Attitudes

BY JUSTIN STONE

In whatever undertaking one attempts, the attitude with which he starts is all-important. If he wants to learn to play the piano, he must prepare to spend hours in practice – without undergoing the boredom of hours given to the attempt to get to where he enjoys the beauty of playing Chopin or Charlie Parker. It may take long hours of practice to develop a good backhand in tennis, or any skill that one wishes to prefect. Therefore, motivation when beginning some undertaking (such as learning a foreign language) will have a good deal to do with the success of this undertaking. Granted, some will obviously have more talent than others, but our attitude will contribute to our success.

It always amazes me that Hitler was able to inculcate the German people with the anti-Semitism on which their unity was based. The same thing can be said for the attitude that enabled the American South to turn to slavery as a way of life – the willingness to use the suffering of others to contribute to a “happy” way of life for some. Such an attitude is unthinkable.

To one who steals or cheats in order to make money, I can only assure him that it will not work, although it may seem to do so for a while. If one believes in Karma, then he or she will know that he will be repaid in full eventually.

One’s attitude toward his fellow men will go a long way to determine his success in this life. One time, as I entered the post office, I saw a young man leaving through the door wearing a most astounding sweatshirt. Emblazoned on it was the saying “I don’t give a @#$% what you think of me!” I felt sorry for him. With such an attitude, what could life bring him? Such defiance is a sure way to bring unhappiness. What could have brought him to this level of thinking, to this attitude?

It helps to believe in what you undertake. If you really want to succeed, it will help to motivate yourself to learn a foreign language and experience the joy of communication with other human beings.

At this moment I am not experiencing good health, but I have the attitude that I must contribute something worthwhile in this little piece, something approaching the attitude of love.