Winning in the Game of Life
Normally i ignore books with a title like that. The
idea that one "wins" has always left me wondering
what "winning" means. Is Bill Gates a winner or a
loser? How about our friends, are they winners of a losers?
The answers to these questions depend upon the beliefs
of those asking. The same is true of advice which is
claiming to tell us what a winner is.
My bias is that contentment is the main indicator to
spot a "winner". If we spend our whole life cleaning
barns and enjoy it then we can be a winner. Somehow,
i think this book assumes a different definition of
winning but some of the ideas are interesting so i'll
review it.
This ties into an ecopath if one's definition of winning
and happiness includes ecological principles.
Winning in the Game of Life
by Tom Gegax
published 1999
The first chapter is titled "Determine Your Mission" and
contains the following quote:
Modern man seeks pleasure without happiness, happiness
without knowledge, and knowledge without wisdom.
-- Edouard Schure
I find that quote interesting and would have liked to see
the it expanded. Instead the author suggested success
is elusive and the answers lie in wholism (looking at
all the factors). This was followed by a map which represented
the authors view of holism:
A mission consists of relationships and general principles.
relationships general principles
------------- ----------------------------------------
Elders Communication skills
Children Education, lifetime learning
Friends Spiritual Wellness
Community Psychological Wellness
Earth Intellectual Wellness
Universe/God Physical Wellness
Spouse Six essential Traits
Career/money Seven essential steps
The 6 traits The 7 essential steps
------------ ---------------------
caring decide what you want
optimism create a plan
Passion integrate the plan
Persistence get organized
systems-discipline manage time
spirituality just do it
let go (discard baggage)
These ideas create a useful checklist. They also contain a
bias. For this reason i consider it one viewpoint and only a
temporary step along the path.
Anyone willing to present an alternative view of what a
good/successful/enjoyable life consists of?
----
jeff owens, [EMAIL PROTECTED], http://www.xprt.net/~jko
underground house, solar power, self-reliance, edible landscape
to leave ecopath: unsubscribe ecopath -> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
