--and I won't know the results are in. Stay tuned!
Wilma Rudolph's story is inspiring and instructive - worth exploring - and the quote you include today captures her spirit. The quote from Ella Wheeler Wilcox is essentially the same message.
I take issue, though, with "A failure establishes only this, that our determination to succeed was not strong enough." I don't buy it.
Perhaps failure meant to Bovee a giving up, a surrender. But we all fail. The test is what we do next. Sometimes failure is just a signpost on a path. Surely that's true if we are determined.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jack, and especially for the reminder that failure is so much more than a lack of determination. Thanks also for reminding me of the similarity between the Rudolph and Wilcox quotations.
AI is good, as your cartoon points out, but not perfect! The road runner is not at the right tire but is determined to stay ahead of the jeep without a driver. That’s determination…… and the result does matter.
Thanks for the kind words, Phil. I noticed some of the same issues with the AI image. In hindsight, I think I should have asked ChatGTP to adjust or modify the image.
Thanks for your kind words, Barbara. So far, I've only dipped my toe in, and while I'm not ready to dive in, I have a feeling I'll be wading in a little further.
I believe that intent and presumption combine to create determination. When one intends to accomplish a goal and presumes competence, more often than not, success ensues
Determination is independent of the quality of the intended objective.
Well said, Nick. Is that your original creation? If so, I'd like to quote you on it.
Definitely original, Mardy! Honored to be quoted!
Truly my pleasure, Nick. You can now find it in the DETERMINATION section of my DMDMQ: https://www.drmardy.com/dmdmq/d#determination
Like you, Mardy, I love to pick apart words to find their origin . In 1993 I took a summer workshop at Kent State which sparked my interest in Greek and Latin root words. For the next twenty years I delved into that subject with a passion. It was extremely useful in my years of tutoring high-school students. I'm hopeful that I reached a few students and created a love of words in them.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Bernadette. How nice to know that you also shared your love of etymology with your students. That means your passion will live on after you're gone.
Determination... AKA 'STICK–TO–ITIVENESS' ... Just last week, I told a young Turkish friend about the children's' story of 'The Little Engine that Could' ... Hope it inspires him to not give up in his quest to get into law school in Canada. Thanks Mardy...I'll pass some of your words of wisdom on to him.
Thanks, Arlene. I'm surprised that popular expression didn't come to my mind when I wrote this week's post. Although, now that I'm thinking about it, I've always regarded "stick-to-itiveness" as more of an example of "tenacity" or "persistence" than "determination."
Although determination is critical to many endeavors in life, one must not forget its down side, especially in dealing with health issues. Popular books, such as the 1984 Love, Medicine, and Miracles by Bernie Siegel on “beating cancer,” whatever that means, through so-called positive thinking and “determination" set up many patients with devastating results. I’ve seen friends and family members struggle with chronic illnesses of body and mind, illnesses so complex that no amount of hard work and willpower could cure them.
Thanks for the very helpful reminder, David. Perhaps I'll return to the theme one day in a post on "The Down Side of Determination."
I like how your observation at the end qualified that determination can be equally destructive when the motivation behind the determination does not have a common good at its core.
Thanks, Larry. In hindsight, I probably should have explored that idea a bit more in the body of the post.
Another great post, Mardy. I linked to it in TNDJ, as I do when a post contains content of value to my fiction writers.
Thanks for your kind words, Harvey. I'm delighted to hear about the link. If any of my subscribers would like to learn more about Harvey's The New Daily Journal, go here: https://hestanbrough.com/
Thanks, Mardy. And if I may, the substack link is https://thenewdailyjournal.substack.com/.
I knew the mystery author! So rare of me to do so. I needed to read these quotes about determination. It is a great reminder to “keep going!” The AI image was amazing!! I am impressed that you are venturing into our new reality undaunted.
Congratulations, Manisha. People in my age cohort are generally familiar with Camus, but when younger people like you are, it's impressive. As you work on your writing career, you'll need all the determination you can muster. Glad to hear you liked the AI image as well. It was soooo easy to create!
Determination can be the source of much pain, heartache, wasted time, and frustration if you don’t consider these observations from your Dictionary of Metaphorical Quotations:
So often when the obstacles in your path can’t be overcome, it’s not your path.
