Sunday, May 27, 2012

41. AVOID STEPPING INTO A GREAT MAN’S SHOES.


LAW:


What happens first always appears better and more original than what comes after:  If you succeed a great man  or have a famous parent, you will have to accomplish double their achievements to outshine them.  Do not get lost in their shadow, or stuck in a past not of your own making: Establish your own name and identity by changing course.  Slay the overbearing father; disparage his legacy, and gain power by shining in your own way.

Wisdom in a nutshell:
Choose a different path and personal style if you are the daughter or son of a great person. You will forever be in your predecessor’s shadow unless you find a way to shine on your own.
Only after the father figure has been done away with will there be space to establish a new order.
Do not become complacent once you reach success and security. Prosperity makes us lazy. Writers like Tennessee Williams preferred the struggle to security; the way poverty or emotional difficulties pushed them to create good work.

Reversal:
When using great man’s shadow to ride to the top.
Use the great man’s method if they are wise and accepted.
Beware of others below you stepping into your shoes.

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