“The road to happiness lies in two simple principles: find what it is that interests you and that you do well, and when you find it put your whole soul into it – every bit of energy and ambition and natural ability you have.”
Yeah, right … in other words, just focus and all will be well.
This is one of those stirring and uplifting pieces of advice from someone who achieved greatness and wealth in life that gets repeated, passed around, and even printed on handouts for motivational seminars … too bad it’s not worth much as guidance for most of us.
For the nitpickers among us, Rockefeller actually lists three things, not two. His first principle is:
“…find what it is that interests you and that you do well…”
Being interested in something does not mean you can do it very well. I have an abiding and deep passion for certain types of music, but my ability to appreciate and understand the music does not automatically translate into being good at creating it.
Interest
Interests can and do vary.
Most of us have multiple interests and not one overriding passion. At one time, people educated in or with accomplishments in many areas were called “multi-faceted”, “Renaissance men”, or in some cases “Dad”.
My father’s generation seemed to be handy in many areas,displaying abilities across mechanical, scientific, historical, literary, and even mathematical subjects. They could maintain and repair cars, construct and enhance buildings, take care of animals, and use scientific principles and facts.
They had little choice but to be proficient in a number of areas, because to not do so would mark them as inadequate and cost money paid to others when they were capable of doing the work themselves.
My generation has the luxury of the Internet, Google Search, and a never-ending march of technological doodads which offer a wide array of services to us, so we are not required to understand how to do them ourselves.
At the same time, we are inundated with possibilities. With the click of a button, the world and all its intoxicating variety is at my fingertips.
Ability
Interest does not predict ability, although it usually does go with true mastery.
Then there’s that second principle:
“…put your whole soul into it – every bit of energy and ambition and natural ability you have.”
Yes, those few we revere as true masters probably did immerse themselves in pursuit of their passion. Those who have amassed great wealth or achieved high office regularly display an ability to concentrate on their goal.
Who among us has either the ability or the luxury to single-handedly focus on just one thing? We are too busy working, raising a family, maintaining a relationship with our spouse, our parents, our friends, going to church, cleaning the house, and so on and so on.
Let’s not forget dealing with challenges, setbacks, and tragedies, which are just part of life.
BOTTOM LINE
Rockefeller, after all, was speaking in retrospect, at the end of a long and financially successful life. Indeed, he did overcome early family struggles and displayed that passion for making money that served him well. When you have a ton of money, you get used to people listening to you and your comments are often less analyzed … simply accepted and even revered.
We can admire his achievements, but let us engage in some critical thinking about his advice.
NOTE: I am not arguing against optimism or positive thinking. However, life is more complex than Rockefeller is describing and our realities are … well, our realities.
Happily pursuing a whole bunch of different stuff in the Heartland ….
John
THE STRATEGIC LEARNER 
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