Limitations

June 21, 2009

We hear, "Where there's a will, there's a way." How wrong this assertion is! Where there's a will, there's a will. Where there's a will, there's not much. Example: a man desires to fly--he has a will to fly. He desires to be in flight more than any other state. Is there a way that an individual can be in flight? Yes--by jet-pack for instance. But where can one procure such an item and who can afford the maintenance and jet fuel? If the way there is for a will to fulfill itself is nearly impassable, what good is the assertion? It only serves as a reminder for human impotence. "Where there's a will, there's a way. Where your will is, there's nearly no way."

Can we please be through with individualistic triumphalism? What more must we go through to put an end to this overweening sense of ability?

"You can do anything you put your mind to." Proviso: provided that what you put your mind to is a viable option given your circumstances.

"You could be president someday." Provisos: provided that you have a nearly bottomless source of income or can pander enough to those with bottomless sources of income to garner theirs to fund a national campaign, provided that you look good on camera, provided that you have the energy to discuss the same talking points at debates, town hall meetings, and in interviews for years, provided that you are 35 years of age and a natural-born citizen of the United States, etc., etc.

The upshot? It takes more than a will to accomplish something. Circumstances and personal abilities must align with the desired goal.