Jessica, I think your description of Wesley Mouch and the men working under him sums up the situation well. I find it interesting how much Jim's actions relate to the conniving schemes that happen in the business world today. Both of my parents have worked in business, and I have heard countless stories of their bosses urging them on with a certain idea, and then tearing them down in a board meeting. I have also heard of the situation in reverse; my parents have told me of times when they went to a meeting to present an idea, only to have their boss take the credit.
There are many Wesley Mouches in the world, and I think we all fight our own private battles with them. I have seen jokes on the internet that describe the purpose of school group projects as a method to teach children to hate one another. This is not necessarily true. However, it cannot be denied that we are all consistently fighting with others to defend the originality of our own ideas. There will always be someone ready to snatch up the credit and tear down the maker. Just as Dagny has noticed, people seem to hate others for their success. This is just how the world seems to work.
I have seen people enjoy the destruction of another more than the achievement of their own success. I have witnessed evil acts give pleasure to those enacting them. I have heard teachers, adults, and friends telling me that most of the time, the entire world is waiting to watch you fall.
I do not believe this is any way to live. I agree that one must be cautious of others, but not fear them. The real purpose of the group project is to prepare you for a world where you must fight for yourself and believe in your ability, not tremble in fear and give up at the sight of an obstacle.
We have all met Wesley Mouch. It is our job to not let him get to us.
No comments:
Post a Comment