Robert Brault, in The Second Collection (2015)
In the face of an obstacle which it is impossible to overcome, stubbornness is stupid.
Simone de Beauvoir, in The Ethics of Ambiguity (1948)
Thanks for weighing in, Mark. I probably should have explored that sub-theme a bit more in the post. In the future, I will make sure to add more quotes on the downside of determination to my DMDMQ: https://www.drmardy.com/dmdmq/
I love so much of what Robert Brault has published, especially that particular quote.
Agreed!
"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. No use being a damn fool about it." --an evolved quote, often falsely attributed to WC Fields.
In my forthcoming book on innovation in carmaking, I have a chapter on aphorisms that elucidate the Silicon Valley culture. This is one of them.
As long as your process was good, failure is acceptable, in fact encouraged. But as executive Carol Bartz said, you should "fail fast forward". Take the loss, learn from it, and move on. Don't be a zombie who has no chance of success but, refusing to die, saps up resources that could go to something better.
Hello John. Thanks for sharing that quote, which I've always loved, and your other thoughts on this week's theme. Please let me know when the book will be available.
Jerome Kern wrote the melody, but Dorothy Field wrote the lyrics to "Pick Yourself Up, Dust Yourself Off, and Start All Over Again." The (other) story of my life.
Hello Pat. Thanks so much for reminding me about that great sing title. I'll make sure I add it to my DMDMQ.
Interesting writing on the topic Mardy. Last night I picked up Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree and reread it. Think of the tree's determination to satisfy the boy!!
I appreciate your kind words, Herman. And thanks for the reminder about one of my all-time favorite books--but which I haven't read in decades.
I note a lack of focus on moral integrity as a driver of determination.. or perhaps I missed it?
Thanks for writing, John . You missed nothing; I neglected to explore that important dimension.
Regarding next week's topic: I predict a significant Blue Wave is coming on Tuesday. Its significance may be (and hopefully will be) substantial. The time has come for an end to a dominant theme of politics by divisive control. Thank you, Dr. Mardy, for your many efforts to get American "on track again" over the past several years. I predict, and I hope and I pray, that we will all see tangible results on Tuesday.
Thanks for weighing in, Roger, I appreciate your kind words about my efforts. The theme of next week's post is still a big question mark in my mind--and I won't know the results are in. Stay tuned!
Wilma Rudolph's story is inspiring and instructive - worth exploring - and the quote you include today captures her spirit. The quote from Ella Wheeler Wilcox is essentially the same message.
I take issue, though, with "A failure establishes only this, that our determination to succeed was not strong enough." I don't buy it.
Perhaps failure meant to Bovee a giving up, a surrender. But we all fail. The test is what we do next. Sometimes failure is just a signpost on a path. Surely that's true if we are determined.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jack, and especially for the reminder that failure is so much more than a lack of determination. Thanks also for reminding me of the similarity between the Rudolph and Wilcox quotations.
A mentor in college helped me in my determination to be more than a jock.
Peter Olsson
Thanks, Pete. Sport's loss was the mental health profession's gain!
Enjoyed your essay on determination Mardy-
AI is good, as your cartoon points out, but not perfect! The road runner is not at the right tire but is determined to stay ahead of the jeep without a driver. That’s determination…… and the result does matter.
Thanks for the kind words, Phil. I noticed some of the same issues with the AI image. In hindsight, I think I should have asked ChatGTP to adjust or modify the image.
I admire your willingness (or dare I say determination???) to dive into AI. I am finding the idea of it quite unsettling. I think my age is showing!
Thank you for this...a lot to think about as usual!
Thanks for your kind words, Barbara. So far, I've only dipped my toe in, and while I'm not ready to dive in, I have a feeling I'll be wading in a little further.
Dr Mardy,
I say, "a person who lives with intent and presumption will certainly get things done".
Jamie
Thanks, Jamie. I'm with you on intent. What does "presumption" mean to you?
I believe that intent and presumption combine to create determination. When one intends to accomplish a goal and presumes competence, more often than not, success ensues
Thanks, Jamie. Very well said.