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July 31, 2010
Exploring a Quote
John Wooden, the most successful basketball coach who ever lived, said, "Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful."
"Talent." Talent is something we arrive with. For certain specific things we either have it or we don't. In the world of music a talented musician is one with their instrument. In fly fishing, a person with talent becomes one with their rod. And in chess, a talented player sees moves no one else can see. Talent, wherever it is found, makes the extremely difficult look easy - and it is for the talented ones.
Why should a talented person be humble? The gifts that they have been given cannot be bought. No matter how hard a person pushes and tries, talent is either within them or it is not.
"Fame." Fame is fickle, fleeting, and misleading. People allowing fame to control their lives believe they can do no wrong, which leads to their own wrong doing. What should control our lives are the unseen principles governing success and happiness.
Why be grateful? Positive remarks about us or something we have done are awesome uplifts. In a world where most people cannot say a kind word about anyone, positive feedback is a blessing.
"Conceit." Conceit is an overstated opinion of one's abilities, personality or self-worth, resulting in superior attitudes. This point of view leads to self-deception, which in turn leads to really big problems.
History has proven that the most effective human beings have been people who used their talents to serve others and were extremely humble. Each of these people knew that their unique talents were gifts from the universe.
John Wooden knew that. His coaching achievements included 88 NCAA consecutive victories and 38 consecutive tournament wins, far more than any other coach, yet he never said much about those victories. What John Wooden spoke of most was the fraternity of love he was able to help create with his players and staff.
Love, from a position of compassion and humility, is the most powerful force known. It is the very thing that allowed John Wooden and his players to set those awesome records. John's talents reached beyond the basketball court.
What makes us special? What we do with and for others.
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