This summer has been a time for introspection. A time for looking at what has gone well and what hasn’t. While I don’t have the time or desire to share everything, I can sum up much of my thoughts using the words of others.
The first is quote. I’m currently reading “Seeing What Others Don’t” by Gary Klein. (Available from Indigo/Chapters: Here ) In this book, there is the story of Barry Marshall, the Australian physician who discovered that ulcers where caused by a bacteria. At the time, doctors believed that stress caused ulcers and either prescribed pills or performed some very serious surgery. It took Marshall 12 years to convince his peers. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2005. According to Klein, ‘In his acceptance speech he quoted the historian Daniel Boorstin: “The greatest obstacle to knowledge is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge.”‘
For the second thought, I am going to link to a video. It is a TED talk by Angela Lee Duckworth. Dr. Duckworth is a psychologist who studies grit. This talk really resonated with me. As I looked to where I had done better in life, I can say that grit was always a major factor. The talk is here: Angela Lee Duckworth on the Key to Success
GD Konstantine's Blog 
2014/08/26 at 01:26
Good to see you GDK. I like that quote. Question: what is grit?
2014/08/26 at 01:27
Never mind. I am reading the nitty gritty transcript of TED. Gotcha. Thank you.
2014/08/26 at 18:00
You’re welcome. And, as always, thanks for dropping by.
2014/08/26 at 08:34
Haven’t had a chance to listen to the Ted talk, but I love that Boorstin quote. I hope your summer of introspection got you where you want to be. Or at least a step closer. 🙂
2014/08/26 at 18:02
It has been an interesting summer, overall in a good way. Thanks for the smiley face. 🙂
2014/09/02 at 18:21
I really enjoyed watching Angela’s TED talk. Thanks for sharing it. Make sense that Grit… Passion and Perseverance will determine our success.
Best of luck with all your plans!
Sia x
2014/09/02 at 22:01
Thank you. I always enjoy the visiting your blog, too.
2014/09/20 at 08:49
Looks like an interesting summer full of reflection 🙂
2014/09/24 at 21:21
It was. Thank you. Now I’m quite busy.
2014/09/28 at 21:57
I watched the TED talk on grit a few months ago, and I kind of had a problem with it. While I do think Angela Lee Duckworth is a fantastic speaker and presented a compelling argument, I thought her focus on grit was way too individualistic.
2014/09/29 at 18:44
Hmm… interesting. Do you feel that she over-emphasizes the role of grit or that grit isn’t the main factor for success?
2014/09/30 at 04:39
Both 🙂 The over-emphasis on individual grit as a determinant to success renders invisible the multiple social factors that shape our life chances and access to “success.” She does mention income in her talk, but only in passing. For her, grit was it.
2014/10/03 at 21:59
Interesting. I wonder if in her studies the social factors have already been factored in. What I mean is, if she is studying who will succeed at a university, the reasons that people made it that far have already played out and are the same from anyone. Thank you for your comment, very thought provoking. 🙂