Quote:
Originally posted by legion
Rammstein's recent post got me thinking.
Many on this BBS have hit some sort of bottom. Some grew up poor, others mis-managed themselves and hit rock-bottom on their own. I've heard the sentiment: "I never want to be like that again" many times. It's provided motivation for much of the success of the Porsche owners here.
America is great because it allows people to fail. Hardship has bred some of the greatest art, some of the greatest leaders this country has ever seen. Every rock star and actor has lived out of their car. FDR had polio.
Welfare and other social programs stifle the creative spirit. The "safety net" prevents people from taking risks, because they are comfortable with where they are.
Want to know why we are inundated with Jerry Springer, Britney Spears, and reality TV? It's because we are seeing the fruits of the first truly comfortable generation. They have no motivation to excel.
I know people on welfare. They have cable, broadband, PS3online, and two cars. They don't eat caviar every meal, but they don't go hungry. The unemployed husband has turned down several jobs because they would lower the family's standard of living. A generation ago, the husband might risk everything on one crazy idea...and become the next Dave Thomas or Sam Walton.
I'm sure Rammstein will pull through and make me jealous when he buys a new 998 Turbo some day. (And he'll give me a repeat customer discount when he sells it.  )
God Bless America!!!
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I agree the ability to take risks, fail, and try again are part of what make the US economy so innovative and dynamic. All those start-ups pursuing new technologies and new business models, or simply starting new small business.
But I think the guy who's content to be a welfare check couch potato isn't the kind of guy who would ever have started anything meaningful. Two different kinds of people.
Speaking of taking risks, excelling, etc - what happened to the B-school idea? You mentioned that in the rammstein thread. Any thought of doing that? In that thread, you didn't sound all that fulfilled yourself . . . (And has anyone heard from rammstein?)