Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Who Comes First ... You or The Tribe?

“The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay the privilege of owning yourself.”

Friedrich Nietzsche


I was going to write this but Nietzsche beat me to it. (It’s an old, tired line but I couldn’t resist using it.)

Observing my children go through their adolescent years – each in their own, unique way – served as a constant reminder that a key aspect of our journey through life is learning to own ourselves, to develop into a truly independent being. They’ve fortunately been great examples of that maturing process and I am so very proud of each of them.

My strong belief is that only by being truly independent, can we connect powerfully and purposely to others. Attempting to be “part of” something bigger while secretly wanting approval and to somehow complete ourselves is a fool’s errand.

It’s my intention that these weekly missives contribute to readers’ continuing growth and development. If you agree, please forward this message to your network and suggest they subscribe.

Feedback is always welcome--please comment below.

With love and respect,

Robert

P. S. Robert’s book “Living an Extraordinary Life” is now available for only $9.99 on Kindle http://tinyurl.com/29u8265 and for almost every digital reader (iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, etc.) including your computer at http://tinyurl.com/2azpjqq Inscribed and signed hard copies are always available at http://www.ExtraordinaryBook.com.