There are no infallible people in this world, none, however wise they may happen to be. Nobody knows what the right thing to do is all the time and about everything, much as we like to think otherwise. The only all-knowing - and, consequently, all-powerful - people exist in popular fiction, whether in novels or films; it is always compelling stuff, watching these people control the world around us. Alas it is also untrue and fairly easy to debunk with a bit of research.
Mistakes will be made, but they are acceptable provided our decision-making is based on rational thought, even a deep instinct, and is not purely a matter of whimsy. We must seek to avoid mistakes, yes, but not be afraid of them - should be treating them as learning experiences. We must also not be casual about accepting them constantly because 'we're human, and we all make mistakes'; one doesn't need super intelligence to see that this is a cop out. Be rigorous in trying to avoid them, be equally rigorous in analysing and trying to learn from them.
The people who claim - on whatever stage, public and grand or humble and private - that they never make mistakes are always, ALWAYS being dishonest with others and, probably, with themselves as well. Their usual tactic in order to promote this image is to trumpet every correct action and be deathly quiet about the failures, thus building the desired reputation in the eyes of others. This image and accompanying reputation does not bear close scrutiny, as it is based on perception that is itself created by falsehoods.
Luck is also a factor in life, whether we like it or not, and whilst we should not be reliant on it for our success it may always play a part in it or, indeed, our failure. Timing, the single most important determining factor in the success of everything, is more often than not down to luck, even when we insist on believing otherwise; this does not mean that we should not consider options carefully, giving them serious thought, before deciding to do something.
Looking back on life - mine and others - I can see many mistakes, including some that (with hindsight at least) could have been avoided. Even when I feel I would do things differently given the chance, knowing what I do now, I would still run the risk of making perhaps other mistakes and, therefore, I could still be creative and adventurous, if well researched, in my approach. Certainty when regarding future events is a myth, so we shouldn't allow ourselves to be seduced by its siren calls; the unexpected could always be around the corner. Sometimes we will be able to cope with it when it occurs, others perhaps not, and that is just the way life is.
We need to do our best, thinking things through and trying our hardest, but mistakes will still be made and, unless they involve wanton carelessness, there should be no shame attached. We then have to face and correct them, accept and walk away from them or, hopefully rarely, tell ourselves they haven't happened and ignore them, which is surely less than fruitful. Our mistakes are part of us, to be acknowledged, considered, even cherished. By pretending they do not exist we are poorer.
Mistakes will be made, but they are acceptable provided our decision-making is based on rational thought, even a deep instinct, and is not purely a matter of whimsy. We must seek to avoid mistakes, yes, but not be afraid of them - should be treating them as learning experiences. We must also not be casual about accepting them constantly because 'we're human, and we all make mistakes'; one doesn't need super intelligence to see that this is a cop out. Be rigorous in trying to avoid them, be equally rigorous in analysing and trying to learn from them.
The people who claim - on whatever stage, public and grand or humble and private - that they never make mistakes are always, ALWAYS being dishonest with others and, probably, with themselves as well. Their usual tactic in order to promote this image is to trumpet every correct action and be deathly quiet about the failures, thus building the desired reputation in the eyes of others. This image and accompanying reputation does not bear close scrutiny, as it is based on perception that is itself created by falsehoods.
Luck is also a factor in life, whether we like it or not, and whilst we should not be reliant on it for our success it may always play a part in it or, indeed, our failure. Timing, the single most important determining factor in the success of everything, is more often than not down to luck, even when we insist on believing otherwise; this does not mean that we should not consider options carefully, giving them serious thought, before deciding to do something.
Looking back on life - mine and others - I can see many mistakes, including some that (with hindsight at least) could have been avoided. Even when I feel I would do things differently given the chance, knowing what I do now, I would still run the risk of making perhaps other mistakes and, therefore, I could still be creative and adventurous, if well researched, in my approach. Certainty when regarding future events is a myth, so we shouldn't allow ourselves to be seduced by its siren calls; the unexpected could always be around the corner. Sometimes we will be able to cope with it when it occurs, others perhaps not, and that is just the way life is.
We need to do our best, thinking things through and trying our hardest, but mistakes will still be made and, unless they involve wanton carelessness, there should be no shame attached. We then have to face and correct them, accept and walk away from them or, hopefully rarely, tell ourselves they haven't happened and ignore them, which is surely less than fruitful. Our mistakes are part of us, to be acknowledged, considered, even cherished. By pretending they do not exist we are poorer.
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