Ego vs. Execution

On the value of personal responsibility and the temptations of PC culture

American culture once valued responsibility, toughness, and results above all else. Nothing was more virtuous than the daily grind. Rich or poor, a person’s character was based not on an accumulation of accolade or experience, but on their daily commitment to personal values; on how much they were willing to sacrifice. Even covered in shit and grease, a man who consistently achieved what he set out to do was something of a hero.

But times have changed, and our culture is changing with it.

“Political Correctness.” You’ve heard of it. For the most part, this movement is concerned with strengthening bonds between citizens, promoting social responsibility, and reaching a higher standard of compassion for your fellow human- all very noble goals. Unfortunately, the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and sympathy can easily devolve into pity and excuse.

Getting Soft

Just as an overprotective mother might unintentionally prevent her child from developing a healthy self-reliance, P.C. culture coddles the egos of those confronted with hardship. In an attempt to protect the self-esteem of the “oppressed,” personal failures are attributed not to individual error, but to the mere presence of obstacles. Instead of facing their faults and searching for solutions, people are permitted to maintain their ineffective self-image and are absolved of any responsibility for the outcome of their actions. The “man” is just too powerful, the “system” too corrupt. As this mentality is reinforced, it becomes socially beneficial to paint oneself as a victim- the more daunting one’s obstacles, the less likely they are to be held responsible for their actions (or inaction). Many people even prefer self-depreciating judgements (“I’m too stupid, lazy, unlucky, etc.”) to a serious reconsideration of the validity of their fundamental beliefs. After all, these beliefs have been held for so long, with such conviction, that to question them seems equivalent to questioning the very essence of one’s existence. Surely you can see the dilemma.

What this culture overlooks, however, is that human beings are incredibly resilient by nature, and are capable of adapting to a remarkable variety of circumstances. This capacity for learning is arguably our species’ greatest evolutionary advantage, and to think that an individual is incapable of persevering through failure without a sympathetic ear is a gross underestimation of the human condition. One with potentially disastrous consequences. By valuing self-esteem over tangible results; in giving an “A, for effort,” P.C. culture allows individuals to bypass the natural, ongoing process of self-development. It allows them to stagnate, perpetually making the same mistakes, never feeling the need to reexamine their own strategies or patterns of thought. Told and convinced that their situation is hopeless, these people unwittingly fall victim to a self-fulfilling prophecy. They are left with little to no control over their own lives- only because they have accepted it as the truth.

Sack Up

Conversely, by taking personal responsibility for outcomes in one’s life, an individual can take full advantage of the natural process of adaptation. Yes, this requires inspection of personal faults with brutal honesty - But, contrary to P.C. sympathy, they are not broken. Instead, they adapt, their self-image less grandiose, but considerably more effective. These are the people that are capable of achievement despite obstacles, whether they go over, through, or around. This doesn’t mean they deny the existence of obstacles, only that they accept their situation as it is and move forward. These people may not always achieve their original goal, but they always find a way to grow, to bring their circumstances closer to their goals. They are left with substantial control over their own lives- only because they have accepted it as the truth.

Sure, it’s great to feel good about ourselves, and about our choices in life. But this feeling should be reserved strictly for the deserving. Dishonesty, even of benevolent intent, serves only to impede progress. Although it may seem harsh on the surface, holding individuals fully accountable for their failings is in the best interest of both the individual and of society as a whole. While compassion is generally a positive and necessary trait, the extent to which it is pushed by P.C. culture has become counterproductive. Upon close examination, even the most politically correct should be able to see that promotion of personal effectiveness is more compassionate than protection of the ego.

Parting Words

So put your ego down, and remember: Life isn’t fair. It never has been, and it never will be. No attempt to control society will ever be able to change that. Quit wasting your time looking for somebody or something to blame, and start looking for ways to improve your situation. Figure out what you’ve done wrong, and find a way to do it better. Do what you can, until you can do more. Complaining might make you feel better, but it won’t make you better. Only effort can do that.